Terra di Siena International Film Festival

The festival of social and independent cinema in Siena

The Terra di Siena International Film Festival is one of the longest-running and most distinctive film events in Tuscany. Founded in 1996 by Maria Pia Corbelli, who remains its artistic director, the festival has made Siena an international benchmark for social, independent, and auteur cinema. Each edition brings premieres, competition works, documentaries, and short films from every corner of the globe to the Tuscan capital, accompanied by prominent guests from the Italian and international scene.

A festival that unites cultures

The festival's philosophy is clear from its name: a bridge between different cultures, languages, and generations, built through the universal language of cinema. Screenings are intertwined with meetings with authors, masterclasses, debates, and moments dedicated to the most current social issues, from human rights to the environment, through to new technological frontiers and artificial intelligence applied to visual storytelling.

Over the years, the festival has hosted world-renowned cinema figures and consolidated a network of international collaborations. Among the most significant is the twinning with the International Animation Film Festival of Chongqing, in China, which has strengthened the dialogue between Siena and the Far East and sees an annual exchange of award-winning works and perspectives on animated cinema.

Venues in the heart of the city

The festival takes place in the most evocative locations of Siena, in the Province of Siena, in the heart of Tuscany. The main screenings are held at the Cinema Nuovo Pendola, while the Teatro dei Rozzi hosts the gala evenings and the awards ceremony. Collateral events and special premieres have also taken place in prestigious spaces such as Piazza del Campo, the Accademia Musicale Chigiana, and the Palazzo delle Papesse.

The awards

The competitive heart of the event lies in its awards, including the Sanese d'Oro for best film, the Grand Prix of the jury, and awards for best director, best actor, and best actress, as well as recognition for short films and documentaries. A jury of film critics and a student jury join the public in choosing the winners, also giving space to the perspective of the younger generation.

Why attend

• Premieres and international films often unavailable in traditional cinemas
• Close encounters with directors, actors, and producers
• Masterclasses and debates on the great themes of our time
• The unique atmosphere of Siena in autumn, amidst art, cinema, and tradition