Volterra Fantasy Film Festival

A festival dedicated to fantastic cinema

The Volterra Fantasy Film Festival is an international cinematic event focused on fantasy, science fiction, horror, and animation short films. Created to provide a platform for emerging directors, it is recognized as the first Italian festival entirely devoted to the fantasy short film genre and has become a European benchmark for enthusiasts. The festival is organized and curated by the Etruria Pro Association, which is active throughout the Valdelsa and Val di Cecina regions.

A unique setting: Volterra

The festival takes place in Volterra, in the heart of the province of Pisa, Tuscany. An ancient Etruscan and Roman city perched on hills and wrapped in a timeless atmosphere, Volterra is one of the region's most evocative and mysterious locations: a perfect natural backdrop for an event dedicated to the fantastic imagination. Over the years, screenings and award ceremonies have also involved neighboring towns, such as Montecatini Val di Cecina, as part of a project aimed at promoting the entire territory.

The competition and the Fantasy Awards Night

The heart of the event is the international competition reserved for fantasy, sci-fi, horror, and animation short films, as well as any work that pushes the boundaries of reality. The competing films, selected from numerous submissions worldwide, are presented to the public and evaluated by a jury of experts. The festival culminates in the Fantasy Awards Night, the gala evening where prizes are awarded to the best short films of the year.

Meetings, guests, and atmosphere

Beyond the screenings, the festival program includes meetings with directors, professional networking opportunities, and the presence of special guests from the worlds of cinema and voice acting. Past editions have featured notable industry figures and cosplay groups, which help create an engaging atmosphere deeply rooted in fantasy and nerd culture.

How to participate

The festival is open for short film submissions via the official Etruria Pro Association website, by email, or through the international platform FilmFreeway. The event represents a valuable opportunity for young authors to showcase their work and for the public to discover the best of independent fantastic production in one of Tuscany's true gems.