ROMA SHORTS
INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Celebrating bold short cinema in the Eternal City. Shorts under 45 min — from horror to animation, music video to web series. Screen, compete & shine in Rome.
Rome, Cinema & Eternal Beauty
Rome has had a special place in the art and beauty of the world for years ago. The Roman baths, the outstanding architecture created in this beautiful city throughout history, the sculptures, and the paintings all reflect the special place of Rome in the art of the world.
Meanwhile, Rome has always been a unique city among Italian filmmakers. Directors like Pasolini, Fellini and Antonioni, and other contemporary filmmakers have always used the city of Rome and its beauties in their films and created unexpected cinematic moments for us.
We hope to use Roman history and grandeur in favour of creating a unique festival atmosphere. This festival will be held seasonally in Rome to show outstanding short films in this beautiful city each season.
Roma short is dedicated to celebrating the works of independent filmmakers worldwide, and we pay special attention to ultra-low-budget films by first and second-time directors. The festival hopes to provide a place for cinema lovers and independent filmmakers to get acquainted with the latest works in cinema. We hope to create a social space around cinema and promote new discourses about the future of cinema.
The festival has a seasonal structure. First of all, our jury will review the nominated films. We award films each season. The winning movies will be selected for online screening. Winners receive laurels and will be listed on our website.
Submit Your Film to Roma Shorts
All submissions via FilmFreeway. Under 45 min. Completed after Jan 2025.
Submit on FilmFreeway → No waivers or refunds • Screener link requiredAll Categories
Click any category to submit via FilmFreeway.
Simple Rules
Roma Shorts on Instagram
Selections • Winners • Behind the scenes
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Real reviews from FilmFreeway
Thank you so much for selecting my Fantasy Short!
I'm delighted that the Rome International Short Festival recognized both my films, Reality Is a Personal Painting and Consciousness Air Time — with DJ-OM: Living in the Rhythm of Your Love. These films explore love, perception, and consciousness through music, spoken word, and symbolic visual storytelling. Thank you to the jury and festival team for supporting independent creative expression.
We are honored to be semi-finalists in Rome! In our country, there is a lot of confusion and mismanagement of the laws and usage that regulate digital. Talking about electrosensitivities - on a small budget - is not easy. But we believe in opening a speech.
Thank you to the festival for selecting my film "Double Code" as a Semi-Finalist. I'm truly honored by this recognition. It means a lot to see the project resonate with you.
Dear Rome International Short Festival, The darkly sardonic short, The Country Gentlewoman, is our debut effort. We wanted to express how dead chuffed to receive the recognition from such a prestigious Festival. Wishing you much success in this year's and all your future festivals. Hope, Ellie and Lauren