Thesan - International Short Film Festival
6th Edition 2026
Venue: Lea Padovani Theater in Montalto di Castro (VT) - Italy
Festival Dates: November 6 - 7, 2026
Call for entries opens: May 08, 2026
Welcome to Thesan, an international festival dedicated to the celebration and promotion of short films. Located in the picturesque village of Montalto di Castro, in the province of Viterbo, at the Lea Padovani Municipal Theatre. While maintaining its historic roots and identity, from 2026 the festival moves its main stage to the prestigious Lea Padovani Theatre. Our festival represents a unique opportunity for short film authors and directors to showcase their creativity and talent to an enthusiastic audience and an expert jury.
A Growing Vision: Our Partnership
Starting from the 2026 edition, the Real Dreams Cultural Association (the creator and historic organizer of the festival) is proud to announce a new strategic collaboration. To further enhance the quality and reach of the event, Real Dreams is joined in the management and organization by the Assotuscania and Essential cultural associations. This synergy between local excellence and professional expertise ensures a high-level experience for all participating filmmakers.
A Prestigious New Stage
While maintaining its identity as a bridge between the local territory and the global film industry, the festival is moving its main screenings to the magnificent Lea Padovani Municipal Theatre in Montalto di Castro (VT). This state-of-the-art venue provides the perfect technological and welcoming environment that short films truly deserve.
Our Mission
At Thesan, our mission is to give visibility to short film authors by providing them with a prestigious and welcoming platform where they can express their art. We firmly believe in the importance of short films as a powerful and incisive means of visual storytelling, capable of conveying intense and meaningful stories in a compact and engaging format.
Why Short Films?
Short films are an art form that deserves to be valued and disseminated. Thanks to their brevity, short films can capture the audience's attention and convey deep messages in just a few minutes. Thesan is committed to promoting this form of cinema, recognizing its artistic and cultural value and supporting emerging new talents.
A Unique Festival
Located in the heart of Montalto di Castro, the festival offers not only high-quality screenings but also a unique cultural and tourist experience. Participants will have the opportunity to explore the beauty and history of our village, creating a perfect blend of cinema and culture.
FEDIC Circuit
The Thesan International Short Film Festival is not just a competition, but a cultural hub. Our festival is part of the FEDIC network, actively contributing to the promotion of arthouse and independent cinema across the country.
Juries and Evaluation Process
Our Festival features a multi-tiered evaluation system designed to ensure that each film receives proper recognition for its unique merits, balancing technical mastery, cultural impact, and critical analysis. For the 2026 Edition, awards will be presented by three distinct bodies:
Technical Jury
Composed of professionals from the film industry, including directors, cinematographers, editors, and producers. This jury focuses on the "craft" of filmmaking, evaluating technical excellence, innovation in execution, and the seamless integration of visual and auditory storytelling.
Focus: Directing, Cinematography, Editing, Sound Design, and Screenplay.
Quality Jury
Composed of esteemed film critics and journalists. This jury looks beyond technique to analyze the narrative depth, social relevance, and artistic significance of the films in competition.
Focus: Artistic vision, thematic impact, and critical contribution to contemporary cinema.
Audience Jury (Audience Choice)
Since cinema belongs to the people, our "Audience Choice" award is decided directly by the audience members attending the screenings. This award celebrates the film that establishes the most powerful and authentic emotional connection with the audience.
Screenings and Awards Ceremony
The Thesan International Short Film Festival will take place from November 6 to 7, 2026, at the Lea Padovani Theater in Montalto di Castro (VT).
At the end of each day of screenings, there will be an awards ceremony for the films screened that day.
The Festival reserves the right to screen a selection of "Out of Competition" films recommended by industry partners to foster dialogue between independent cinema and established studios.
Join Us!
We invite all directors, producers, and cinema enthusiasts to participate in Thesan. Whether you are a veteran of the industry or an emerging new talent, our festival is the ideal place to share your artistic vision with the world. We look forward to welcoming you to Montalto di Castro to celebrate the best of short films together!
Official Sections:
Open Theme: "Free Visions"
Women's Perspectives: "Female Gaze"
Social Issues: "Social Impact"
Environmental Theme: "Eco Visions"
For Schools: "Youth Workshop"
Animation: Moving Canvas
Music Video Concept — "Music Visuals"
Venue: Lea Padovani Municipal Theatre – Montalto di Castro (VT) Italy
https://www.teatroleapadovani.it/
Technical Requirements
Maximum duration: 20 minutes
Italian subtitles are mandatory for all films, including those in Italian language, to ensure full accessibility.
Each filmmaker may submit only one short film
Free Participation
Free entry
The competition rules, the entry form and the consent form must be completed and emailed to: thesanfilmfestival@gmail.com
You can find them all by clicking here:
https://www.thesanfilmfestival.it/iscrizione-2026
Short films made since 2018 are eligible
FOLLOW THE FESTIVAL ON ITS SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS
https://www.facebook.com/thesanfilmfestival
https://www.tiktok.com/@thesanfilmfestival
https://www.instagram.com/thesanfilmfestival/
