Courtyard Independent Film Festival ()

Festival start: 31 May 2024      Festival end: 31 May 2024

Welcome to the Courtyard Independent Film Festival, where the magic of indie cinema comes alive in the intimate and picturesque setting of a Musem. After the first edition, in the heart of Ottaviano (Naples, IT), our festival celebrates the art of storytelling through film, highlighting the creativity and ingenuity of independent filmmakers from around the world inside the Museo Emblema (Terzigno, IT) who officially host our second edition.

A Unique Setting: Our festival takes place in a museum called Museo Emblema, where artistic evenings of unquestionable value constantly take place. Surrounded by ivy-clad walls, soft string lights, and the gentle rustling of leaves in the evening breeze, this enchanting venue creates the perfect ambiance for an unforgettable cinematic experience.

Diverse and Inspiring Films: Courtyard Independent Film Festival showcases a diverse range of independent films that challenge conventions, explore new narratives, and captivate audiences with their authenticity. From compelling documentaries to heartwarming dramas and mind-bending experimental works, our carefully curated lineup promises something for every film enthusiast.

Engaging Discussions: In addition to film screenings, the festival offers engaging discussions and Q&A sessions with filmmakers, providing a unique opportunity to gain insights into their creative processes and the stories behind their films. These sessions foster a sense of community and connect filmmakers with an appreciative audience.

Supporting Independent Filmmaking: By attending the Courtyard Independent Film Festival, you are not only enjoying outstanding films but also supporting the vibrant world of independent filmmaking. Your presence and enthusiasm help these talented filmmakers share their stories with the world.

Join Us: Whether you’re a cinephile, a casual moviegoer, or someone seeking a unique cultural experience, the Courtyard Independent Film Festival welcomes you to be a part of this cinematic journey. Bring your friends, family, or come solo, and immerse yourself in the captivating world of independent cinema, all within the enchanting embrace of a garden rich of art.

With your submission you automatically considered also for Technical & Performance Awards.

Multiple entries are allowed for each filmmaker and each entry may be entered in multiple categories.

Official Certificate and Live Screening for the Winners of the following categories:

- Best International Short Film
- Miglior Cortometraggio Italiano
- Best Feature Film
- Best Documentary Feature
- Best Documentary Short
- Best Animation Short
- Best Art Short
- Best Comedy Short
- Best Dance Short
- Best Drama Short
- Best Experimental Short
- Best First-Time Filmmaker Short
- Best Horror Short
- Best Micro Short
- Best Music Video
- Best Sci-Fi Short
- Best Student Short
- Best Thriller Short

Official Laurel for all the Official Selected Movies.

With your submission you automatically accept our Rules and Terms!

To submit a film, you must have created the project yourself, own the rights or have permission from the owner of the content to submit the film to us, you are entitled of that responsibility and you as a filmmaker YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL THE RIGHTS OF YOUR FILM.

1. Only work created after 2019 is acceptable.

2. You agree to use parts of your film (including trailer/teaser/film poster/stills) for promotional purpose.

3. Multiple entries are allowed for each filmmaker and each entry may be entered in multiple categories.

4. Entry fees are non-refundable.

5. By submitting to the festival you confirm that you own the rights to the work submitted.

6. No short films longer than 40 minutes.

7. No Premiere status is required.

8. We do not accept extremist or propaganda content from religious or political organizations.

9. If your movie will be selected for a live screening session, we do not pay for accomodations or any other expenses. The festival WILL NOT cover any filmmaker expenses. You will be totally responsible for your airfare, accommodation and other travel expenses.

10. Films in languages other than Italian only be accepted with Italian or, at least, english subtitles.

11. Only the movies notified before the live event via mail will be screened.

12. You agree that we can use your email address for newsletter or promotional purpose. The information about the entries can be disclosed to present and future film festivals under the same organization company of the "Courtyard Independent Film Festival". We will NEVER sell your information to 3rd parts.

13. "Courtyard Independent Film Festival" DOES NOT PAY SCREENING FEES.

14. You confirm that you have all rights of your project.

15. If the movie is not in Italian, in case of screening selection we will ask you a SUB-ITA or at least a SUB-ENG version of your movie.

16. The Festival will give screening priority to films with representatives. The priority is for those who are at the Festival (Including Local Filmmakers). If you are not able to come but your project win something, we will sent your certificate via email.

17. If your film is selected by our festival, you automatically agree that we may use images from your project for marketing purposes for our festival. If you do not agreed, and do not consent to give us promotional rights to your material, please let us know via email; and then we will withdraw your film from the promotion of our festival. If we do not receive any notification from you within 48 hours after your film is selected, we will assume that you agree this policy.

18. At our discretion, we may choose to transfer a film to the correct category, but only if the appropriate level of submission fee has been paid.

With your submission you also accept all the Rules & Terms of FestHome.

Disclaimer:

CIFF has three associate events: Robinson Film awards, Giove International Film Festival and World Indie Film awards. Every Festival has their own judges, different focus, locations and moods, only the organization company is the same. Any resemblance to other events is purely coincidental. We do not represent or can be represented by any other organization.

We do not disclose any kind of information with third parties.

Finally, please be aware that we do not ask for or accept any kind of donations.

Judging Process

- All submissions will be viewed in their entirety. Submissions will be judged and scored based on criteria including: quality of screenplay, acting, production quality, originality, technical proficiency, cinematography, sound design, editing and set design. We support indie filmmaking and will award additional points to projects produced on a micro budget and/or minimal crew. The annual winner movies selected for live screening will be notified via mail before the event.

- If you do not receive a notification regarding the screening of your project it means that IT HAS NOT BEEN SELECTED FOR SCREENING.

- The eventual status of "Quarter Finalist" means that the film HAS NOT REACHED THE NEXT ROUND AND WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED FOR SCREENING, but that it has nevertheless passed the selection phase and can use our official laurel .

Notification
The directors of submitted films that are accepted will be notified via e-mail.

Venue & Event Date
The Festival venue or the event date could be change during the organization due to events, technical choices or circumstances.

Fee Waivers
We work hard to keep our submission fees as low as possible – consequently we cannot provide fee waivers.

WITH YOUR SUBMISSION, YOU AGREE TO ALL OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS CONTAINED HEREIN. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO ANY OF SUCH TERMS, CONDITIONS, RULES, POLICIES OR PROCEDURES, DO NOT SUBMIT.