The main goal of the Rieti International Film Festival is to promote independent short films in all their forms, as a powerful artistic and expressive language.
The festival aims to establish in Rieti an annual gathering where directors, videomakers, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts can meet, share ideas, and connect different experiences.
Special attention is also given to promoting the local territory as a potential filming location and a source of cultural opportunities.
The statuette awarded to all RIFF winners is inspired by the legend of Rea Silvia, mother of Romulus and Remus, from whom the city of Rieti is said to take its name.
According to one version of the legend, Rea Silvia was buried alive right in Rieti, by order of her uncle Amulius, enraged by his niece’s broken vow of chastity.
Romulus and Remus were entrusted to a servant, who saved them by placing them in a basket and setting it adrift on the waters of the Tiber River. Miraculously, the basket floated safely downstream and came to rest at the very spot where the twins would later found Rome.
The RIFF Official Jury gathers a highly esteemed group of award‑winning artists and industry professionals, a mark of the Festival’s commitment to excellence.
The selected films will compete for several awards, assigned by the audience and by one or more juries composed of professionals from the film industry, appointed by the Festival Management. During the closing night, the winners designated by the juries will be awarded. The Audience Awards will be determined based on votes cast by the audience in the theater. The juries’ decisions are final and not subject to appeal.
Best Italian Fiction Short Film – Under 35
Best Italian Fiction Short Film – Over 35
Best International Fiction Short Film
Best International Animated Short Film
Best International AI Short Film
Best International Music Video
Audience Award for each section
The Official Jury will also present the following awards:
Best Director
Best Screenplay
Best Editing
Best Cinematography
Best Leading Actor
Best Leading Actress
Best Supporting Actor
Best Supporting Actress
Best Production Design
Best Costume Design
Best Sound