Mediterranean Short Film Festival

From 1 to 5 July 2026, Diamante will host the 16th edition of the Mediterranean Short Film Festival, one of the most important events dedicated to short films on the cultural scene of Southern Italy. The festival, which has gained increasing international prominence over the years, attracts directors, screenwriters, industry professionals and film enthusiasts from numerous countries.

Originally established as an international short film competition, the Mediterraneo Short Film Festival is now a key event for promoting audiovisual creativity and new cinematic languages. The prestigious UNESCO recognition awarded in 2016 testifies to the cultural value of the event and its contribution to fostering dialogue between different peoples, cultures and forms of expression.

For five days, the town of Diamante, famous for its murals and the charm of the Riviera dei Cedri, will be transformed into a vast space dedicated to cinema and culture. The festival will offer the public a rich programme of screenings, meetings, debates and side events that will provide an opportunity to explore the world of short films and the themes addressed by the works in competition.

The selected films come from various countries and tell stories that tackle social, cultural and contemporary issues through original and innovative perspectives. Particular attention will be paid to the Human Rights section, sponsored by Amnesty International Italy, which has been one of the event’s defining features for many years.

Through the universal language of cinema, the Mediterraneo Short Film Festival promotes values linked to inclusion, freedom of expression, solidarity and the protection of human dignity. The films in competition offer a glimpse into the contemporary world, telling stories that invite reflection and discussion.

Alongside the film screenings, the programme includes cultural events, literary presentations and opportunities for dialogue between filmmakers, the public and industry professionals. A valuable opportunity to explore the creative process behind the making of a short film and to discover the latest trends in international independent cinema.

The Mediterraneo Short Film Festival also offers an opportunity to discover Diamante, one of the most charming towns on Calabria’s Tyrrhenian coast. With its street art, crystal-clear sea, local traditions and culture, the town provides the perfect setting for an event that celebrates the interplay between creativity and the local area.

With its rich and international programme, the Mediterraneo Short Film Festival confirms its status as one of the most important cultural events of the Calabrian summer, capable of transforming cinema into a tool for dialogue, knowledge and sharing.