FESTIVAL CURTA CINEMA
Rio de Janeiro International Short Film Festival – 36th edition
March 17 > 24 – 2027
Rio de Janeiro – RJ – Brasil

FESTIVAL CURTA CINEMA – Rio de Janeiro International Short Film Festival – is exclusively dedicated to the promotion and exhibition of short-length audiovisual works. We are a competitive festival that exhibits films with a maximum length of 30 minutes. The programming of Festival Curta Cinema consists on: International and National Competition, First Frame Competition, Latin American and Rio Panorama, Youngsters Panorama and Special Programs.

INTERNATIONAL REGULATION

These Regulations establish the submission, selection, and participation rules for films entered in the 36th edition of Curta Cinema – Rio de Janeiro International Short Film Festival, to be held from March 17 to 24, 2027, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

1. Purpose

To promote Brazilian and international short films, encourage the circulation of audiovisual works, foster professional exchange, and contribute to audience development through in-person theatrical screenings.

2. Organization

The Festival is organized by FRANCO – Associação Franco Cultural, in partnership with Franco Produções.

3. Festival Dates

Festival: March 17–24, 2027.

4. Festival Profile

Curta Cinema is a competitive and non-competitive film festival. All screenings and activities take place in person at cinemas and cultural venues.

5. Submissions

5.a Submissions will be accepted exclusively through FilmFreeway from July 20, 2026, to January 8, 2027.

5.b Brazilian films may be submitted free of charge until December 15, 2026. From December 16, 2026, through January 8, 2027, a €5 submission fee will apply.

5.c International submission fees:
• Early Bird: Jul 15 – Sep 12: €12
• Regular: Sep 13 – Nov 20: €16
• Late: Nov 21 – Dec 14: €22
• Extended: Dec 15 – Jan 8: €30

5.d Films must be submitted in either the Brazilian or International category. Co-productions should be entered according to the majority producing country or in accordance with guidance provided by the Festival.

6. Eligibility

6.a International, Latin American, or Brazilian premieres are not required. However, preference will be given to films that have not previously screened in the city of Rio de Janeiro.

6.b Films with a maximum running time of 30 minutes, produced between January 2026 and January 2027, are eligible.

7. Official Selection

7.a Up to 800 minutes of programming will be selected for the Brazilian and International Competitions. Additional films may be invited to thematic or special programs with the filmmaker’s/producer’s consent.

7.b Brazilian films may also be considered for the First Frames Competition, reserved exclusively for debut directors. For this section, a ‘first film’ is defined as the director’s first audiovisual work, regardless of genre or format. The Festival may request additional information to verify eligibility.

7.c The Official Selection will be announced by February 15, 2027.

7.d Decisions of the Selection Committee are final and not subject to appeal.

8. Screening Materials

8.a DCP is the preferred exhibition format. Technical specifications will be provided to selected films. Other digital formats, including H.264 files, may be accepted when required.

8.b Screening materials must be delivered by March 2, 2027.

9. Screening Rights

9.a By submitting a film, the entrant confirms that they hold all necessary copyrights and related rights.

9.b The Festival may use still images and excerpts of up to 3 minutes or 10% of the film’s running time (whichever is shorter) solely for promotional and press purposes.

9.c No commercial screening will take place without the express authorization of the rights holder(s).

9.d Online screenings may take place after the Festival. Competition films are not eligible for online screenings. Non-competition films may be included only with the express authorization of the rights holder(s).

10. Jury and Awards

The Jury will consist of independent professionals from the film and visual arts industries.

Awards:
• Brazilian Grand Prize and International Grand Prize – Academy Awards® qualifying award for Best Short Film, in accordance with AMPAS rules.
• Special Jury Prize (Brazilian and International Competitions).
• Best Director (Brazilian and International Competitions).
• Best Film – First Frames Competition.
• Special Jury Prize – First Frames Competition.
• Audience Awards: Panorama Carioca and Latin American Panorama.
• Additional awards may be offered by Festival partners and sponsors. Selected filmmakers will be informed in advance whenever participation requires any licensing or assignment of exhibition rights.

11. Data Protection

Personal data provided during submission will be used exclusively for Festival-related procedures and institutional communications, in accordance with applicable legislation.

14. Final Provisions

Submitting a film constitutes full acceptance of these Regulations. Any matters not covered herein shall be decided by the Festival Directors in accordance with internationally recognized film festival practices.

© 2026 curtacinema – Festival Internacional de Curtas do Rio de Janeiro