Two new awards for cinema that engages with AI and the planet. And an international jury ready to discover new talent.
At the Salerno International Film Festival, our 79th edition renews its promise to reward not only what cinema has been, but also – and above all – what it will become.
The beating heart of our competition remains the Category Awards, historic prizes given to the best works in each competition section: from feature films to documentaries, from short films to animation. These awards confirm our commitment to celebrating every cinematic genre and language.
At the pinnacle of all recognitions, the most deserving work will be awarded the historic “Ignazio Rossi” Gran Trofeo Golfo di Salerno Grand Prize.
But looking ahead requires the courage to explore new territories. In perfect harmony with our theme «Waves from the Future», this year we are introducing special awards designed for the most audacious voices in contemporary cinema:
- AI & Cinema Award: A pioneering prize for works that explore the immense creative potential of new technologies, both as a narrative tool and as a theme. A recognition for those who are already writing the next chapter of audiovisual language.
- EcoFilm Award: To celebrate films that tackle the environmental crisis with clarity, courage, and impact, turning awareness into art.
Joining these is the new and prestigious Press Award, which will be decided by a jury of leading journalists.
The films will be judged by a technical jury: a mix of diverse perspectives and viewpoints, bringing together directors, film industry professionals, and leading academics. The names of the jurors will be revealed in the coming weeks, but their mission is already clear: to identify and reward the talent that is defining the cinema of today and tomorrow.
The Salerno International Film Festival thus reaffirms its role: not just a showcase, but a laboratory that supports research, promotes talent, and rewards courage.