The Italian Cultural Institute in Miami, in collaboration with Miami Short Film Festival, is pleased to present an evening entirely dedicated to auteur Italian short films, taking place on June 26 at O Cinema South Beach. Free entrance with online registration: https://forms.gle/PaJbLgvZgtoXEEGX7
The event is part of “Fare Cinema – The Italian Movie Industry”, a worldwide initiative promoted by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Every year, the program involves diplomatic missions and Italian Cultural Institutes across the globe, with the aim of showcasing the talent, creativity and expertise behind contemporary Italian cinema.
This special screening will feature the five short movies nominated as Best Short Film at the 2025 David di Donatello Awards (the Italian equivalent of the Oscars). Each work offers a unique and powerful perspective on modern society, spanning a range of styles and genres – from autobiographical narratives to dystopian drama, from emotional tension to visual experimentation. This selection highlights the richness and vitality of a new generation of Italian filmmakers, who explore universal themes through innovative and personal storytelling.
These are the five short films featured in the program, each selected for its ability to convey meaningful and impactful stories in just a few minutes. Andree Lucini, director of The Girl from Prague, is scheduled to participate in an in-person Q&A with the audience.
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DOMENICA SERA by Matteo Tortone (2024)
Set on the outskirts of Turin, Domenica sera follows the life of Alex, a teenager living with his grandmother. He spends his evenings between the stadium, the streets and small-time trading of prescription drugs. After a defeat of his team, Alex finds himself at a freestyle rap battle, where he meets Nemy, a confident and charismatic girl. They share a few hours together, but behind the fleeting connection lies the emotional vulnerability of a young man struggling with his inner turmoil.
The film premiered at the 39th Venice International Film Critics’ Week and won the 2025 David di Donatello Award for Best Short Film.
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LA CONFESSIONE by Nicola Sorcinelli (2024)
In a world facing the imminent impact of an asteroid, two young lovers grapple with the end of their relationship. Isolated in the mountains, surrounded by a suspended, timeless landscape, they confront a life-changing confession.
The film had its world premiere at the 22nd edition of Alice nella Città, in the “Cortometraggi Panorama Italia” section.
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LA RAGAZZA DI PRAGA by Andree Lucini (2024)
La ragazza di Praga is a deeply personal documentary that explores family memory through the discovery of old photographs. Two siblings uncover their grandparents’ complex love story, which began in Prague during the Soviet occupation of 1968. Their voices intertwine with those of their mother and grandmother, offering a multi-generational perspective that explores family dynamics and shared memories.
This short movie received multiple awards, including the DER Awards – Documentaristi Emiliano-Romagnoli prize at the Visioni Italiane Festival and Best Documentary Short Film at the Vision Verticali Festival in Potenza.
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MAJONEZË by Giulia Grandinetti (2024)
Set in the Albanian village of Ersekë, Majonezë tells the story of Elyria, a young woman living under the strict control of the father. Underneath a surface of obedience, she hides a growing desire for freedom, fueled by her secret relationship with Goran, a young Serbian man. When the relationship is discovered, Elyria must confront her emotions and take a bold step toward self-liberation.
The film has received numerous awards, including Best Director at Cortinametraggio 2025, Best Italian Short Film at the Roma Creative Contest 2024 and Best Screenplay and the New Vision Award at Afrodite Shorts 2024.
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THE EGGREGORES’ THEORY by Andrea Gatopoulos (2024)
A bold and experimental work, The Eggregores’ Theory explores themes of control and manipulation through the lens of artificial intelligence – both as a subject and as a creative tool. Set in a dystopian future, the film envisions a mysterious disease transmitted through language: certain words become deadly when read or heard. Panic spreads, and authorities respond by banning all forms of reading, writing and verbal communication. In this climate of fear and censorship, a man tries to remember a melody linked to a lost love, though his memories have faded. Entirely realized with AI-generated imagery, the film guides viewers through a chilling reflection on a world where freedom of expression no longer exists.
The Eggregores’ Theory received international recognition and was selected as a nominee for Best Short Film at the 2026 European Film Awards.
