cortometraggio

Cortometraggio is the Italian term for a short film. In international film terminology, a short film is a motion picture whose running time is shorter than a feature-length production; cortometraggi are typically under 40 minutes, with many festivals using 30 minutes or less as their upper bound. They may be fiction, documentary, animation, or experimental in form.

Production and purpose: Producers often work with limited budgets and shorter shooting schedules. Cortometraggi serve as a testing ground for emerging filmmakers, educators, and student projects, and can be commissioned for commercials, corporate communications, or cultural programming. The concise format emphasizes economy of storytelling, visual style, and a focused subject.

Distribution and reception: Short films are widely shown at film festivals, national and international, and increasingly on online platforms and television. Festivals often include competitive categories for cortometraggi and can act as launchpads for careers, with prize recognition guiding subsequent projects.

History and terminology: The term cortometraggio reflects the broader historical role of short formats in early cinema, where many films were short by necessity. In contemporary practice, cortometraggi can range from traditional narrative to documentary and animation, and are produced by students, independent filmmakers, and professionals alike. In Italy, the form enjoys institutional support through film schools, cultural funds, and national broadcasters.