Noci Film Fest expands to California with Cinema Week

The Noci Film Fest is launching its first international collaboration by participating in Cinema Week in California from November 7 to 14. Organized by the San Diego Italian Film Festival (SDIFF) and the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival (SLOIFF), the event marks a significant milestone for the short film festival, which has operated in Puglia for over 13 years.

Five Italian short films directed by filmmakers under the age of 35 will be showcased. The selected directors will travel to the United States to participate in screenings, workshops, and cultural exchanges with students and professionals. The films were chosen from submissions by major Italian distributors, including Sayonara Film, Short Fit, Cattive Distribuzioni, and Pathos Distribuzioni.

The selection committee included representatives from the Noci Film Fest and various American institutions, such as Cal Poly University and the American Film Institute. This partnership follows the recent establishment of the “Dolce Vita” Prize, which was awarded in July 2026 to emerging American director Tiffany So.