MIFF (from English acronym for Milan International Film Festival), nicknamed by the press as the "Milanese Sundance", has been recognized and distinguished as the official International Cinema exhibition festival of Milan. MIFF existed as a conventional film festival for 10 years, until 2010, when MIFF reinvented itself as MIFF Awards, a brand new genre in the sphere of film events that featured an avant-garde format pointed at the best of the best through a tough Winner category's selection.
An high recognition formula specifically designed to make independent filmmakers - and their films - more successful and marketable. A new and unique film event concept based on the traditional award "Nomination" categories selection format - originated by the Academy of Motion Picture, Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) or Oscar system, merged along with a traditional film festival of "only Winner category's" screenings program, to select a final Best Film of all.
Organized by the non-profit Italian cultural association Leonardo Da Vinci Film Society (LDVFS), MIFF Awards wIth its Independent Spirit Identity, it's an event studied for filmmakers/distributors who always necessitate to raise the prestige and the Media impact of their films.
Film is by far the most dynamic and visionary art form, which most directly appeals to the senses. Leonardo Da Vinci Film Society recognizes the Art of Filmmaking as the outcome of a synergic collaboration of talented individuals active in those disciplines contributing to accomplish their vision into the movie, and awards those artist-filmmakers in their respective field with the Leonardo's Horse, nicknamed the Da Vinci Award.
Here below the Special Recognitions and Official Da Vinci's awards:
FEATURE FILM CINEMA SECTION
1• Best Feature Film (given to the producer)
Elected only by the Audience among the all Winning Films screened at the festival.
2• Best Documentary Film (given to the producer or director)
3• Best Directing
4• Best Screenwriting
5• Best Cinematography
6• Best Acting Performance Male
7• Best Acting Performance Female
8• Best Editing (shared by Feature Fictions and Documentaries)
10• Best Supporting Actor
11• Best Supporting Actress
12• Best Music/Song (shared by Feature Fictions and Documentaries)
13• Best Film in Italian Language (assegnato al produttore o al regista)
Among the Nominee Films or other works not inclued in the program, if there shall be the conditions of presentation with reason related to specific areas or discliplines, in addition to the official categories, other Awards could be proposed annually such as:
Green Screen
Ensamble Cast
Costume Design
Make-up
Visual Special Effects
Special Awards and Special Mentions
SHORT FILM CINEMA SECTION
1• Best Short Film (15 min max)
2• Best Short Film (from 15 to 30 min max)
3• Best Short Film - Italian Section (30 min max)
Among the Short Nominee Films, if there shall be the conditions of presentation with reason related to the program, in addition to the official categories, other Awards could be proposed annually such as:
Audience Best Short Film Award
Special Awards and Special Mentions