Universo corto - Festival del Cortometraggio
From 4 to 7 December 2025, the Aula Magna of the Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies will host the 18th edition of Universo Corto – International Short Film Festival, a long-established event showcasing the best of contemporary short-film production from around the world. The initiative is held under the patronage of the Sant’Anna School.
Founded in 2004 by the Circolo Culturale Giovani Persone, the festival has become a key cultural platform, renowned for presenting high-quality works often selected or awarded at major international festivals such as the Oscars, Sundance, Cannes and Clermont-Ferrand. Over the years, Universo Corto has welcomed distinguished jury presidents including Marco Bellocchio, Oliviero Toscani, Mario Dondero, Robert Zemeckis and Meryam Joobeur, strengthening its standing within the global short-film landscape.
The 2025 edition confirms the festival’s commitment to artistic excellence and dialogue with the public.
Festival President: Roberto Faenza
Artistic Director: Francesco Monceri
President of the Jury 2025: Meryam Joobeur
With free admission and a rich programme of screenings, debates and cultural events, Universo Corto remains one of Pisa’s most anticipated cultural appointments for cinema enthusiasts and the broader community.
Full Programme – 4–7 December 2025
Thursday 4 December – Opening Day
Venue: Aula Magna, Sant’Anna School
15:30 – Il giocatore invisibile by Stefano Alpini
17:00 – Welcome coffee and opening ceremony
17:30 – First block of competing short films (USA, Canada, Sudan, Turkey, Italy, Tunisia)
19:30 – Debate: Rethinking the Human Between War, Politics and Law
Friday 5 December
16:00 – Book presentation: Il secolo dell’IA (Il Mulino, 2025)
17:30 – Screenings: works from Italy, the Netherlands, Australia, Czech Republic, New Zealand, Turkey
19:30 – Debate: Artificial Intelligence and the Transformation of the Human
Saturday 6 December
16:00 – Book presentation: I dieci comandamenti. Come prevenire i tumori (De Agostini, 2025)
17:30 – Screenings: short films from South Africa, USA, Slovakia, Denmark, the UK, Russia, Germany
19:30 – Debate: Humans and Non-Human Animals: Communication and Misunderstandings
Sunday 7 December – Final Day & Awards Ceremony
16:00 – Lecture: Water as a Human and Social Right
17:00 – Final screenings (Iran, USA, Afghanistan, France, Italy)
20:00 – Awards ceremony and closing event
A Cultural Event Open to All
Universo Corto is much more than a film competition: it is a cultural project that brings together cinema, philosophy, literature and public debate. With around 30 international short films selected by a scientific committee and daily thematic discussions, the festival offers an open space for students, film lovers, researchers and citizens.
Practical Information
Dates: 4–7 December 2025
Location: Aula Magna, Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies, Pisa
Admission: Free
Website: www.universocorto.org
Email: info@universocorto.org