Deadline: 01-Sep-2026
The AIOM Foundation 2026 Award invites submissions of Italian short films that explore oncology-related themes through storytelling and cinema. The competition recognizes original films that raise awareness about cancer, patient experiences, prevention, doctor-patient relationships, and other aspects of oncology, with eligible short films running 10–15 minutes and produced from January 2021 onwards.
The initiative highlights the power of film as a tool for education, communication, and public engagement while encouraging creative works that foster greater understanding of oncology and cancer care.
AIOM Foundation 2026 Award Overview
The AIOM Foundation 2026 Award is a national short film competition organized by the AIOM Foundation to recognize outstanding Italian films focused on “Oncology and Cinema.”
The award promotes the use of cinema as a medium for communicating the medical, emotional, social, and human dimensions of cancer. Through compelling storytelling, filmmakers can help increase public awareness, encourage dialogue, and present meaningful perspectives on oncology.
The competition is open to original Italian short films that creatively explore experiences related to cancer, healthcare, prevention, and patient care.
Purpose of the AIOM Foundation Award
The competition aims to encourage filmmakers to address important oncology-related issues through high-quality cinematic storytelling.
Its objectives include:
- Promoting awareness of oncology
- Encouraging meaningful storytelling through cinema
- Improving understanding of cancer care
- Highlighting patient experiences
- Strengthening doctor-patient communication
- Supporting public health awareness
- Promoting cancer prevention
- Recognizing creative excellence in short filmmaking
The programme demonstrates how cinema can contribute to public education and social awareness about cancer.
Why This Award Matters
Cancer affects millions of people and their families, making accurate and compassionate communication essential.
The AIOM Foundation Award encourages films that:
- Humanize the experience of illness
- Promote empathy and understanding
- Encourage conversations about cancer
- Highlight advances in cancer care
- Increase awareness of prevention
- Showcase the emotional and social impact of oncology
By combining storytelling with healthcare themes, the competition helps bridge the gap between medicine and the public.
Competition Theme
The competition is dedicated to the theme:
“Oncology and Cinema.”
Submitted films should present thoughtful and engaging stories connected to oncology while encouraging reflection and public understanding.
Eligible Topics
Short films may address a wide range of oncology-related subjects, including:
Doctor–Patient Communication
Films may explore:
- Communication during diagnosis
- Building trust
- Shared decision-making
- Emotional support
- Clinical relationships
Strong communication is an essential component of quality cancer care.
Patient and Family Experiences
Eligible stories may focus on:
- Living with cancer
- Emotional resilience
- Family relationships
- Recovery journeys
- Daily life during treatment
These narratives help audiences better understand the realities faced by patients and their families.
Cancer Treatment
Films may examine:
- Medical treatments
- Patient care pathways
- Hospital experiences
- Multidisciplinary care
- Survivorship
The programme welcomes stories that reflect different stages of the cancer journey.
Medico-Legal Aspects of Oncology
Eligible works may also explore:
- Medical ethics
- Legal considerations
- Healthcare responsibilities
- Patient rights
- Professional decision-making
These themes encourage discussion about important issues in oncology practice.
Cancer Prevention
Films promoting prevention may address:
- Early detection
- Health awareness
- Risk reduction
- Screening
- Public health education
Prevention remains a key priority in improving cancer outcomes.
Short Film Requirements
Eligible films must meet the following criteria:
- Duration between 10 and 15 minutes, including credits
- Produced within the last five years
- Production date no earlier than January 2021
- Address oncology-related themes
- Present an original creative work
Films should demonstrate both artistic quality and meaningful engagement with the competition theme.
Who Is Eligible?
The competition is open to individuals submitting original Italian short films that meet the programme requirements.
Applicants must ensure that:
- Only one film is submitted per participant
- The submitted work is original
- The film complies with all competition rules
- All intellectual property rights are respected
Only eligible submissions will be considered for evaluation.
Ineligible Films
The following types of films are not eligible:
- Promotional films
- Commercial advertisements
- Films containing promotional marketing messages
- Works involving plagiarism
- Counterfeit productions
- Films that violate third-party intellectual property rights
Applicants are responsible for ensuring full compliance with copyright and originality requirements.
Selection Criteria
Submitted films are expected to demonstrate:
- Original storytelling
- Strong cinematic quality
- Relevance to oncology
- Meaningful social impact
- Creative presentation
- Emotional authenticity
- Respect for the competition theme
The competition recognizes films that effectively combine artistic excellence with important healthcare messages.
How to Apply for the AIOM Foundation 2026 Award
Applicants should prepare a complete submission that satisfies all competition requirements.
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Before applying, participants should ensure that:
- The film was produced in or after January 2021
- The duration is between 10 and 15 minutes
- The subject focuses on oncology
- The work is original
Step 2: Review the Film
Applicants should confirm that the film:
- Meets technical requirements
- Includes complete credits
- Contains no promotional content
- Is ready for submission
Careful review helps avoid technical or eligibility issues.
Step 3: Verify Copyright Compliance
Participants should ensure that:
- All music, images, and footage are properly licensed
- No copyrighted material is used without permission
- The film does not infringe third-party rights
Respecting intellectual property is essential.
Step 4: Prepare the Submission
Applicants should organize all required submission materials according to the competition guidelines and verify that the film satisfies every eligibility requirement.
Step 5: Submit the Application
Participants should submit one original short film together with all required documentation before the official submission deadline.
Common Application Mistakes and Tips
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Submitting films longer or shorter than the required duration
- Including promotional or commercial content
- Using copyrighted material without permission
- Submitting films produced before January 2021
- Sending more than one entry
- Failing to address oncology-related themes
Tips for a Strong Submission
Applicants should:
- Focus on authentic storytelling
- Develop emotionally engaging characters
- Present accurate oncology-related themes
- Demonstrate high production quality
- Respect ethical representation of patients
- Ensure originality throughout the film
- Carefully review all submission requirements
Why This Competition Matters
Cinema has the power to educate, inspire, and encourage meaningful public discussion.
The AIOM Foundation Award promotes:
- Public awareness of cancer
- Compassionate storytelling
- Health education
- Creative communication
- Better understanding of oncology
- Greater appreciation of patient experiences
The initiative demonstrates how artistic expression can contribute to healthcare awareness and social impact.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the AIOM Foundation 2026 Award?
It is a national short film competition organized by the AIOM Foundation to recognize outstanding Italian short films focused on the theme “Oncology and Cinema.”
Who can participate?
Individuals who submit an original Italian short film meeting all competition requirements may participate.
What topics are eligible?
Films may explore doctor-patient communication, patient and family experiences, cancer treatment, prevention, specialist oncology care, medico-legal aspects of oncology, and other cancer-related themes.
How long should the short film be?
The film must have a duration of 10 to 15 minutes, including credits.
When must the film have been produced?
Eligible films must have been produced from January 2021 onwards, meaning within the last five years.
Can promotional or commercial films be submitted?
No. Promotional films and works containing commercial advertising or marketing messages are not eligible.
How many films may each participant submit?
Each participant may submit one original short film only.
Conclusion
The AIOM Foundation 2026 Award provides an excellent opportunity for Italian filmmakers to use cinema as a powerful platform for raising awareness about oncology and sharing meaningful stories related to cancer care.
By recognizing original short films that combine artistic quality with important healthcare themes, the competition promotes public understanding, compassionate storytelling, and meaningful dialogue about the experiences of patients, families, and healthcare professionals.
For more information, visit AIOM Foundation.