This September, Venice will once again be the backdrop for a truly unique cinematic experience. Returning for its fifth edition, ONA Short Film Festival is set to take place from September 5th to September 7th, 2024, on the charming Isola di San Servolo in Venice. This one-of-a-kind independent festival offers a rare fusion of cinema, nature, community and sustainability, making it a much-awaited event for both locals and visitors during the city’s buzziest week of the year.

As Venice hosts the world-renowned Festival del Cinema di Venezia, ONA Short Film Festival brings a fresh perspective with a curated selection of over 24 outdoor short films that explore the regenerative force of nature and the thrill of outdoor sports. The festival attracts a diverse group of global guests, including filmmakers, photographers, and environmental advocates, all united by a shared passion for storytelling and a commitment to environmental stewardship, and each bringing their unique perspective on the themes of Outdoor Sports, Nature, and Environmental Awareness.

“At ONA Short Film Festival, we believe in the transformative power of nature. Our vision is to inspire sustainable change through compelling stories. Nature is not just a backdrop; it’s our teacher, playground, and home. Each film reminds us of our deep connection to this wondrous world. We’re not passive spectators but committed stewards. Outdoor sports and adventurous experiences awaken our responsibility to preserve and protect our planet. Through cinema, we raise awareness and cultivate values, fostering a more aware, empathetic, and passionate global community. Our ultimate vision is a better world, where adventurers unite to care for our home, Earth.”

– Joaquín Gómez, Festival Director

What to Expect

Over three days, attendees will be immersed in a vibrant atmosphere filled with not just films, but also exhibitions, masterclasses, interviews, gourmet dining, and cocktails. The festival will feature more than 40 outdoor filmmakers and photographers from around the world.

This year, the festival introduces the Ocean Conservation Award––Presented by 11th Hour Racing––a special recognition for films that highlight the critical importance of oceanic ecosystems. This new award underscores ONA’s commitment to raising awareness about environmental issues that are often overlooked but are vital to the health of our planet—one story at a time.
The official program and schedule of the 5th edition will soon be available on ONA’s website, but you can already book your FREE TICKETS for one or all three days of the Festival HERE.

How to Participate

For those travelling by public transport, the festival is accessible via the ACTV Vaporetto Line 20. (Tickets can be purchased directly at the departing point, San Zaccaria B). Be sure to check the schedule and plan your journey to Isola di San Servolo, where you’ll find not just a festival, but a vibrant community of creatives and like-minded people from all corners of the world networking and exchanging ideas before and after the screenings.

Inside Venice at ONA Short Film Festival

At the heart of ONA lies a deep-rooted belief in the power of nature to inspire sustainable change. The festival’s vision resonates with those who value independent exchanges of ideas and enjoy engaging with narratives that challenge our perceptions and compel us to rethink our relationship with the environment. As a Media Partner, this belief aligns perfectly with Inside Venice’s vision for a more aware, empathetic, and passionate global community in Venice.

Want to join us at ONA? Get your free ticket HERE.