Milano Film Festival was first held in 1996 as a festival/short film competition open to young Milanese filmmakers. Since then it has always been distinguished from other festivals for the thorough research, selection and distribution of works coming from all over the world and for presenting quality work of young and talented filmmakers.
The first time it was opened to feature films was in 2000, when it found a prestigious venue in the Piccolo Teatro.

Milano Film Festival has found its place among already existing Italian film events and has proved to be an international meeting point for peoples who often share very different filmmaking histories. Furthermore, this event is supported all year long by the film re-distribution project, which aims to create an alternative film circuit and has made Milano Film Festival an important point of reference for all those who want to make and see new quality films in Italy.