Recognized in recent years as a genre and an art form all its own, the fashion film will soon be in the spotlight in Milan. This September, at the start of fashion week, the city will host the very first Fashion Film Festival Milano.

Already known the world over for its fashion week, Milan hopes to build on its reputation to launch a new forum for celebrating fashion films.

Founded and directed by Constanza Cavalli Etro, with support from the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana, the festival is the first of its kind in Italy and will offer exposure and recognition for emerging talent.

Scheduled to take place over two days at the start of fashion week (Sep 14-15), the festival will include two sections: an exhibition and a competition.

The exhibition will take a look back at the best fashion films made by established names and leading brands, while the competition will showcase a selection of emerging directors and their short films relating to fashion.

Prizes will then be awarded in the categories of best fashion film, best Italian fashion film, best emerging brand/designer, best director, best styling, best art direction, best editing and best music.

For up-and-coming directors interested in an opportunity to present their work, the competition is open to the public and submissions may be made via the festival’s website.