The Festival aims to examine the persistence of rural culture in contemporary society through the various forms and structures of film. Its objective is to gather testimonies from the rural world and to encourage in new generations a renewal of the traditions of the land in an innovative and lasting way.

Corto e Fieno does not seek to be apocalyptic or overly sentimental; there is no lamenting about the extinction of idyllic rural life, and the festival does not demonize modernity. Corto e Fieno reflects on the relationship between rural life and the more modern urban movement, exploring both positive progress and unfortunate consequences of change, seeking to point out areas of conflict and urge consideration of possible solutions.