The Deep Focus Film Festival aims to foster an environment in which independent filmmakers can better understand the audience’s reactions to their work. Our goal is to give each film selected a thoughtful response from a professional filmmaker and peer.
We understand that each of you have invested your time and creative efforts turning your ideas into reality, and we would like to reward that effort with the respect it deserves.
Bašta Fest is an international short fiction film festival held in Bajina Bašta, Western Serbia. It is an annual event that is taking place during the first weekend of July and it lasts for four days. Due to the profession of the founders (actors Jovan Jelisavčić and Maja Šuša), the festival's main point of interest is a collaboration between directors and actors. We believe that focusing on the quality of that joint artistic effort will have a positive impact on the positioning of Bašta Fest among short film festivals. Bašta Fest is of great importance for the decentralization of culture since it has brought diverse film, music and off program to this beautiful region. One of the priorities of the festival is to promote the incredible natural beauty to a large number of visitors. Nevertheless, our primary goal is to convert this festival into an exciting cultural oasis, which supports local and international young artists, putting emphasis on short fiction films with authenticity. The main selection is a competition short film program, while two films are screened as a part of non-competition, special program every year - one during the opening and one during the closing ceremony. The last to be screened is a Serbian debut feature film, chosen by Bašta fest team as the most successful one in the previous year. The entrance to all screenings at Bašta is free of charge, while they are always being held under the open night skies. There are currently two official festival locations: Borići park and lake Perućac.
Antakya Film Festival, is an International, competitive festival. (AFF) is a major destination on the Festival circuit and recognized by the sinema Academy as a Qualifying Festival in all film categories. Antakya Film Festival, It is the first meeting point of this region for the international film and media industries.
Mission is to provide a public forum in Antakya in order to advance public interest in films and the independent production of films. To draw worldwide attention to Antakya as a center for cinema. To encourage the rights of all Antakya residents to access and experience the power of independent filmmaking, and to promote artistic excellence and the creative freedom of artists without censure.
In 2023, the Festival presented 800 films, representing work that was shot and produced in 45 countries. The event offers well rounded, and for many, career-establishing experiences. Submit your work before the final deadline!
The festival is for and by independent filmmakers. The organizers of Antakya Film Festival bring 10 years of festival experience to this annual event. Antakya Film Festival accepts submissions in six categories: Narrative Features, Documentary Features, Short Narrative, Short Documentary, Experimental, Short Student, and Animation.
Submissions are open from October to September of the year, the final selection of 150 + films is announced in September, and the film festival takes place in October. Selected films in each category are eligible for several awards. In addition to our lineup of films, the festival also hosts multiple filmmaker parties and networking events at venues around Antakya and Hatay.
The FIC AUTOR (Author's International Film Festival) is interested in unique and artistic films that exceed the limits of traditional storytelling. We look for Feature and Short Films that reflect the director's personal creative vision, and a style that is distinct enough to shine through the collective process.
WE ONLY CARE ABOUT WHAT YOU SHOW IN YOUR FILM, how CREATIVE you are and how you tell the story, that's it. We don't care if your film has recognized stars or unknown names, if it was shot with an Arri or a DSLR, if it has been accepted to a thousand festivals or none. We don’t base our decisions regarding your gender, sexual orientation, color of your skin, or ethnicity like other festivals. We are against the politics and bureaucracy that flood the film industry. 100% of the films accepted come from the submissions, we don't invite films. We want to be recognized as an objective festival with a tough competition and the most creative global cinema in our theaters!
We're partners with RAINDANCE Film School MX, so if you're one of our selected filmmakers, you will also screen your film there and have the chance to teach a masterclass in one of the most important film schools in the world and who knows, maybe be spotted by Elliot himself!
The FIC AUTOR will take place in November in Guadalajara, Jalisco, México and Tequila Jalisco. We will present the very best films from around the world, ranging from the most unexpected-creative low budget films from unknown filmmakers, to films made by experienced/well known directors. Mano a mano, this competition is tough! FIC AUTOR will strive to be one of the most important cultural events in the city. We aspire to become an international spotlight for new directors!
In the 7th edition we presented the first Honorary Ring to our 1st guest of honor, the Academy Award nominee actress Yalitza Aparicio ("Rome" dir. Alfonso Cuarón) We will continue inviting interesting talents from different fields.
-The 13 winning Authors will receive the WINNER LAUREL, plus FIC AUTOR trophy or rings.
-WINNERS will be announced one month before the award ceremony, so all the nominated filmmakers can decide beforehand whether they want to travel to the festival.
-The Cineforo is one of the biggest cinema theaters in the city with 440 seats, and is the most prestigious.
CATEGORIES:
Feature Films Categories:
-Fictional Feature Films.
-Documentary Feature Films.
-Experimental Feature Films.
-First-Time Filmmaker.
-Low Budget Feature Films Under 50K USD.
-Mexican Feature Films. (For Mexican directors only)
Medium Length Category:
-Medium Length Films. (Any kind)
Short Films Categories:
-Fictional Short Films.
-Documentary Short Films.
-Experimental Short Films.
-Animated Short Films.
-Mexican Short Films. (For Mexican directors only)
-Cineminuto 1 minute Short Films.
MAY 19, 2020 | COVID-19 UPDATE!
EIFF is slated for the end of September and at this point, we are proceeding with a ‘business as usual’ mindset. CALL FOR ENTRIES is now CLOSED for the 2020 fest and selection committees are adjudicating entries. Filmmakers will be NOTIFIED by AUGUST 15 through the FestHome E-MAIL portal. As this carpet ride continues, let’s try to find the ‘magic’ of it all. Be well!
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The Edmonton International Film Festival (EIFF) is a truly unique festival that champions the bold and challenges the status quo. It is equal parts creative, demanding, celebratory, discriminating and, in the end, just a hell of a lot of fun.
SHORT FILMMAKERS... We announce the two (2) OSCAR® qualifying short films in the LIVE ACTION and ANIMATION categories on SUNDAY, October 11. The submission deadline to AMPAS (The Academy) is 5pm PT on TUESDAY, Dec. 1.
So who are we? In 2003, our love for film and filmMAKERS -- cinematic storytellers -- led us to the curtains of Edmonton's International Film Festival (or LOCAL HEROES as it was known back then) because 'how hard can it be?' The festival was just shy of 20 years young at that time. All of us here in EIFF land had real gigs -- film production, freelancing, broadcast, journalism, raising goats. All of us still do those things, but very part-time now. This thing, this film festival, is certainly outgrowing its tiny budget. We come from production, so when you tell us your film is a rough cut, temp audio and no color correct, we understand that! And we are passionate. We love films, and the people who MAKE them. So much so, that when you have a film screen here, you become part of our family. And for the record, it's a whole lot harder than we imagined!
Our primary objective is to encourage and support the appreciation of cinema as art. Each autumn, we hoist the curtains on a 10-day cinematic feast that celebrates the power of film. The EIFF menu consists of more than 150 films from 40 countries, ranging from short to feature-length, dramatic to documentary, comedy to gut-wrenching and studio to independent. And we sprinkle it all with a generous dose of filmmaker chats, Q&A's, gala screenings, a local filmmaker spotlight, 'buzzy' films that are travelling the festival circuit, shorts with lunch, parties (of course!) and more.
This gem of a festival from the plains of Alberta gives voice, platform and opportunity to filmmakers at all stages of their creative journey and from all parts of the world. Edmonton is North America's northernmost metropolis and is a proud outlier when it comes to art and culture. 'E-Town' does its own thing. It's home to some of the best festivals anywhere and is a favourite with artists of all stripes. EIFF is one of those events that not only puts Northern Alberta on the map -- it hotly brands it!
WHO ATTENDS? Over the years, we've had the pleasure of hosting: John Waters, Norman Jewison, Cory Bowles, Academy Award© winner Brenda Fricker, Deepa Mehta, Arthur Hiller, Werner Herzog, Paul Gross, Naomi Klein, Avi Lewis, Don McKellar, Albert Maysles, Jon Cryer, Bruce McDonald, Patrick Warburton, Rita Chiarelli, Shea Whigham, Jesse James Miller, Kris Holden-Ried, Zoie Palmer, Academy Award© winner, Luke Matheny... the list goes on! And countless emerging filmmakers, actors, writers and producers.
“I was honoured to be a juror at EIFF and I shared in the excitement of discovering new voices and visions. EIFF is more important than ever to the citizens and City of Edmonton. It is truly an international festival that doesn’t forget its local, indigenous and regional roots.”
- Carolyn B. (Canada)
At the end of the day, once the curtains close for the final time each year -- EIFF is about the power of film! And how it brings us all together in a way that only ART can. WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? Submit NOW and become part of Alberta's longest running international film festival.
Wallachia International Film Festival is a highly professional, industry connected film festival, an exclusive independent grassroots film festival taking place in an exquisite location in Downtown Bucharest, only hundreds of meters away from Dracula’s former court in the grand Old Town!
Our aim is to discover the directors, screenwriters and photographers of the new millennium and award their fresh, out of the box ideas in order to accelerate their careers.
We won multiple cinema prizes including important awards at major film festivals, like Cannes, Locarno, Montreal, London, Milan, Miami and Atlanta. Also, our advertising work received accolades at Ad’Or, while working for companies like UNICEF and Nestlé-Purina.
But there’s nothing we love more than indulging ourselves with cinematic candies from all over the world, under the summer night sky of Wallachia. We will be arguing for a long time about which ones we feel are the best, and about the most promising unproduced screenplays.
Welcome to Wallachia, the Legendary Land of Principe Vlad III Dracula, universally known as Vlad the Impaler, Voivode of Wallachia. Born in 1431, Vlad was an authoritarian Principe, he revolutionized the affairs of Wallachia and refused to pay tribute to the sultan Mehmed II, resulting in a bloody war with the Ottomans. Multiple works containing stories about Vlad's cruelty were published soon after his assassination in 1475. In 1897, Bram Stoker downgrades Prince Vlad to Count Dracula, a blood-sucking vampire inspired by Wallachian ancient folklore. Loosely based on the book, Dracula (1931) casts immortal Bela Lugosi as the doomed romantic Count.
Just think cinétopia! Feel hundreds of years of mythic Wallachian history under the night sky! It’s a 100% natural multimedia affair!
We watch all movies and video, we read all screenplays and we select exclusively based on artistic merits. Networking does work on us. But only if we're talking art.
Sedicicorto started in 2004 and is held every year in the month of October in Forlì. The Festival aims at offering visibility to young authors and at representing an opportunity of meeting and exchange among film industry professionals.
Known for its quality programming and the friendly welcome offered to all guests and professionals attending the event, over the years Sedicicorto has proven to be the Italian short film festival with the largest number of submissions (over 5,000 films submitted from 125 countries in 2021). Thanks to its consistent presence at the Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival & Market with the Italian Short Film Corner - organized in collaboration with the Italian CNC and other Italian short film festivals - and thanks to the collaboration with the network of European short film festivals of the EuroShort Project, Sedicicorto is constantly strengthening its image all over Europe.
The event aims at drawing the attention of the general audience, paying particular attention to children and the young audience with screenings and film literacy activities held during the Festival and all year round.
Join One of the World’s Leading IMDb-Qualifying Film Festivals!
Welcome to the Bristol Independent Film Festival (BIFF)—one of the UK’s fastest-growing and most dynamic platforms for global cinema!
Since our launch in 2017, BIFF has received submissions from over 160 countries, making us a truly international festival. Our screenings take place at the Bristol Megascreen, a 300-seat cinema, over a 3-day period, providing filmmakers with a premier venue to showcase their work to a large and engaged audience. Our mission is to support and celebrate filmmakers through diverse awards and industry recognition.
Why Submit to BIFF?
- A Thriving Community: BIFF fosters a creative space for filmmakers to connect, collaborate, and celebrate their craft.
- Networking Opportunities: Our networking booklets introduce winners to industry professionals, complete with contact details to encourage future collaborations. Additionally, we host exclusive networking sessions where all attending winners and nominees can connect in person, fostering valuable relationships and future collaborations.
- Awards and Recognition: We honor excellence with trophies, winner’s packages, and cash prizes to help fuel your next project.
- Global Exposure: BIFF offers filmmakers the opportunity to showcase their work to a global audience. We actively connect winning projects with distribution and production opportunities to ensure your film gets the recognition it deserves.
Audience Choice Award
New this year, we are excited to introduce the Audience Choice Award, allowing our festival-goers to cast their votes for their favorite film of the festival! This special recognition provides even more exposure and the chance to connect with an engaged and passionate audience.
Why Bristol?
Recognized by UNESCO as a “City of Film,” Bristol stands alongside global cultural hubs like Sydney, Rome, and Galway. As one of the city’s largest film festival, BIFF is committed to nurturing a vibrant hub for filmmakers, offering them a stage to shine.
We can’t wait to experience your work and celebrate film at our 8th annual edition of BIFF!
The Basilicata International Film Festival is a festival for short films where short films, doc-films and short food (food-based short films) are also admitted.
The FICAH MEXICO will be held annually and its main objectives are to promote and promote the production, completion and exhibition of independent cinematographic works.
“One of the World's Leading Indie Film Fests” - The Hollywood Reporter
Rated among the top 5 Film Festivals worldwide for Independent Films by American film critic Chris Gore in his esteemed “Ultimate Film Festival Guide”, and ranked “Top 25 Coolest Festivals in the World” by MovieMaker, Oldenburg has fostered its success with a strong commitment to innovative and Independent filmmaking.
“If there's anything that could be considered the Promised Land of Independent Cinema in Europe today, it is Oldenburg.” - Accred - L'actualité des festivals de cinéma
Labelled ‘the German Sundance’ by Variety, Hollywood Reporter, and Screen International, amongst others, Oldenburg has evolved while preserving its intimate atmosphere and founding purpose: to celebrate and support the diverse voices and visions of independent filmmakers, to honor the creativity of the artists upon which the Festival depends, and to create a unique experience and inspiring meeting place for filmmakers, audiences, and media professionals.
“Oldenburg - renown for its determination, cinephilia, and openness for the extremes - impresses with its brilliant programming.” - GRIP
"In an industry increasingly dominated by IP-driven franchises and algorithm-approved content, the Oldenburg Film Festival continues to carve out space for the kind of fiercely personal, formally daring cinema that once defined independent film but has virtually vanished from theaters and the mainstream festival circuit...
It’s the purest filmmaker’s festival in the world, no ego, just cinema" - The Hollywood Reporter, 2025
“Oldenburg thrives as a discovery channel.” - Screen International
In addition to supporting the discovery of new artists, Oldenburg has hosted the German Premieres of films by such acclaimed filmmakers as Darren Aronofsky, Brian De Palma, Steven Soderbergh, Michael Polish, Johnnie To, Jane Schoenbrun, Chan-wook Park, Monte Hellmann, & Takeshi Kitano amongst others. Guests of honor have included Jim McBride, Larry Clark, Philippe de Broca, Andrzej Zulawski, Ken Russell, Jerry Schatzberg, Radley Metzger, Ted Kotcheff, Phedon Papmichael, George Armitage, Christophe Honoré, Edward R. Pressman, Bruce Robinson, William Friedkin, Ovidio Assonitis, and Peter & John Hyams who have all attended the festival for Retrospectives of their work.
“Just as impressive as the films was the festival itself, which, under the inspired direction of Torsten Neumann, combined intelligent cinephilia with a laid-back atmosphere of democratic equality.” - Sight and Sound
Nicolas Cage, Seymour Cassel, Keira Knightley, Deborah Kara Unger, Mira Sorvino, Bobcat Goldthwait, Sean Baker, Bella Thorne, Michael Wadleigh, Joanna Cassidy, Luke Wilson, Ben Gazzara, Stacy Keach, Amanda Plummer, Asia Argento, Lou Diamond Phillips, Keith Carradine, Matthew Modine, Andrea Rau, Tim Blake Nelson, Mattie Do, Noémie Merlant, Jen Gatien & Isild Le Besco are amongst many who have attended as honored guests or for Tributes in their honor.
“Alongside Venice and Toronto, Oldenburg is considered one of the most important Autumn Festivals for Independent Cinema” - de Telegraaf
"The indie event par excellence has a reputation for showcasing rock’n’roll indie cinema that challenges social mores and cinematic conventions with aplomb." - The Film Verdict
Rated #1 in Germany on The Most Important Autumn Film Festivals List for and by the German Film Industry (Blickpunkt Film), and #3 internationally after Venice & TIFF, Oldenburg is regarded as “one of the most important European festivals for independent cinema" (Tagesschau).
“Oldenburg is a pilgrimage for cineastes.”- Die Zeit
Branching off from The Indie Gathering International Film Festival comes the United Latino Film Festival. The Indie Gathering began in 1996, and through all our years of accepting film submissions, we have recognized the outstanding quality of Spanish-language films and a greater demand for a Hispanic/Latino film festival. The United Latino Film Festival exists to showcase the Hispanic/Latino independent filmmaker. Our mission is to encourage filmmakers through a competitive showcase of independent features, documentaries, shorts, and music videos. Filmmakers participate in their screenings and after the films speak with audience members who seek a closer look into the creative process.
The Museo do Pobo Galego (Museum of Galician People) organises the Mostra Internacional de Cinema Etnográfico - Ethnographic Film Festival. 20th Mostra de Cinema Etnográfico Museo do Pobo Galego will run 12-16 March, 2025 in Santiago
de Compostela.
Call for entries from January 19,2026 to February 16,2026.
We understand ethnographic cinema in a broad sense; it refers to those productions
whose main aim is to show different aspects related to sociocultural realities as well as
a community’s way of life. It comprises films with the main focus on people, social groups and relevant historical processes that are related to anthropology and ethnography.
The FIRST INTERNATIONAL CINECONFIC FESTIVAL - CONSTITUCION will be held in the city of Constitución, Chile, from March 10 to 15, 2020. Short films of genre fiction or international documentary, short films made in Latin American film schools, Óperas Primas (debut feature film) of fiction or documentary genre and competition of Chilean school short films produced from January 1, 2018 may participate in competition.
"Filmaê", the first festival in latin america dedicated exclusively to films produced with mobile devices, had its first edition in 2018, when it showed 45 national films made exclusively with phones or tablets. The Festival is committed to the democratization of cinema by encouraging the use of smartphones as a means of capturing images so that a well-told story can get on the cinema screen. The festival has a Competitive Show, exclusively for national films, and a non-competitive show of international films. Furthermore, we promote, debates and workshops to capacitate and encourage mobile film production in our region.
The International Art Film Festival (IAFFEST) focuses on appreciating the endeavours of filmmakers through awards and rewards to increase the exposure of existing productions and the quality of future films.
Our community is made up of creative artists who want to shape and change the narrative of filmmaking globally. This year, the theme of the festival is “This is entertainment”.
We are giving filmmakers and other stakeholders who would participate in the festival an opportunity to express their creative sides. This could be in the form of personal experiences, lessons, opportunities, rejections and successes achieved in their respective fields.
ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
The Rock Horror Film Festival is more than a film festival, it’s an event that unites the best of the horror, thriller, and fantasy films with rock & roll in a big party for moviegoers who love music, and cinema. Prepare your heart for scaring and exciting nights filled with the best of the national and international thrillers, and a lot of rock & roll.
ROCK HORROR LABS
The festival will also have a team of international professionals in pannels, workshops and round tables about cinema in different areas such as: production, photography, directing, acting, makeup, soundtrack, among others.
ROUND TABLES
The festival organize round tables with the participation od the directors, actors and professionals.
The International Tour Film Fest 2026 the international competition this year is open to shorts, medium-length, Vertical Movies, AI Shorts and feature films; The festival is sponsored and organized by the Cultural CivitaFilm, with organizational headquarters in Via Togliatti No. 12 -00053- Civitavecchia (Rome, ITALY), in collaboration with: Mibact, City of Civitavecchia, Regione Lazio and Enel.
15th Delhi International Film Festival (DIFF) 2026: Celebrating 15 Years of Cinematic Excellence, Global Diplomacy, and Cultural Confluence
Introduction & The 15-Year Legacy
The Delhi International Film Festival (DIFF) proudly marks its 15th milestone edition in 2026, celebrating a glorious decade and a half of bringing world cinema to the heart of India's capital. Over the past 15 years, DIFF has evolved into one of Asia's most prestigious cultural events. It serves as a vital bridge between India's vast regional film industries and global filmmakers.
Crucially, DIFF is organized as an official event featuring films exempted by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), Government of India. This prestigious regulatory backing ensures that groundbreaking international narratives, artistic expressions, and diverse cultural voices are screened seamlessly without conventional censorship barriers, maintaining the highest standards of artistic freedom.
Festival Overview & Vision (15th Edition)
The 15th edition of DIFF was organized as a grand five-day cinematic gala from May 4 to May 8, 2026, in New Delhi. The festival was hosted in prestigious collaboration with the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
The mega event culminated in a vibrant closing ceremony that stood as a testament to art, global diplomacy, and the power of narrative. This year, the festival achieved monumental scale by showcasing 178 films representing over 51 countries, making it a true global melting pot of storytelling.
Core Curations, Themes, and Special Focus
DIFF 2026 curated its massive lineup across distinct, highly competitive categories:
• Indian Showcase & World Cinema: Highlighting commercial and parallel masterpieces.
• Arab Cinema & NRI Cinema: Documenting the diaspora experience and Middle Eastern narratives.
• Cinema Across the Border: Breaking geopolitical barriers through shared human experiences.
• Special Regional & Geopolitical Focus: This year, the festival placed a definitive spotlight on Arab Cinema and the rich, untapped cinematic heritage of India's Northeastern region.
• Social & Humanitarian Core Themes: The definitive soul of the 15th edition was its curated screening of powerful films deeply centered on Women’s Empowerment and critical Social Issues concerning Children.
A Proven Track Record of Global Accolades
DIFF holds an unparalleled reputation for discovering cinematic masterpieces before they hit the global mainstream:
• National Award Success: 8 films screened and awarded at DIFF in previous editions have gone on to win India's prestigious National Film Awards.
• Oscar Legacy: 4 foreign films screened at DIFF have served as the Official Academy Award (Oscar) entries on behalf of their respective countries.
• Global Country Partners: Over 15 years, nations like Canada, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Morocco, Tunisia, Palestine, Russia, Palestine, and France have proudly served as official Country Partners.
• Africa in the Spotlight: This 15th edition featured a special institutional partnership with the National Film Institute of Mozambique (INICC), amplifying African voices.
Cultural Diplomacy & Global Footprint
DIFF is not merely a screening venue; it is an active vehicle for India's cultural diplomacy:
• International Screenings: DIFF has successfully organized dedicated Indian film programs globally, including in the Morocco, DPRK (North Korea), Sri Lanka, Egypt, Jordan, and Tunisia.
• Global Collaborations: Last year, in tandem with the Indian Embassy in Morocco, DIFF curated a massive Indian cultural festival in Morocco.
• The DIFFA Awards: Standing for the Delhi International Film Festival Academy Awards, this noble initiative expands the festival's footprint by hosting annual award ceremonies abroad to honor global contributions to Indian cinema.
• Mentorship of Domestic Festivals: DIFF actively extends its logistical, curatorial, and strategic support to regional festivals, including the Jharkhand International Film Festival, Haryana International Film Festival, and emerging festival properties across South India.
Complete Official Winners & Awards List (15th Edition)
Special Institutional & Lifetime Honors
• DIFF Lifetime Achievement Award: Conferred upon the world-renowned legendary singer, Ms. Usha Uthup, for her decades of unparalleled contribution to Indian music and culture.
• Cinematic Contribution Honors: Special honors were presented to creative luminaries including Anurag Punetha, Piyush Mishra, Arvind Gaur, Meghna Malik, Chitranjan Tripathi, and Sandeep Marwah for their dedicated service to the arts.
World Cinema & International Categories
• Best Film (Cinema Across the Border): The Dumpling Queen (China) – Directed by Andrew Lau (Award accepted on behalf of the film by Chinese Minister Counselor Wang Xinming).
• Best Story: Fog (Russia) – Directed by Natalia Gugueva.
• Best Director: Aichurok Borukeeva (Kyrgyzstan) for the film Stone.
• Best Actress (International): Daria Gavrushina (Russia) for her stellar performance.
• Best Adventure Film: The Hunter (Russia) – Directed by Zaur Sogoev.
• Best Historical Film: The Ballad of Piargy (Slovakia).
• Tribute Film Award: The Divorced of Casablanca (Morocco) – Directed by Moh. Ahed Bensouda.
Short Films & Social Themes
• Best Short Film (World Cinema): Happy End (Iran) – A Kurdish-Persian narrative.
• Best Social Short Film: Little Anna (Latvia) (Award accepted on behalf of the film by Latvian Ambassador Juris Bone).
• Best Actress (Short Film Category): Awarded to the lead performance in Damu Ki (Algeria).
• Best Social Theme Feature: Manusher Bagan (Bangladesh).
Indian Cinema Section & Technical Categories
• Best Actress (Joint Winners): Veteran screen icon Sharmila Tagore and powerhouse performer Rituparna Sengupta for their performances in the critically acclaimed film Puratan: The Ancient.
• Best Female Director (Regional Cinema): Sushila Rawat for her directorial work on Ghangtaul.
• Best Editor: Md. Tariq for his sharp technical brilliance in the film Raibar.
• Best Documentary: A New Postbox: Tales from the Partition – Directed by Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi.
A Star-Studded Industry Convergence
The 15th edition functioned as a massive networking hub for the global film community. The festival witnessed high-profile diplomacy with the active attendance of New Zealand's Deputy High Commissioner Matthew Ayres, Switzerland's Chargé d'Affaires Simon Sevan Schäfer, and top diplomats from Russia, China, and Bangladesh.
Industry stalwarts and legendary creators—including Subhash Ghai, Ketan Mehta, Runa Laila,—gathered to celebrate the art of film.
Festival Founder Ram Kishore Parcha concluded the milestone edition by expressing profound gratitude to the global film fraternity, participating diplomatic missions, and art enthusiasts, solidifying DIFF’s mission to celebrate cinema without borders.
15th Delhi International Film Festival (DIFF): A 15-Year Legacy of Global Cinema & Opening of 16th Edition Entries
Introduction & The 15-Year Milestone
The Delhi International Film Festival (DIFF) proudly celebrates its 15th anniversary in 2026, marking a decade and a half of excellence in the heart of India's capital. As a premier cultural bridge, DIFF connects India’s regional film industries with the global cinematic stage.
A hallmark of our credibility is that DIFF is organized with official exemptions from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), Government of India. This allows us to showcase groundbreaking international films and artistic narratives without conventional censorship barriers, ensuring the highest standards of creative freedom.
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Highlights of the 15th Edition (2026)
The 15th edition was a grand 5-day gala held from May 4 to May 8, 2026, at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), Ministry of Culture.
• Scale: 178 films from over 51 countries.
• Focus: Arab Cinema, Northeastern India, Women’s Empowerment, and Children’s Social Issues.
• Key Winners: Sharmila Tagore & Rituparna Sengupta (Best Actress - India), Ms. Usha Uthup (Lifetime Achievement), and international winners from China, Russia, Morocco, and Iran.
Now Open: Call for Entries for the 16th Edition!
Following the massive success of our 15th anniversary, we are thrilled to announce that entries are now officially OPEN for the 16th Delhi International Film Festival. We invite filmmakers from across the globe to submit their masterpieces and be part of this legendary journey.
Where to Submit?
To make the submission process seamless for filmmakers worldwide, we accept entries through our official website and all major global film platform:
• Festhome: https://festivals.festhome.com/ – For easy digital submission and tracking.
• Other Platforms: We are also active on other major international festival portals for your convenience.
Submission Categories:
We welcome submissions in the following categories:
1. World Cinema (Feature Films)
2. Indian Showcase (Regional & Hindi Features)
3. Short Films (Fiction & Animation)
4. Documentary (Feature & Short)
5. Cinema Across Border
6. Student Films
7. Green Cinema (Environment Focused)
General Rules & Regulations for Filmmakers
1. Eligibility: Films must have been completed after a specific date (usually the last 24 months).
2. Subtitles: All non-English films must have English subtitles.
3. Exemption: As an MIB-exempted festival, we prioritize artistic integrity, but films must comply with international screening standards.
4. Format: Initial submissions should be through secure online screeners (Vimeo/YouTube with password or digital upload).
5. Selection: The decision of the DIFF Selection Committee and Jury will be final and binding.
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Why Submit to DIFF?
• Proven Success: 8 DIFF-awarded films have won National Awards in India.
• Oscar Pathway: 4 foreign films screened at DIFF became their nation’s Official Entry for the Oscars.
• Global Networking: Engage with diplomats, industry stalwarts like Ketan Mehta, Piyush Mishra, and Tigmanshu Dhulia, and international distributors.
• Global Reach: Your film could be part of our international exchange programs in countries like Egypt, Morocco, and South Korea.
Join the 16th Edition of the Delhi International Film Festival.
Be a part of a legacy that celebrates cinema, culture, and the spirit of storytelling without borders.
Awards & Prizes
WORLD CINEMA
Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor/Actress
Best Short Film, Best Director, Best Actor/Actress
Best Documentary
Best Animation Film
Best Green Film
Best Student Film
ARAB CINEMA
Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor/Actress
Best Short Film, Best Director, Best Actor/Actress
Best Documentary
Best Animation Film
INDIAN SHOWCASE
Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor/Actress
Best Short Film, Best Director, Best Actor/Actress
Best Documentary
Best Animation Film
Best Green Film
Best Student Film
NRI CINEMA
Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor/Actress
Best Short Film, Best Director, Best Actor/Actress
Best Documentary
Best Animation Film
CINEMA ACROSS THE BORDER
Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor/Actress
Best Short Film, Best Director, Best Actor/Actress
Best Documentary
Best Animation Film
Best Green Film
Best Student Film
Audience Choice Awards & Critic’s Choice Award for all Sections
Artist Of The Year Award at DIFF ART SHOW.
Rules & Terms
ENTRY FEE FOR SUBMISSIONS OF FILMS:
(1) Entry fees for FEATURE FILMS (Duration: 50 mins to 105 mins max) : 5000/- INR or (63.23 USD)
(2) Entry fees for SHORT FILMS (Duration: 00.10 mins to 00.50 mins): 3,000/- INR or (36.27 USD)
(3) ANIMATION FILMS in all categories (Duration: 00.05 mins to 00.30 mins max).
(4) Entry fees for STUDENT FILMS: 1500/-INR or (21USD)
(LATE ENTRY FEES WILL BE DOUBLE THE ENTRY FEES MENTIONED ABOVE APPLICABLE TO FILMS SUBMITTED BEYOND THE DEADLINE ANNOUNCED)
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:
1.Films without English Subtitles (except English Films), shall not be considered for selection.
2.Films submitted with watermarks or logos shall be rejected.
3.Only Trailers or promos cannot be submitted for selection process.
4.Film Download link with password is preferred, DVD or Bluray are also accepted as hard copies.
5.If submitting hard copies, Two full HD DVDs/Bluray should be sent by courier to the Festival office along with a hard copy of this entry form duly filled. DVDs must be labeled with film title, director name, duration, phone number and email id on them. Director pic, Poster, Film Stills may be attached in an email.
6. For submissions coming from outside India, the packages must be marked, “For Festival & Cultural Purpose only, No Commercial value”.
7. DIFF does not pay screening fees to film makers.
8. DIFF will not return the Films submitted online or vide DVDs/Pen Drives/ Blu-ray etc. during or after the festival.
TERMS & CONDITIONS:
1. DIFF reserves the right to showcase the film so submitted perpetually anywhere ( other festivals, television, online etc).
2. DIFF reserves the right to include the film and related material in its promotional activities.
3. All Decisions made by the Appointed “Selection Committee” regarding Selections, screenings, awards at the Festival in entirety will be final. In case of Dispute, decision of the President is final.
4. The film makers and their representatives undertake to use the official logo and the status of their Selection or Award strictly in conformation with DIFF 2022 designs and they further undertake to use such festival logo in all their promotions, posters and marketing publications with the consent of the festival.
5. A film selected for the festival does not run in competition automatically. A Jury will select the films which feature in Competition.
6. The Festival shall not bear / reimburse any freight or other charges in foreign or Indian currency.
7. Once selected for screening, the film shall not be withdrawn.
8. The last date of submissions of ENTRIES IS 10.12.2024 and Date of Intimation of Selection will be 15.12.2024
The shnit worldwide shortsfestival is a premier platform for the exhibition and promotion of short films. The festival is a unique transnational event held simultaneously in ten cities across five continents. The festival will take place from August 20 to September 20, 2026, and consists of three main segments: [1] shnit PLAYGROUNDS*—festival cities [2] shnit EXPANDED [3] shnit FINALE—awards ceremony.
All winners of the WORLDWIDE COMPETITION and INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION will be eligible for consideration for the 2027 Oscars® (via a cinematic release, in accordance with the rules of the 99th Academy Awards®).
Over the past twenty-four years, shnit has evolved into a major international short film festival, continuously reinventing itself. Originally a local initiative, it has grown into a global event that connects and inspires filmmakers and audiences from diverse cultural backgrounds. The festival promotes diversity, originality, and artistic exchange.
With its high-quality cinematic selections, shnit attracts over 30,000 visitors, making it one of the leading short film festivals worldwide.
shnit is a non-profit organization, coordinated in collaboration with festival executives. The festival operates on principles of excellence and professionalism, fostering its ongoing international expansion.
* Planned PLAYGROUNDS for 2026
The shnit worldwide shortsfestival takes place simultaneously in several cities— known as the shnit PLAYGROUNDS— across five continents.
The final lineup will be announced by August 1, 2026.
The planned PLAYGROUNDS for this year are:
▪Amsterdam (The Netherlands)—shnit FINALE
▪Buenos Aires (Argentina)
▪Cairo (Egypt)
▪Cape Town (South Africa)
▪Goa (India)
▪Hong Kong (China)
▪Moscow (Russia)
▪Sydney (Australia)
▪San José (Costa Rica)
▪Toronto (Canada)
