SIMFEST is a TV and film festival – competition, the only one of this kind in Romania and one of the few in Europe.
It is organized every year by "SIMFEST Cultural Association", which supports and promotes the creators in visual arts. SIMFEST stands for professionalism and for the freedom of expression of the journalists and the media producers. The festival promotes, at the same time, local journalism and community mass-media.
It is a complex manifestation for electronic mass-media. It is the annual meeting point of the TV's and film’s world specialists from Romania and from all of the world, of students, independent producers, and of media enthusiasts; it is a competition that it's designed to find and form values and talents, to give them the needed validation and for connecting them with the medium in which they can develop. It is a competition and, at the same time, a media school and a cultural event.
The SIMFEST components are:
- The Competition
- The Summer School for journalists and media creators and film
- The official program of the festival
The Competition is opened to all the media creators, reporters, cameramen and media producers from Romania but also from other countries, but is also opened to freelancers, to students and territorial correspondents of central televisions, production houses, as well as to all multimedia creators. It has eight sections.
- PUBLISHING (REPORTAGE/ DOCUMENTARY/ INQUIRY/ ESSAY / TALK-SHOW etc.)
- ENTERTAINMENT
- VIDEO
- MULTIMEDIA (+IA)
- STUDENT PROJECTS (fiction and non fiction)
- TOURISTIC FILM
- FICTION (short movie and feature film)
- ANIMATION
The jury of the competition consists out of well-known personalities in the field of journalism, TV and cinema from Romania and from other countries.
The Summer School for journalists and media creators was founded and included within the festival in 2007, and through it, SIMFEST became in the past few years an institution of non-formal education of media creators and film , especially from the audiovisual section.
The journalists Romeo Couți and Brândușa Armanca (TVR), the writer Bogdan Hrib, Assoc. Prof. PhD. Ion Stavre (SNSPA), Assoc. Prof. PhD. Lucian Ionică (West University of Timișoara), the director Ștefan Fischer (Germany), Charles Fletcher, MBE (Scotland), TV producer Codruț Pânzaru, TV producer Tamas Barok (Hungary), the director Copel Moscu (UNATC Bucharest), Iulia Badea Gueritee and Raymond Clarinard (Courrier International Paris), Beata Biel (Google expert, Poland), Ovidiu Gyarmath (Director of photography), Prof. PhD. Laura Baron (UNATC Bucharest), grat Romanian actors like Marcel Iures , Daniela Nane and Dan Puric, Elisabeta Bostan film producer, JC Guest film producer 2023 Emmy Award Winner and many others held lectures and led workshops or held masterclasses within the Summer School., Toma Enache film producer
The official program of the festival is available for the public with the purpose to, on one hand, construct a way of communication between the creators of media and those whom they serve: the consumers of information in order for the audience to correctly understand the messages transmitted through mass-media. On the other hand, it offers a space of free expression and a non-formal platform for professional development for the journalists and filmmakers. Therefore, SIMFEST is a festival not only a TV and film competition but also a cultural complex.
International recognition: SIMFEST is known and recognized in the Romanian mass-media as a role model in the promotion of artists' free expression and for the promotion and being an advocate of real media professionalism. Most of the creators attending SIMFEST for the past years, have also won international recognition at competitions organized in Sibiu, Prague, Belgrade, Bucharest, London, Kishinaw and Tel Aviv. SIMFEST is also in collaboration or in partnership with other similar manifestations: CRONOGRAF Chishinaw, DETECTIVEFEST Moskow, CINEPOLITICA Bucharest etc.
THE HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL OF CALAHORRA, THROUGH THE YOUTH DEPARTMENT, ANNOUNCES THE 27TH SHORT FILM FESTIVAL “¡¡CORT...en!! 2026”, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOLLOWING RULES.
Since 2013, the International Human Rights Film Festival – Colombia has offered audiences an audiovisual, cultural, and academic program that contributes to audience development, the strengthening of the film and cultural industries, the creation of spaces for dialogue around life, reconciliation, the promotion and defense of human rights, and the construction of ideas for peace.
The Festival is the ideal platform for Colombia’s and the international film community committed to storytelling with a human rights perspective. It serves as a key space for the promotion, circulation, distribution, and exhibition of audiovisual works with limited commercial demand due to their social and thematic focus.
The Festival takes place simultaneously in the cities of Barranquilla, Medellín, Cali, Bogotá, Manizales, Pereira and Quibdó, as well as in about twenty municipalities across the country.
16th Dada Saheb Phalke Film Festival-26, New Delhi, India
Celebrating Excellence in Cinema
The Dada Saheb Phalke Film Festival is a not-to-profit, non-commercial & India’s only independent film festival, established in the year 2011 in Delhi NCR with a mission to celebrate the cinema & work of aspiring, young, independent & professional filmmakers. The festival is important for Indian film industry as it is organized on 30 April each year to mark the birth anniversary of Late.Shri. Dhundiraj Govind Phalke, who is regarded as the father of Indian Cinema & fondly remembered as Dada Saheb Phalke by the film fraternity across the India & globe. Its aim is to recognize the enlightening, entertaining & progressive new age cinema of youth & experienced filmmakers.
In past years festival gains reputation & regarded as among most prestigious festival in India. The festival grows over the years & attracts filmmakers from across the India & 110+ nations across the world. The festival has sections for feature films, short films, documentaries, animations, music videos & ad films. The festival awards the filmmakers in production, creative, music & performance categories.
16th Dada Saheb Phalke Film Festival-2026 aims to celebrate the excellence in cinema. Dada Saheb Phalke started the movement of cinema in India in real sense & he is the symbol of excellence. His contribution to Indian cinema is unparalleled. Today Indian cinema is touching the sky in terms of both content & technology but it is worth mentioning that it was started by legendry Dada Saheb Phalke and we are just carrying it forward.
Founded by the Educationexpo TV, a leading entertainment research & branding company and managed by Miniboxoffice, Dada Saheb Phalke Film Festival-26 provides chance to filmmakers to showcase their creativity. While the festival is open to filmmakers of all age, we feel that just as it is imperative that we should support and encourage participation by filmmaking community members & professional, it is also important that we find and cultivate the future members of the entertainment industry.
The People's Film Festival, a dynamic three-day event that celebrates the “Voice of the People” through the power of film, art, music and technology. This year our festival takes place from May 28, 2026 to May 30, 2026 in Harlem, NY, a thriving and vibrant community, rich in cultural history with an ultimate synergy of great music, literature, arts, and entertainment also collectively known as The Harlem Renaissance.
Now entering its 15th year, TPFF stands as a powerful cultural and economic engine in Harlem, New York—committed to preserving Harlem’s rich artistic legacy while boldly shaping its future. Contrary to the notion that the Harlem Renaissance is a closed chapter in history, TPFF asserts that Harlem is still a vibrant epicenter of creativity, innovation, and cultural expression. The festival’s mission is rooted in the belief that the spirit of the Harlem Renaissance lives on—not only in the legacy of the past but in the voices, visions, and talents of today’s emerging artists, filmmakers, musicians, and technologists.
TPFF was founded in 2012 serving as a vital platform to support and showcase a new generation of independent filmmakers, producers and creatives by providing venues, access to opportunities, exposure, and resources that allow them to thrive. Our mission is to not only inspire future creatives and innovators but to also expose audiences of all ages to new tools and technologies for storytelling. Through a suite of programs and community partnerships which includes: The Tech People Expo |The People’s Marketplace | MENTAL Talkback Series, TPFF brings together filmmakers, artists, technologists, educators, and entrepreneurs who are shaping the next phase of Harlem’s renaissance—one that is inclusive, future-facing, and rooted in the belief of freedom of speech and media access for all. TPFF challenges the outdated narrative that Harlem’s cultural glory is a thing of the past. Instead, it reclaims and redefines Harlem’s legacy as living history in motion.
The People’s Film Festival is an initiative of The People’s Media, Music & Arts Foundation (TPMMAF) - a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation. We use our platform to promote awareness of independent film, technology, media, music, and art across the globe while encouraging those, particularly in the Harlem New York area, to develop a greater appreciation and understanding of cultural diversity in media.
This event is open to everyone.
The “Uhvati film” (Seize the Film) Festival takes place in Novi Sad (Serbia), Rijeka (Croatia) and Kotor (Montenegro).
Through a thematically and artistically distinctive film selection, the festival aims to promote the potential of persons with disabilities, raise public awareness about the challenges they face (with special attention to multiply marginalized groups), and contribute to the advancement of disability rights.
Films selected for the Novi Sad program will enter consideration for screenings in Rijeka and Kotor, as well as for post-production programs (in all countries).
The festival organizers (KAO Parnas – Serbia, Spirit Association – Croatia, NGO Art 365 – Montenegro) will personally contact the authors of the selected films.
Some films may not be included in the main Novi Sad program but may become part of the “Uhvati film Kids” program. Authors will be informed accordingly.
RULES OF THE CALL FOR DOCUMENTARY SHORT FILMS MENORCA DOC FEST 2026
The Menorca Doc Fest is a film and photography festival that aims to raise public awareness through the documentary genre, understanding it as a tool to promote critical thinking about the phenomena of the past and present that affect contemporary society.
The Mumbai Short and Documentary Film Festival (MSDFF) stands as a vibrant celebration of the art of short filmmaking and documentary storytelling. Held annually in the bustling metropolis of Mumbai, India, this festival has carved out a niche for itself as a platform that champions emerging and established filmmakers alike, offering them a stage to showcase their creative prowess and share compelling narratives with audiences from around the world.
At the heart of the MSDFF are the short films and documentaries that take center stage. These genres offer a unique opportunity for filmmakers to distill their ideas into concise yet impactful narratives, often exploring themes and subjects with depth and nuance within limited time frames. From thought-provoking documentaries shedding light on pressing social issues to fictional shorts that transport viewers into imaginative worlds, the range and diversity of content at the MSDFF are boundless.
One of the hallmarks of the festival is its commitment to fostering a spirit of inclusivity and diversity. Filmmakers from various backgrounds and perspectives are welcomed, ensuring a rich tapestry of stories that reflect the multifaceted nature of human experience. Through the lens of short films and documentaries, the festival provides a platform for marginalized voices to be heard and for underrepresented stories to be brought to the forefront.
The MSDFF also serves as a hub for networking, collaboration, and learning within the filmmaking community. Filmmakers have the opportunity to engage in panel discussions, workshops, and masterclasses led by industry professionals, enabling them to hone their craft, exchange ideas, and forge meaningful connections. This nurturing environment not only enriches the festival experience but also contributes to the growth and development of filmmakers on both local and international levels.
Moreover, the MSDFF plays a vital role in promoting cultural exchange and understanding. By showcasing films from around the globe, the festival bridges geographical and cultural divides, fostering dialogue and empathy among audiences from diverse backgrounds. Through the universal language of cinema, the festival encourages viewers to explore unfamiliar perspectives, challenge preconceptions, and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of humanity.
In essence, the Mumbai Short and Documentary Film Festival is more than just a showcase of cinematic talent; it is a celebration of the power of storytelling to inspire, educate, and unite. Through its unwavering dedication to short films and documentaries, the festival continues to be a beacon of creativity, innovation, and social consciousness in the vibrant tapestry of Mumbai's cultural landscape.
The Golden Horn Short Film Festival, organized by the Haliç University Cinema Society, will be held on May 13–14 at Haliç University.
Our festival is open-themed. Fiction short films with a duration of 5 to 20 minutes are eligible to apply.
Application deadline: April 14
We aim to bring together young and independent filmmakers, make their work more visible, and create a strong space for sharing around cinema.
New York Short Film Tuesdays OFFERS GREAT SCREENINGS TO SHORT FILM LOVERS, in Brooklyn, New York.
One of our new venue is in Downtown , Brooklyn. It is a perfect venue and artsy area in the heart of New York City.
We have more than 70 seats and Huge SCREEN.
DO YOU WANT TO SCREEN YOUR SHORT FILM in NYC ? IF SO, SUBMIT TODAY. INVITE YOUR CREW AND FRIENDS. IT IS A GREAT PLACE TO SEE ALL INDIE SHORTS.
NY Short Film Tuesdays has been organized since 2014 and each month we have more than 9 films have been screening at the festival.
We have reached to our 135th Event recently and we screened over 1.400 short films.
We do a Q & A session with filmmakers who is in attendance for their film screenings.
See you at the screening with all film lovers!!!
Only for Spanish Filmmakers.
The Emerging Spanish Film Festival, dedicated primarily to new filmmakers, supports independent cinema to foster alternative auteur cinema, contributing to the development of filmmaking. Among its fundamental objectives is the dissemination and promotion of filmmakers from Castilla-La Mancha and Spain, but especially from the city of Albacete.
We screen the best documentaries from around the world at the Roxie Cinema, the oldest art house theater west of the Mississippi. Many of our titles end up with calendared runs at the Roxie later in the year. We get great press coverage in San Francisco, the second largest film market in the country, plus industry reviews.
San Francisco is a very receptive town for documentaries and our fest has built a passionate following over the past 24 years.
LAST YEAR'S PRESS COVERAGE: https://sfindie.com/press-coverage
SF DocFest is an annual festival devoted to documentary cinema. Since 2001, this event has brought the most weird and wonderful aspects of real life to the big screen.
"What makes the scrappy San Francisco Documentary Film Festival a treasure to SF Bay Area filmgoers is its willingness to take that extra step to show films a little more out there than bog standard documentaries." - Peter Wong, Broke Ass Stuart
“Docfest offers a zippy blend of politics, music, social issues and youth-oriented subcultures. The good news is that DocFest promotes documentaries as a vibrant, irreverent form of entertainment to a younger demographic, blasting the notion of educational films to smithereens. There’s no room for anything approximating — watch it, I’m about to blaspheme – the obsessively measured and utterly somnambulant musings of Ken Burns.” – Michael Fox, KQED
“Since its inception, DocFest (May 31-June 15 at the Roxie and the Vogue, with opening night at Alamo Drafthouse) has compiled a colorful scrapbook of genuine characters in contrast to the current events survey, educational seminar or social-issue forum that defines many documentary series… There are one or two people in Off the Charts you won’t soon forget, which could be said about nearly every film in DocFest. That’s one of the pleasures of scrapbooks.” – also Michael Fox, KQED
Michael Fox just loves DocFest, here's another:
"Welcome to SF DocFest, the beloved annual compendium of odd, unusual nonfiction films from every nook and corner of our bizarro country and beyond. Waving off the pedigreed, high-profile docs that premiere at Sundance, get theatrical releases (or these days, national virtual releases) and chart a course for the Academy Awards, SF DocFest’s programmers opt for poignant, intimate works that miss the mainstream by dint of their iconoclasm and/or lack of a marketing hook." -KQED
"This week brings the kickoff to the 20th edition of SF Docfest, the rapidly-becoming-venerable nonfiction showcase that nonetheless continues to put the fun in documentary cinema appreciation. While other such showcases tend to be soberly issue-themed, focusing on the environment, activism, or some such, Docfest pursues—though not exclusively—colorful human interest stories, musician profiles, and other subjects on which there will not be a class quiz afterward." - Dennis Harvey, 48Hills
The Los Angeles Crime and Horror Film Festival aims to showcase crime drama, true crime, horror, and related subgenres from around the world.
We provide independent filmmakers with a platform to connect with audiences, industry professionals, and fellow filmmakers who share their passion for crime and horror cinema.
With live screenings at a historic theater in Hollywood, the LA Crime and Horror Film Festival gives recognition to the independent films and filmmakers in crime and horror storytelling.
Winners considered by Hollywood production companies reps, and streaming platforms including:
ZERO GRAVITY
THE BLOOD LIST / BRILLSTEIN
THINK TANK MANAGEMENT
TXL FILMS
BINGE HORROR
... and more.
Festival that is celebrated in CIUDAD REAL from June 23 to 27 2026.
This year celebrates its 28th Edition. It is a Municipal Festival in which €12,500 in prizes are distributed.
The Official Section is made up of 15 works that compete for the different awards of the Jury and Public
The Parallel Section is made up of the works that will be screened during the first 3 days of the celebration and compete for four prizes from the public.
The projections are held outdoors in different spaces of the city with free admission where the public has a leading role since it awards half of the Festival prizes, 6 out of 12.
In addition to the prizes by modality, different special prizes are awarded such as:
Awards and Public Mentions in both Sections
Young Director Award for directors under 35 years of age
Best Director Award
"Ciudad Real Deporte" Award
CIFF – Cittadella International Film Festival is an international film event held in the stunning medieval town of Cittadella (Padua, Italy)—a walled city rich in history, culture, and architectural beauty.
The festival is dedicated to promoting independent cinema from around the world, giving space to emerging filmmakers and established artists who craft stories that move, challenge, and inspire.
The prestigious Malta’s Tower Award (Premio Torre di Malta) is the festival’s top honor, awarded to the film that best exemplifies narrative innovation, visual impact, and artistic excellence. The award is named after the historic "Torre di Malta," a medieval landmark that stands as a symbol of the city’s cultural heritage.
CIFF welcomes short films, documentaries, feature films, experimental cinema, and animation, across all genres and languages. Screenings take place in spectacular historic venues, offering a cinematic experience deeply rooted in place and tradition.
CIFF is more than a festival—it’s a hub for exchange, with masterclasses, industry panels, Q&A sessions, and networking opportunities designed to connect creators and audiences worldwide.
FID:RIO is the new International Documentary Film Festival based in Rio de Janeiro, inspired by the spirit that established FIDBA as the most important documentary festival in Ibero-America. FID:RIO envisions itself as a gathering space for non-fiction cinema, where films share a common vocation for reflection, formal exploration, and a critical gaze upon the world we live in.
Based on this premise, FID:RIO presents itself as an annual event that combines a selection of films by emerging directors with retrospectives of renowned filmmakers, as well as the recovery of essential works that remain outside the commercial circuit. The festival is an open platform for all documentary languages and for all forms that question reality and seek to understand it through cinema.
FID:RIO also aims to expand the cinematic experience toward other languages and formats, opening a dialogue between documentary and other disciplines: from photography to installations, from documentary theater to transmedia storytelling, and from traditional narration to new digital platforms. In this intersection between reality and fiction, documentary emerges as an irreplaceable form of contemporary thought.
In a world where markets tend to turn every connection into a spectacle, documentary cinema reaffirms its uniqueness: it works with uncertainty, instability, and unpredictability. And that fragility is precisely its strength. Documentary cinema invents forms, builds new maps, and explores territories that we do not yet fully know.
LINK:RIO is the industry section of FID:RIO, the direct successor of the work consolidated by LINK at FIDBA, one of the most important documentary gatherings in Latin America. Its aim is to strengthen documentary production through various instances of support, training, networking, and project development.
Its activities include:
Work in Progress – Presentation of projects at an advanced stage.
One-to-One Meetings – Individual meetings between filmmakers and decision-makers.
DocLab – A laboratory for projects in development.
Masterclasses and Conferences – Spaces for training and inspiration with national and international leaders.
Welcome to your house. Where dreams come true!
IMDb Qualifying Film Fest:
https://www.imdb.com/event/ev0073353/2024/1
Nestled just 30 minutes from Barcelona, the charming town of La Garriga plays host to this year’s eagerly anticipated film festival. Known for its rich architectural heritage, modernist mansions, and a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere, La Garriga offers a unique and inspiring setting for cinema lovers and filmmakers alike.
Surrounded by natural beauty and boasting a vibrant local culture, La Garriga is more than just a picturesque backdrop — it's a place where creativity and community thrive. The town’s easily walkable center, welcoming venues, and strong support for the arts make it an ideal location for a film festival that aims to be both intimate and innovative. Plus, its convenient transport links to Barcelona mean visitors can enjoy both the buzz of the city and the tranquility of a small town.
Whether you're here to screen a film, discover new talent, or simply enjoy great cinema in a beautiful setting, La Garriga is ready to roll out the red carpet.
Why Into the Wild?
At our festival, we do more than host an exceptional live event: we support independent filmmakers in real and tangible ways. Through partnerships with eight Los Angeles-based distributors and sales agents, our goal is not only to create unforgettable experiences but also to help filmmakers secure distribution or financing for their exceptional projects.
We believe festivals should offer something more. That's why we offer support to creators in every way possible.
With years of experience organizing large-scale events and working closely with one of the best film clubs in the region, we're creating a multi-day celebration with options for all tastes. Get ready to enjoy the festival's best films while savoring the rich local cuisine. Our city is home to countless culinary experiences for all tastes.
How does it work?
We understand that many projects are self-funded, and that's why we offer individual categories. This approach allows each filmmaker to tailor their submission and participation to fit their specific budget and needs.
How does the distribution work?
Securing distribution today is more competitive than ever, especially with the rise of streaming platforms producing their own content. To maximize opportunities, we work closely with eight active distributors who serve major film markets, including Cannes, Berlinale, Ventana Sur, and more.
We maintain regular communication with these partners, staying updated on their current interests so we can quickly submit the most compelling titles—well before the festival ends.
AI Movie Awards (AIMA) is an international platform dedicated to exploring the future of cinema in the age of artificial intelligence.
Launching in Mallorca in Spring 2026, AIMA will showcase short films, feature films, and experimental works created with AI tools.
ONE SHOT INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILM FESTIVAL
The information concerning further development will be posted on the festival's FB page: https://www.facebook.com/oneshotfest The festival's FB page and work e-mail kadrrope@gmail.com are available for questions and clarifications.
"One Shot" promotes independent film production in Armenia. Submitted films have no limitations in shooting format. Films can be shot on cell phones, film and HD cameras. Competition has three categories: "One Minute - One Shot", "Short Movies" and "Cinema Without Border". There are special programs and panel discussions too.
"One Shot" International Short Film Festival is an open cinema platform. It was founded in 2003.
The founder president is Gagik Ghazareh. Founder organization: Armenian Center for Contemporary Experimental Art. The rights holder of the festival is the Open Platform For Art NGO․ Symbol of the festival represents a three-dimensional statue of ancient rock carving from Geghama mountain which is 5000 years old.
Caostica International Short Film and Music Video Festival has been recognized by the Academy of Cinematographic Arts and Sciences of Spain as a qualifying festival in the short film categories for the Goya Awards.
Prizes: 6.500 euros (check the rules).
Caostica is an International Shortfilm an Music Video Festival that takes place in Bilbao (Basque Country) with these sections: Videozinema (Fiction Shortfilms), Animation and Videoclip (Music Video).
All prizes are given by a professional jury except of Bizarre Prize. The Caostica Association will award the Bizarre Prize to the participant whom best represents the fresh, innovative, quirky, irreverent, Martian, jokester, weird, risky, brave and daring spirit that characterizes this festival, regardless of the section in which he or she is registered. In addition to this the Festival will award other prizes such as: a prize to the best film in basque language (independently of the section in which its signed up); a prize to the best spanish shortfilm; a prize to the best work produced or co-produced in Latin America.
