Blog: Film festivals

THE DATES ARE APPROXIMATE, THE DEFINITIVE DATES FOR THE FESTIVAL CELEBRATION WILL BE COMING SOON

inDOCumentari is a film festival fully dedicated to the documentary genre, held in the city of Sabadell. Its mission is to promote and showcase documentary cinema as a tool for artistic expression, social reflection, and critical observation of contemporary reality.

The festival presents a diverse selection of short and feature-length documentaries from around the world, fostering cultural exchange and dialogue among filmmakers, audiences, and audiovisual professionals.

The Short Short Story Film Festival is a competitive international festival of films that tell a story in under six minutes.

For 2026, the 19th edition of the festival returns with a unique closed event. The festival celebrates brevity in film-making, with films from across the globe, both live-action and animated.

The festival consists of two programs, Heartstrings and Headtrip, each with a distinctive tone yet wide-ranging styles and topics.

Festival exclusively in Spanish.

FilmAmo Awards – International Independent Feature Film Festival is an international online festival dedicated to independent feature films, with a special focus on genre cinema and hybrid storytelling.

The festival is part of the FilmAmo ecosystem, a platform and community devoted to discovering, sharing and promoting cinema. FilmAmo is an international social network for cinema, bringing together over 1 million film lovers, film influencers and cinema communities worldwide.

FilmAmo Awards aims to create a concrete bridge between independent films, audiences and new distribution opportunities, offering visibility to works from all over the world with a strong cinematic identity, a distinctive voice and a real potential to connect with viewers.

The Official Selection is dedicated to international independent feature films and will be divided into five competitive sections, each corresponding to a major genre area. The festival welcomes horror, thriller, crime, science fiction, fantasy, independent drama, comedy, romance, dark comedy, hybrid works and films that do not easily fit into a single category.

FilmAmo Awards is not intended to be only a symbolic recognition, but a path of discovery, promotion and possible distribution. Selected films will be presented to the FilmAmo community through a dedicated online festival window, while category winners may access a FilmAmo Distribution Opportunity: the possibility of entering an On Demand distribution path on FilmAmo Watch, according to terms to be agreed with the rights holders.

The festival is addressed to producers, directors, distributors, sales agents and independent filmmakers looking for a context capable of giving value to their films not only in front of a jury, but also in front of a real, active and engaged audience.

The first edition will take place mainly online, with a final awards event planned in a cinema in Rome, one of the world’s most iconic cities for cinema, art and culture. The specific venue will be announced at a later stage.

Where independent films meet their audience.

The 3rd Seoul Hangang International Film Festival (SHIFF) is an international short film festival held in Seoul, South Korea.

SHIFF aims to discover and introduce emerging filmmakers and distinctive short films from around the world. The festival celebrates creative storytelling, cinematic originality and diverse artistic perspectives through an international competition and curated screening programs.

The 3rd edition welcomes short films from filmmakers of all nationalities and provides an opportunity for selected films to be presented to audiences and film professionals in Seoul.

We invite filmmakers from around the world to participate in the 3rd Seoul Hangang International Film Festival.

Todo es Prompt is an international online film festival for short and feature films created with artificial intelligence. This AI film festival invites filmmakers, artists, and creators from around the world to explore new forms of audiovisual storytelling using AI tools.

The festival was born at a moment of transformation in cinema. For years, many creators depended on funding, open calls, juries, and lengthy validation processes that left more projects out than in. Meanwhile, technology was quietly advancing. Today, AI filmmaking tools allow ideas, prompts, and screenplays to be transformed into cinematic visuals.

Today an idea can become a scene.
Today a text can become a movie.
Today the act of directing can begin with a simple instruction: a prompt.

Todo es Prompt emerges at this turning point in AI-generated cinema, where creators can produce audiovisual works without traditional industry barriers. The festival celebrates cinema made with AI, from experimental works to narrative short films created using AI video generation and AI storytelling tools.

We invite filmmakers, digital artists, and experimenters worldwide to submit their AI short and feature films and join an international community that is exploring the future of cinema.

We believe in human authorship amplified by artificial intelligence tools.

We believe technology does not replace vision: it expands it.

We don't wait for our turn to create.

We don't ask for permission to make our cinema.

IA Play International Film Festival is an international audiovisual competition made up of a network of festivals where, each year, audiovisual works from around the world compete in iconic international cities, connecting culture, technology and creativity. Through local screenings, audience voting and a professional jury, together with an International Grand Final, the Festival aims to promote, recognize and reward audiovisual creation that explores new forms of expression arising from the use of artificial intelligence.

The Festival invites creators, digital artists, filmmakers and experimenters from around the world to participate with works that investigate, experiment with or integrate artificial intelligence tools at any stage of the creative process, including, among others, image generation, animation, script development, editing, sound design or narrative construction.

PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES

The purpose of the IA Play International Film Festival is to provide a competitive platform for the exhibition, dissemination and evaluation of audiovisual works that incorporate artificial intelligence as a relevant element of their creative proposal. It also seeks to foster development, innovation and reflection on the use of new technologies within the audiovisual industry.

The Festival is conceived as an audiovisual, cultural, artistic, industry and educational platform aimed at supporting new talent and promoting emerging works internationally.

Following the success of its inaugural edition, the D Golden Protagonist Short Film Festival proudly returns for its second year, continuing its mission of bringing filmmakers together in a spirit of collaboration, creativity, and mutual support. More than just a festival, D Golden Protagonist is a platform where emerging and established filmmakers can connect, share their work, exchange experiences, and celebrate the art of storytelling. We believe that the growth of the film industry depends on a strong and supportive community, where artists inspire one another and create opportunities together.

For this second edition, the festival is introducing two exciting new categories. The first is Premiere Short Films, dedicated exclusively to films making their official debut at our festival. This category aims to celebrate fresh storytelling and provide filmmakers with a distinguished platform to unveil their work to audiences for the very first time. The second new category is Films Qosra bil-Malti, created to recognise and promote films produced in the Maltese language. Entries in this category are not required to include English subtitles, encouraging authentic Maltese storytelling and supporting the growth of local cinema while preserving and celebrating our linguistic and cultural identity.

Together, these additions reinforce our commitment to championing both new voices and Maltese filmmaking, while continuing to foster a welcoming environment where filmmakers support, inspire, and learn from one another.

In 3 countries - Austria, Hungary and Slovakia

Join us for the best films and filmmakers from November 21 to 28, 2026, at the 9th Blue Danube Film Festival, taking place in Vienna, Budapest, and Bratislava.



The Blue Danube Film Festival showcases independent films from around the world, encouraging creativity and experimentation. We welcome all types of films and aim to inspire talented filmmakers exploring new forms and examining societal issues through a critical lens.

Films are evaluated by our professional jury based on the criteria of their entry category, considering generally accepted filmmaking quality standards such as artistic vision, production quality, aesthetic positioning, structure, cinematography, direction, and creativity.

Selected films will be screened in art cinemas and cultural centers in Vienna, Budapest and Bratislava.

BDFF is the region's first cross-border film festival, sailing up the Danube from Budapest to Bratislava and Vienna. We will showcase short films in three cities at four festival locations. Our jury will evaluate the films, and winners will receive not only media attention but also cash prizes.

We look forward to celebrating cinema with you!

Berlin Gate International Film Festival (BGIFF) is an international platform for independent cinema, screenwriting and cinematic photography. Founded in Berlin, the festival supports filmmakers and visual storytellers with distinctive voices, bold ideas and an independent approach to craft.

BGIFF welcomes narrative and documentary films, animation, experimental work, music videos, student and debut films, web and new-media projects, screenplays, AI-assisted films, underground cinema and photography. Projects may come from any country and may be created in any language, provided that non-English films include clear English subtitles.

The festival looks for originality, strong visual storytelling, creative risk-taking, honest human or cultural perspectives and meaningful uses of new technology. Budget, celebrity and equipment are not deciding factors; the jury focuses on the strength of the idea, execution and impact.

A single entry is considered for its section award and any relevant craft, technical, identity or special-jury honours without requiring duplicate submissions. The first edition concludes with a live event in Berlin featuring screenings, celebration and the announcement of winners.

1. ORGANIZERS
The TARANTO FILM FESTIVAL is organized by the Cultural Association Levante International Film Festival, in collaboration with and with the support of public and private institutions as well as sponsors. The next edition will take place in the area of Taranto in December 2026; in-person activities will be supported by online services, according to the arrangements to be announced by the Management through public communication.

2. OBJECTIVES
The TARANTO FILM FESTIVAL serves as a meeting point and forum for international cinema, aimed at promoting and fostering the distribution of works by authors from all over the world. Special attention is dedicated to films addressing innovative subjects and themes, or showcasing formal and linguistic research, with a preference for works connected to the Mediterranean area and its culturally influenced regions.

3. SECTIONS AND SELECTION
The films in competition (divided into Feature Films, Short Films, and Documentaries) will be evaluated and selected by a dedicated Selection Committee. Works will be chosen both directly by the Festival Management and from candidates submitting through dedicated entry portals and the official TFF website.

To be eligible, films must have been produced between 2024 and 2026. A maximum of 30 selected titles will enter the 'Contemporary' Section.

An International Jury, composed of prominent figures from the film and cultural sectors, will award the following prizes:
* Best Film Award (for each of the 3 categories)
* Best Director
* Best Screenplay / Story
* Best Cinematography
* Best Performance

In addition, a Public Choice Award will be decided by audience votes cast both in person and online.

2027 OFFICIAL COMPETITION CATEGORIES

MIFF welcomes established filmmakers, independent producers, emerging filmmakers, students and new voices from South Africa, Africa and around the world.

Films may be submitted for consideration in the following categories:

1. BEST FEATURE FILM

Narrative feature-length films demonstrating outstanding storytelling, direction, performance and cinematic execution.

2. BEST SHORT FILM

Short-form narrative filmmaking showcasing powerful, original and memorable storytelling.

3. BEST DOCUMENTARY

Feature and short documentaries exploring real people, communities, environments, histories, ideas and contemporary issues.

4. BEST STUDENT FILM

Films created by students currently studying or produced as part of a recognized educational or training programme.

5. BEST ANIMATION

Animated storytelling across traditional, digital, stop-motion, experimental and hybrid forms.

6. BEST AFRICAN FILM

A celebration of filmmaking from across the African continent and African storytellers presenting stories rooted in African experiences, perspectives and imagination.

7. BEST MPUMALANGA FILM

Dedicated to films and filmmakers connected to Mpumalanga and stories that reflect the province's people, communities, landscapes, languages, heritage, contemporary experiences and creative talent.

8. BEST WILDLIFE, ENVIRONMENT & CONSERVATION FILM

Films exploring wildlife, biodiversity, conservation, climate, landscapes, indigenous knowledge and humanity's relationship with the natural world.

MIFF reserves the right to consider eligible films for additional special mentions, jury recognition or programme strands where appropriate.

NEW: MPPLUS PREMIERE & STREAMING OPTIONS

The 2027 Call introduces an additional opportunity beyond the competition categories.

Funny. Frightening. Twisted. Campy. Completely unhinged.

The Muses Studio is accepting short films for an evening celebrating horror, comedy, dark humor, parody and everything wonderfully strange in between.

Selected films will screen for a live Nashville audience as part of a special night featuring independent films, live comedy commentary, filmmaker moments, audience voting and awards.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

Comedy Horror • Horror Comedy • Horror/Thriller • Dark Comedy • Camp & Parody • Experimental • Micro Shorts

Maximum runtime: 15 minutes
Preferred runtime: 2–10 minutes

Independent filmmakers and emerging creators are encouraged to submit.

>>> Looking for Maximum Exposure? You’re in the Right Place. <<<

Welcome to the New York Film Screening Festival (NYFSF).
A home for filmmakers who believe their work deserves to be seen and celebrated.

Located in the heart of New York City, NYFSF connects storytellers and audiences through multiple screenings each year, both online and in person. Every submission is featured and promoted on our social media platforms, ensuring your film reaches new viewers and gains meaningful visibility around the world.

Our mission is to showcase the creativity, passion, and imagination that define today’s independent cinema. From deeply personal stories to bold visual experiments, we celebrate films and animations that move, inspire, and stay with the audience long after the screening ends.

We welcome all types of films and animations, both feature-length and short, across every style and genre. Whether it is live action, 2D or 3D animation, stop motion, experimental, or mixed media, every voice and vision has a place here.

Submit your film now. Your film deserves to be seen.

b’Ars, Barcelona International Arts & VFX Fair, is now accepting submissions for the third edition of the b’Ars in Short screening programme.

The aim of the programme is to promote and showcase the creativity and talent of young creators in the fields of animation and VFX, providing spaces where they can present their work and connect with the professional community.

Festival Start: November 4, 2026
Festival End: November 8, 2026

Curta Santos International Short Film Festival

Founded in 2002, Curta Santos is one of Brazil’s leading short film festivals and the most important audiovisual event in the coastal region of São Paulo.

Held in the city of Santos, the festival brings together filmmakers, artists and audiences through a diverse program of short films, screenings, workshops and cultural activities.

Over more than two decades, Curta Santos has become an important platform for Brazilian and international cinema, celebrating different voices, perspectives and forms of storytelling.

In 2016, Santos was recognized by UNESCO as a Creative City of Film, one of only seven cities in the world to receive this designation at the time.

We invite filmmakers from around the world to submit their short films and be part of Curta Santos.

Ootpatang (Hindi, Colloquial) - The weird, absurd, or nonsensical.

The Ootpatang Festival is a one-day celebration of ajeeb and weird or nonsensical.

Of those who don’t fit in - short film screenings, live performances, and interactive workshops - for the weird, by the weird, held over one day in New Delhi, 2026.

This is a gathering of the super-normal, where you can show off your weird side and experience new and interesting experiences - from films that expand your understanding of narrative and ‘good taste’, live experiences that break through the noise of bland ‘content’, and most importantly, community of creative, artistic, and like-minded weirdos like yourself.

OPT will feature a dedicated film screening area throughout the day, a space for live performances and interactive experiences, and a large common area where all can gather to celebrate whatever is outside the mainstream, away from the norm, and off the kilter.

For the weird, by the weird.

Cinema awards in which online media related to the seventh art choose the best of the year in independent Spanish cinema.

Delhi Short and Documentary Film Festival (DSDFF) is one of India’s premier platforms dedicated to the art of short films, documentaries, and animations. With a commitment to empowering independent voices, DSDFF showcases bold, creative, and socially conscious cinema that sparks conversation and inspires change.

Hosted annually in New Delhi, the festival invites filmmakers, cinephiles, students, and critics to come together and celebrate storytelling in its most potent and concise form. From raw personal narratives to eye-opening documentaries, DSDFF curates a diverse mix of genres and styles from both Indian and international creators.

With screenings, interactive sessions, panel discussions, masterclasses, and prestigious awards, the festival creates a dynamic space for dialogue, discovery, and artistic growth.

DSDFF isn’t just a festival—it’s a movement for meaningful cinema.

The Sparknify Human vs. AI Film Festival is a global film festival exploring one of the most defining questions of our time: can machines meaningfully express human emotion—and what does that reveal about us?

The festival brings together traditional filmmakers and generative AI creators on the same stage, not to compete by technique or genre, but to engage in a deeper creative inquiry. Unlike conventional film festivals, Human vs. AI categorizes films by Emotion, asking creators to define their work by what it makes audiences feel rather than how it is made.

Each submitted film is centered on one of eight core human emotions: Joy, Sorrow, Intensity, Serenity, Love, Hate, Desire, and Disgust. Emotion becomes the common language between human storytelling and machine-generated cinema, and the lens through which all works are evaluated.

More than a competition, the Human vs. AI Film Festival functions as both a Turing Test for AI films and a creative compass for filmmakers. It examines how effectively AI can evoke genuine emotional response, while simultaneously challenging human creators to reflect on how cinema expresses humanity in an age of intelligent machines.

UDGING ----------------

The judging process functions through a three-stage pipeline evaluating entries on technical quality, specialized categories, and blind comparative screening. In Stage One, technical jurors eliminate entries failing to meet minimum festival standards, such as subpar visuals, weak storytelling, noncompliance, or eligibility issues. In Stage Two, specialized grand juries evaluate traditional and AI-generated works separately: the Grand Jury of Cinema awards the Best Picture Award, while the Grand Jury of AI Innovation grants the Best AI-Generated Award. Both nominate top contenders across core emotional categories. Finally, Stage Three brings together 200+ film school professors globally in the Grand Jury of Academia to evaluate nominated traditional and AI films side-by-side in a blind screening, scoring them purely on cinematic quality and emotional power. Category winners are chosen by overall vote, with the top-rated film earning the festival's highest honor, the Sparknify Humanity Award.

At its core, the Sparknify Human vs. AI Film Festival is not about humans versus machines—but about emotion as the measure of cinema, connection, and what it means to be human.

*** 2026 Sparknify Human vs. AI Film Premiere
The nominated films will premiere on September 26, 2026 at San Francisco’s famous Delancey Street Screening Room. Located inside the Delancey Street Foundation’s landmark Embarcadero complex, the venue carries a story that goes far beyond cinema. Delancey Street is one of San Francisco’s most extraordinary social enterprises, built around the idea that people can rebuild their lives through work, responsibility, education, and community. Its Embarcadero Triangle complex was constructed in part by Delancey residents themselves, becoming both a physical home and a symbol of transformation on the San Francisco waterfront.
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That makes it a fitting home for the Human vs. AI Film Festival: a festival about emotion, humanity, reinvention, and the future of storytelling. Alongside the film premiere, the evening will feature panel discussions on the future of cinematography, product presentations from cutting-edge tech startups, and a festive networking atmosphere, culminating in the awards ceremony honoring the 2026 Sparknify Humanity Award and the emotion category winners.