Blog: Film festivals

Ulsan Ulju Mountain Film Festival(UMFF) is the first international mountain film festival in South Korea, dedicated to presenting and promoting films & culture dealing with mountains, adventure, exploration, nature, and the environment. The festival also provides an opportunity for filmmakers and mountaineers to meet and exchange ideas through seminars, events, screenings, and social gatherings.

The 11th UMFF will be held in Ulsan & Ulju, South Korea in autumn, 2026.

The AI ARTIST supported by ASSOCIATION FRANCE CHINE DES NOUVEAUX CINEMAS、 ONED Pioneer Imaging Laboratory 、PixVerse. Supported and co-organized by China's largest technology media 36Kr.

Film Festival aims to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence with film and video, fostering innovative applications of AI technology in film and video production and presentation, and advancing the development of the future film industry.

The festival will hold screenings and creator exchange activities every three months to keep up with the rapid development and updates in AI technology, fostering ongoing innovation and collaboration in the film and video industry. Through these initiatives, the festival aims to nurture a dynamic community of creators, artists, and innovators while advancing the boundaries of AI-driven cinematic expression.

We are supported by large models, associations and communities in the AI ​​field, including CORANT 3D, PixVerse, MIDjourney China, AIGC&China, AFCNC, WaytoAGI etc.

Notice: our new partner ,Courant3D Organized by Prenez du relief，from October 8th to 13th, 2024,As part of the partnership established between Courant3D, the International Short Film Festival in Clermont Ferrand, the New Cinema Saigon Festival and Berlin Interfilm, all selected films presented at the festival Courant3D、AI ARTIST may be presented during the times of the event at the International Festival short Film of Clermont Ferrand, the New Cinema Saigon Festival, the Interfilm Berlin and other editions of Courant3D and without exception.

On Halloween, Ibiza sheds its beaches, sun, and nightlife to become horror, blood, and fantasy. The IBIZA HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL has arrived.

· INTERNATIONAL SHORTFILM COMPETITION
· BALEARIC SHORTFILM COMPETITION
· TERROR EXPRESS: Local contest for horror videos recorded with smart phones during the festival.
· PROFESSIONAL DAYS: Masterclasses, roundtable discussions on horror films.

OTHER ACTIVITIES

· MONSTER WALK
· MONSTER FASHION SHOW
· TUNNEL OF TERROR
· Special effects and makeup workshop
· Musical and theatrical performances

Histeria International Fantastic Film Festival in Costa Rica and Dominican Republic brings together a current international selection of feature films and short films framed within the horror, science fiction and fantasy genre. It is a window in Central America and Caribbean for fantastic movies. Not only for Latin America, but for the rest of the world. A point where filmmakers with their films meet, so that they can be exhibited and seen.


Histeria Lab is a section of the festival focused on feature-length genre projects in the first stage of development. The projects travel to Costa Rica and Dominican Republic to receive advice on script, production, direction, bible design, pitch, photography, sound and art direction.

information: www.histeriafilmfest.com

The first day is dedicated to the "semi-professional short films" category, where 10 short films compete for a place in the professional category. The audience votes for the Best Semi-Professional Short Film award. The second day is dedicated to the "professional short films" category.

The goal of our festival is to showcase amateur filmmakers and provide them with opportunities for valuable networking. That's why we organize an annual jury masterclass and a podcast about the professional film industry. But beyond the competition, we also organize interactive activities related to cinema and local film associations, allowing young audiences to discover the world of film.

The Western Film Festival had its name derived from The Great Western Trail Drive but it is not just a film festival for western films!

We accept and showcase film genres of all types from horror, comedy, time travel, animation, and yes, even westerns! We have custom prizes for the winners and goodie bags for all selected filmmakers who attend! If you come for The Western Film Festival at Jackalopes Golf and Games in Coleman, Texas you can also visit the many unique stores in town and eat at the finest establishments whenever your hunger hit!

Make sure you explore Coleman whenever you come to The Western Film Festival April 16, 17, & 18, 2026!

Founded in 2015, DARE TO DANCE IN PUBLIC FILM FESTIVAL (D2D) is a Los Angeles based, International Dance Film Festival. Dare to Dance in Public Film Festival believes in the power of dance as an urgent agent of change, an expression of what connects us, and what it is to be alive and human in the world... RIGHT. THIS. MINUTE.

At D2D we are deeply dedicated to the concept of democratizing dance, actively questioning when and where it can happen, creating community, and spreading, promoting, and supporting the international genre of Screen Dance.

D2D annually brings in Internationally renowned choreographers, directors, curators, agents and more as Judges, promoting a rich dialogue about dance and film to determine our Award Winning and Honorably Mentioned Films. Our judges have included Kyle Abraham, Nina McNeely, Paul Lightfoot, Jasmine Albuquerque, Stephen Galloway, Desmond Richardson, Louise Lecavalier, Karole Armitage, Kristy Edmunds, d. Sabela Grimes, Julie McDonald, and many more.

At D2D, we believe in spreading the wealth of dance on film, and that great dance films can be viewed more than once.

DARE TO DANCE IN PUBLIC FILM FESTIVAL, believes in inclusivity and democratizing dance. Unlike Dance Camera West, Dare to Dance in Public believes in spreading the wealth of great dance films… At D2D, we are FILMMAKER FORWARD: We believe that great dance films can be seen multiple times, and at more than one Festival. D2D does NOT REQUIRE submitted films to be Los Angeles PREMIERES… Your films can have played at other LA festivals, and play again at D2D where we invite audiences to see with new eyes and fresh perspectives.

D2D is run by working directors, choreographers and educators who are active at the intersections and pushing the boundaries of dance and feature film, commercials, music videos, stage, circus, site-specific, immersive performance, Screen Dance, and more. Founder/Director Sarah Elgart is an award winning, DGA DIRECTOR, choreographer and producer D2D routinely draws people from the industry to D2D in search of new talent. D2D Founder Director Sarah Elgart worked with Dance Camera West for nearly seven years in numerous capacities and was instrumental in bringing Dance Camera West to institutions such as the Getty, the Music Center, LA County Museum of Art, the Directors’ Guild of America, and much more. Now we are incentivizing D2D with all that experience.

D2D continues to support filmmakers and offer them with opportunities including paid streaming with our partners at LUCID and possibilities at other venues such as BodyVox in Portland and The Kennedy Center.

"Parapacine" is an International Comedy Shorts and Film Festival inside "Parapariures" where both the audience and the jury will choose their favourite shorts and films.

The Festival will take place in Sabadell (Barcelona) on 10th, 17th and 24th of April 2026 and the final will be the 25th September 2026.

The Compton Film Festival serves as a platform to discover emerging talent and help filmmakers gain recognition. As a premier film event, the festival provides opportunities for filmmakers to make their mark and share their stories. With dedicated screenings and filmmaker-focused events, the Compton Film Festival is a place to connect, collaborate, and celebrate the art of filmmaking.

The Mirades Fest Social Film and Mental Health Festival is defined as a meeting space between cinema, social activism and critical thinking, which seeks to deepen knowledge of social rights and mental health.

Mirades Fest aims to delve into images and stories in which people with mental health problems are the true protagonists, spreading through the screens the situation of the most stigmatized and vulnerable groups.

Mirades Fest is an appointment both for film lovers, whether experts or fans, as well as for the general public, where the public and creators meet to enjoy a specially selected program with the aim of bringing them high-quality titles that are not commonly found in commercial circuits.

The programming of the Mostra is, moreover, specific to a social space, a diverse and plural space, as enriching as it is tragic; source of inspiration for artistic production, full of contradictions, challenges, clashes, hopes and a future to be defined.

Theme
Our theme is simple and it is just one word: INNOVATION

Motivation
We encourage filmmakers to come up with innovative concepts and tell unique stories that promote peace and prosperity in their countries.

Vision
Promote international solidarity and a myriad of opportunities for filmmakers, businesses and broadcasters through film.
 
Mission
Create a self sustainable film industry and a new world class breed of filmmakers.

Background History
The Ekurhuleni International Film Festival was formed as a result of Siyafunda Programme an initiative by Rhythm Cycle Trading Projects in partnership With Ekurhuleni’s Metropolitan Municipality: Department: SRAC: Performing Arts division .The purpose of the Programme is to empower the unemployed youth economically and provide them with vital filmmaking skills. Promote the local businesses in the film industry and promote Social cohesion and mainstream youth development. Promoting indigenous music and instruments and participation in the arts is one of the key roles of the Programme.

The Cinematography wing of the project initiated the Ekurhuleni International Film Festival through one of its partners Rhythm Cycle Projects a local Film & Television film production company. The purpose of the festival is to empower Emerging local and international filmmakers. This will provide filmmaking skills; create networking opportunities with local and international broadcasters. This will also promote the local businesses through the film industry and mainstream economic development across a myriad of sectors of the economy.
 

Introduce young aspirant filmmakers to wildlife filmmaking
Educate the people about the natural world and films
Create networking opportunities for local filmmakers, broadcasters and funders
Promote indigenous music
Enrichment of the arts
Promote culture and heritage
Boost tourism
Mainstream youth development
Attract broadcasters
Create jobs and economic opportunities

Aims & Objectives

1.To ensure that every government department has a progress report on video in preparation for the next financial year.

2.To educate people how our government operates and help them identify what, how they can contribute to boost our economy and get benefits.

3.To develop an advertising medium for SMMEs, Big companies, banks and Educational institutions to generate revenue for the project to empower participants while they are studying.

4.To create a local film industry that will alleviate poverty in rural areas by making films that will tell their stories and attract the international market.

5.To transfer filmmaking skills to the youth out of school and the unemployed.

6.Showcase South Africa’s storytelling talent and introduce a new generation of characters through film and TV productions .

7.To establish partnerships with other territories to implement Co-Production Treaties that RSA signed with other countries to grow our local film industry.

Programme
Registrations
Welcome and Official Opening
Exhibitions
Workshops
Seminars
Screenings
Adjudication
Networking Sessions
Fun walks
Wine tasting
Ekurhuleni International Film Awards

Buenos Aires Rojo Sangre (BARS) is an international film festival devoted to the genres of science fiction, horror and fantasy. Is the oldest fantastic film festival in Latin America.

It began in 2000 with a focus on independent films in those genres, and since 2004 in the form of a competitive festival, Buenos Aires Rojo Sangre is well attended with over 200 films shown and 12.000 public and industry admissions each year. BARS is sponsored by the National Institute of Cinema and Audiovisual Arts (INCAA) and declared of cultural interest by the legislature of the autonomous city of Buenos Aires.

PRESS REVIEWS

DREAD CENTRAL: The Best Horror Festivals in the World 2021
The oldest genre film festival in Latin America, Buenos Aires Rojo Sangre “has earned the respect of every other festival because of its endurance,” says a panelist. “It’s extremely well-curated and its fans love everything, from bizarre B-films to highbrow horror fare.”
“It’s also important to highlight this festival’s stubbornness,” jokes a panelist, and another panelist agrees, pointing out that it insists on “keeping its main idea of a festival made for horror fans by horror fans.”

https://www.dreadcentral.com/top-10-lists/364442/the-best-horror-festivals-in-the-world-2021/3/

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The Bubble: Blood, Guts, & Cinema: The BARS Horror Film Festival Hits Buenos Aires by Jorge Farah
"The Buenos Aires Rojo Sangre festival has been delivering these thrills to porteño audiences for nearly two decades now, screening films that are decidedly “off the beaten path” and would have a tough time finding a more conventional commercial distribution in this side of the world. And though it’s focused mainly on horror, the festival actually offers a pretty diverse slate of films, featuring everything from comedic, tongue-in-cheek midnight movies to films that incorporate elements of fantasy along with the more relentlessly bleak horror fare. There’s something for everybody."
https://www.thebubble.com/buenos-aires-rojo-sangre-film-festival

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VARIETY: Gardner, Yamaguchi, Urrutia Win at BARS by John Hopewell
"Launching in 2000, BARS, one of Latin America’s biggest genre fests, has proved a driving force in the build of Argentine genre production scene, highlighting and prizing early works of directors such as Adrian Garcia Bogliano, who won 2004’s audience award for first feature, “Habitacion para turistas.”"
https://variety.com/2013/film/global/gardner-yamaguchi-urrutia-win-at-bars-1200808359/

WE CAM FEST is the first inclusive film festival in Colombia. It brings together the cinematographic content related to disability in the world. An innovative proposal that, in addition to showing other perspectives of life through cinema, seeks to be a platform for the creation of content made by and with people with disabilities, in order to recognize their contribution and talent for the environment and society.

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.

Moscow International Film Festival (MIFF) is one of the oldest world film forums (the second after the Venice Film Festival). The Moscow International Film Festival has been leading its history since 1935. Then the chairman of the jury was Sergey Eisenstein, and the film Chapaev opened the first festival. However, in subsequent years the festival was not held regularly.

Therefore, the Moscow International Film Festival has officially counted down since 1959, when it was renewed and turned into a regular event - it was carried out over odd years, alternating with the Karlovy Vary Film Festival. In 1999 MIFF became an annual event.

A premier International Film Festival in Kathmandu Nepal. Nepal Human Rights International Film Festival is running since 2010. This year the 14th Nepal Human Rights International Film Festival will be organized from 27 November to 1 December 2026.

Over 60 selected films from around the globe made on human rights issues will be screened during the festival. Some screenings will be followed by a discussion on the film with the filmmakers.

The films will be screened under the following sections:

- Competition section
There will be competition section for both Nepali and International films. Films produced during 2024-2026 will be eligible to participate in this section. The films need to be based on at least one aspect of human rights. They could be both fiction and documentaries. The films need to fulfill all the criteria set by the organizing committee to be eligible for competition.

- Special Screening
Special films that could not fulfill all the criteria of the competitive section but are important in raising the human rights issues will be screened in this section. This section will also cover such films, which may not want to compete under the other section. Films from partners of the NHRIFF, which are qualified for being selected for the festival but could not participate in the competitive section due to the conflict of interest, will also be screened under this section.

- Yesteryears Eyes
Classics from the yesteryears, which deal with human rights issues, will be screened under this section.

- Partners' Panorama
This section will screen the films produced by organizations, who are partners of the 12th Nepal Human Rights International Film Festival. These films will not be recognized as official entries to the festival. But the festival will only provide a platform for the partners to showcase their works.

IMPORTANT REMINDER
****THE FESTIVAL WILL BE PHYSICAL****
****WE DON'T PAY SCREENING FEE FOR THE SELECTED FILMS*****

Welcome to our Summer Season that runs Monthly from July thru September 2026.

NewFilmmakers NY is New York's longest running year round Film Festival. Throughout it's twenty-eight year run NewFilmmakers has provided a platform for first time and veteran filmmakers.

We have taken an exciting new direction with NewFilmmakers called NewFilmmakersPlus which will move our festival into the digital age and allow us to reach international audiences.

While theaters have been closed, our online audiences have greatly exceeded those in theaters. With NewFilmmakers Plus we have added the missing audience participation to our online screenings.

Now filmmakers, cast, and crew as well as audience members can create interactive video screening rooms while watching a film. Just by pushing the START A GROUPVIEW button to the right of the film they can invite up to six people to talk about the film in a video conference. It’s almost like watching side-by-side in real life — without having to share your popcorn.

In addition our films will now be available for one month and screenable any time of the day instead of only one night. This allows more people to see our films and makes it easier to set up a screening event with friends and colleagues. As requested we are switching to filmmaker hosted files utilizing unlisted YouTube links which will eliminate the need to transcode and to send us large files as well as giving filmmakers control over their film.

In today’s world online screenings give filmmakers worldwide audiences instead of limited local ones. With NewFilmmakers Plus filmmakers not only reach worldwide audiences but can interact with them as they would at a traditional theater.

Launched in 1926 as the first modern theater in the region, Mokpo Theater has long been the heart of South Korea’s early cinematic history. Reborn in 2026, the Mokpo Theater Film Festival (MTFF) continues this century-old legacy, evolving into a dynamic platform for discovering the next generation of global cinema.

Unlike traditional annual festivals, MTFF operates on a unique quarterly cycle (April, July, and October), culminating in the Grand Final Awards Ceremony in December. This structure ensures a year-round celebration of filmmaking and continuous engagement with the audience.

São Paulo Film Festival 2026 (SPFF) is one of the best film festivals in Brazil.

SPFF seeks to support and inspire independent films from all over the world through genuine expression that can spark new perspectives on the art of cinema. The festival is dedicated to the discovery and development of new artists — voices with visions that go beyond the borders of imagination and have the power to move audiences everywhere.

Different from most festivals, we watch all the films. Our jury is composed mostly of filmmakers.

Shorts, animations, and documentaries. Any genre.

The festival will take place on December 13, 2026, at Cinema Reag Belas Artes, featuring only the finalist films. All semi-finalist and finalist films will be screened online until December 15, 2026.

Dec 13 - 15, 2026

The São Paulo Film Festival is an official festival listed on IMDb.

XII CortoGijón Festival

The Gijón Short Film Festival arises in 2015 as a parallel section within the Aula 18 National Short Film Contest in the delivery After the disappearance of
emblematic festival three of the programmers decide to maintain their essence by transferring the festival to Gijón. It is in the second edition that of 2016, where the festival moves to the municipal centers of the city to develop a festival with an eye on short films and music. Since then to the competitive sections (Official Section, Asturias Section) And to the sample sections (Panorama Asturias and Mirada FICX) have been there have been concerts that have given luster to the cultural spaces of the city and that have served to put the climax to each projection.

Names like Marilia, Pablo Und Destruktion, Marem Ladson, Tiger and Diamond, David Feito… confirm the high level
musical that lives the festival and its local and regional look.

In 2020 Laboral City of Culture joins with a new screen inside CortoGijón thus amplifying collaborations between all cultural entities in the region started in 2017 with the Mirada Ficx section in collaboration with the Gijón Film Festival.