Blog: Film festivals

We invite you to submit your LGBTQ+ themed films to the 15th edition of KASHISH Pride Film Festival which will be held from May 15-19, 2024 in Mumbai. The festival is organized by KASHISH Arts Foundation, a not-for-profit trust working towards mainstreaming queer issues through cinema and arts.

KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival is the first LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer) film festival in India to be held in a mainstream theater, and the first LGBTQ+ film festival in India to receive clearance from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

KASHISH PFF, now considered South Asia’s biggest LGBTQ film festival and one of world’s top 5 coolest LGBTQ film festival, has over the past 14 editions become one of the biggest pride events in India.

Founded in 2010, the festival has grown from strength to strength, attracting close to 9000 footfalls over the 4 1/2 days of the festival at two/three venues. The festival, every year, has screened 110 - 180 films that include shorts, documentaries, features - all centered around LGBTQ themes. The festival also attracts topline Bollywood celebrities, prominent filmmakers and media personalities, and receives every year over 150 write-ups in mainstream press in India and globally.

KASHISH 2024 Festival Theme: UNFURL YOUR PRIDE

Yuva International Short Film Festival proves as a global platform for youngsters and film aspirants in colleges to showcase their talents and compete with other professionals of the same age group. YISFF provokes a sense of great responsibility by providing a fun-filled and exciting learning experience. Through YISFF, the participants will get a chance to explore and learn the art of filmmaking from industry stalwarts.

YISFF’s objective is to bring into the limelight the talents of burgeoning film aspirants and bestow them with an opportunity to present themselves in front of the world. We encourage the participants and serve as a bridge to exhibit their one-of-a-kind competence in our festival and to reach a greater range of audience. I am taking pride in letting you know that, YISFF will also serve as a means to promote friendships and collaborations among fellow participants through healthy competition. As a token of appreciation and encouragement,

YISFF will award the winners of the competition under various relevant categories selected by the jury panel from the industry and academia.

YISFF is an inclusive event that values diversity. Films are accepted regardless of age, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, physical or mental challenges, ethnicity, and perspective.

Since its inception, this festival has promoted the city as a setting in which each filmmaker tells about their reality, their ways of working and life experiences, in such a way that anyone who is a fan of or dedicated to filmmaking can learn through observation and viewing. of all kinds of works and their technical details such as camera movement, times a scene lasts, camera position or perception of silences ...

PHILOSOPHY

What drive us:

A contest dedicated to transcendental cinema, at its several meanings, including philosophic, psychological, scientific, anthropological, spiritual and poetic cinema.

Because transcendence in the man and the world, might be eventually ineffable and, on this, cinematographic art has certain advantages, and a huge responsibility.

FREE CINEMA

All cinematographic possibilities are welcome, with a major interest on rareties

WITHOUT TIME

Cinemística as an open space-time, with non restrictive features, enabling the authors to develop their own language: all formats, duration, nationality, year of production, etc. are accepted.

A REFUGE

An international refuge for films that intend, technically or with the plot, an approaching to the big mystery of world representation, in the art and in the man. Without dogmas, under any individual or collective perspective, from faith, but also from agnosticism, spiritual atheism and scientific thought.

A POETIC CINEMA OF CONTEMPLATION

Filmmakers' looks, in all their socio-cultural diversity, interested in any film as a result of personal discovering, researching or experimentation, inspiration and work, from revelation or introspection of the authors. Quotidian, ecstasy and disparity as structures to create depth on the film treatment.

ASCETICISM

Mysticism and asceticism in film production represent, probably, a more absolute estate compare to others, because a cinema with huge budget and more technical complexity could be done, but sometimes the most humble and simple film is, however, universal.

THE STILL

Impermanent cinematographies, from the still, from 'amateur' cinema (from French verb aimer), define directors not only by what they show and how they do it on screen, but by what they decide not to show.

PHENOMENOLOGY

What appears and disappears, topologies emergence, materials or conscious, and their invisibility or subsequent expiration. The sequential surroundings of emptiness, of matters and time. Shafts at the discourse, eloquent, everyone can understand it by himself. Absence and miracle: Mystic as a possible cohabit together.


CORDIALITY, COMMUNICATION & COLLOQIUMS

Great importance of the colloquiums and live interaction between spectators and filmmakers. maximum communication, respect, sympathy and closeness from the organization to the filmmakers, artists and directors who come to present their films.

Organized by “NO_NAME”, "CineMigrare – Rassegna Internazionale di Cinema Senza Frontiere" is a festival totally dedicated to movies, short movies and documentaries speaking about immigration and cultural integration.
The 9th edition in 2025 of CineMigrare Festival will take from 8th to 22th July in Pedara (CT).

Several SPECIAL GUEST are invited to this second edition and they will be awarded with the CineMigrare Award 2025.

Foreing authors are invited to send their short movies with italian subtitles. Info: info@cinemigrare.it // www.cinemigrare.it

Organized by Associazione Culturale “NO_NAME” with support of the Municipality of Pedara (Sicily, Italy), SICILY INTERNATIONAL SHORT LEAGUE, is a festival totally dedicated to short movies from all over the world, included in the annual program of “Via dei Corti - Festival Indipendente di Cinema Breve”.

The 9th edition of Sicily International Short League will take place among 8th and 22th of July in Pedara

Foreing authors are invited to send their short movies with italian subtitles. Info: shortleague@viadeicorti.it

PANÒPTIC. MATARÓ FILM FESTIVAL
7th Edition

Panòptic Film Festival is a film and visual arts festival that explores the role of the digital era and its impact on society: the impact on power relations, social control, as well as in the areas of ethics, freedoms and human rights. Through the audiovisual, Panòptic Film Festival wants to generate thought, debate and knowledge around the moment of radical transformation that as a society we are living in the context of the digital era.

The 6th edition of the festival will take place in May 2025 in the city of Mataró (Barcelona, Spain).

The Official Selection and the Out of Competition selection are based on artistic, thematic and technical criteria.

The Lama Film Festival has created in 1994 and offers every summer, at the end of july, a big party around the 7th art, with quality screenings, outdoors, under the stars, in a magnificent village of Corsica.

Welcome to the Courtyard Independent Film Festival, where the magic of indie cinema comes alive in the intimate and picturesque setting of a Musem. After the first edition, in the heart of Ottaviano (Naples, IT), our festival celebrates the art of storytelling through film, highlighting the creativity and ingenuity of independent filmmakers from around the world inside the Museo Emblema (Terzigno, IT) who officially host our second edition.

A Unique Setting: Our festival takes place in a museum called Museo Emblema, where artistic evenings of unquestionable value constantly take place. Surrounded by ivy-clad walls, soft string lights, and the gentle rustling of leaves in the evening breeze, this enchanting venue creates the perfect ambiance for an unforgettable cinematic experience.

Diverse and Inspiring Films: Courtyard Independent Film Festival showcases a diverse range of independent films that challenge conventions, explore new narratives, and captivate audiences with their authenticity. From compelling documentaries to heartwarming dramas and mind-bending experimental works, our carefully curated lineup promises something for every film enthusiast.

Engaging Discussions: In addition to film screenings, the festival offers engaging discussions and Q&A sessions with filmmakers, providing a unique opportunity to gain insights into their creative processes and the stories behind their films. These sessions foster a sense of community and connect filmmakers with an appreciative audience.

Supporting Independent Filmmaking: By attending the Courtyard Independent Film Festival, you are not only enjoying outstanding films but also supporting the vibrant world of independent filmmaking. Your presence and enthusiasm help these talented filmmakers share their stories with the world.

Join Us: Whether you’re a cinephile, a casual moviegoer, or someone seeking a unique cultural experience, the Courtyard Independent Film Festival welcomes you to be a part of this cinematic journey. Bring your friends, family, or come solo, and immerse yourself in the captivating world of independent cinema, all within the enchanting embrace of a garden rich of art.

Cortogenia is short film festival held all year along.

21th LesBiGayTrans Film Fest International in Paraguay

Aireana, a lesbian rights group, organizer of the 21th edition of the LesBiGayTrans International Film Festival of Asunción welcomes you.

Entries may be submitted until May 15, 2025.

INDEPENDENT CINEMA IN THE HEART OF MEDIEVAL ITALY

The Cultural Association Aedon is pleased to present the 5th Festival dei Lumi, an arts festival that takes place annually in Soriano nel Cimino, in the heart of the Cimini mountains, in the province of Viterbo.

A PLACE FULL OF HISTORY, LOVED BY ARTISTS

A place steeped in history, which belonged to the greatest families of the Italian papal aristocracy (Orsini, Colonna, Albani), it retains a strong tradition and in its recent history was the creative residence of world-famous Italian artists such as PierPaolo Pasolini, who lived in the of Chia, or Luigi Pirandello who also dedicated a poem to the beech forest of Soriano nel Cimino, from which he was greatly entranced.

WE ARE LOOKING FOR YOUR ART

Festival dei Lumi aims to propose independent Italian and international cinema to the Soriano audience.

We are looking for spontaneous films, created by artists who have the courage to use their intelligence and put their essence into their work. We are looking for sincere works, we don't care about the budget, the genre, the nation, the medium used for filming.

We are looking for artists who care about their work, who love the creative process and who don't make art out of vanity.

Cortos en Grande Short Film Festival is an event organized by Fundación Viart and Balmaceda Arte Joven that seeks to promote young creation and give a new opportunity to new generations of filmmakers, highlighting and rewarding their work and talent. Its main objective is to be a platform for dissemination and real support for the development of emerging cinema, providing its filmmakers with a space for the presentation and development of their artistic proposals.

Cine Falaz welcomes with love all productions that struggle to be recognized in their rebellion against the norm. We blur the boundaries between the real and the fictional, let's be creative, let's break the rules!

Cinema is an art that thrives on the diversity and originality of its creators. At Cine Falaz, we value all those productions that dare to be different and question the established structures. Our goal is to provide a platform for filmmakers who seek to break convention and experiment with new ways of storytelling.

We invite amateur/professional filmmakers, students, communicators, visual artists, and film lovers who have an audiovisual project and are interested in promoting and disseminating their work in different cities around the world, to participate in "Cine Falaz - International Mockumentary Festival" in its 2024 edition.

Our main objective is to host those productions that do not find their place, as they are neither fiction nor documentary. To generate a space where they are seen, promoted, reflected, and talked about.

FINCA’s seventh edition is centered on Climate Justice, addressing global warming causes and consequences with a socio-environmental approach. We aim to connect a fair green transition to economic equity, peoples’ sovereignty and gender equality. FINCA appears as a gathering point for reflection among artists, activists and specialists who see art as a fundamental tool when it comes to changing the cultural paradigm and overcoming inequality.


Our Official Section includes the following competitive categories:
International Feature Films Official Competition
International Short and Medium-length Official Competition
Latin-American Documentary Films Official Competition


Our program includes the following themes: Biodiversity, Climate Crisis, Ecofeminism, Econsciousness and Sustainability, FICDH - Human Rights, FINCA for Kids, Energy Horizons, Youth, Mother Earth, Food Sovereignty and We Are Water. We also present the Focuses, defined by specific themes or geographic criteria; Windows, featuring films screened in other festivals; and Retrospectives, highlighting global and local filmmakers’ work, as well as special presentations by guest countries.

The Cultural Association CAP 96010 has organized the 6th edition of the International Short Food Cine Festival, which will be held on 19th, 20th, and 21st of July 2024 in Portopalo di Capo Passero (Sr), Sicily.

The Festival aims to enhance and disseminate history, culture, traditions, and cuisine diversity all over the world through video language.
The competition notice is reserved for:

Short films: duration: from 3 to 20 minutes

Documentaries: maximum duration 30 minutes

The documentaries must have food as the theme, subject, or protagonist.

Works will be judged by a jury made up of national and international experts from film, publishing, and food and wine sectors. The best works will be awarded as follows.

The Liège International Comedy Film Festival explores daring, popular and unifying cinema, through a unique competition: it is the only festival in Europe to program international comedies (and sentimental, dramatic, social or horrific). The only one, also, to reward them with a Golden or Crystal Bull. Every year, since 2016, it has presented nearly twenty feature films and around thirty short films, from the four corners of the world.

The “1st National Short Film Festival of Itaiópolis - SC” – ITAICINE – is held through the Catarinense Cinema Award Special Edition Lei Paulo Gustavo 2023. It will take place from May 23 to 26, 2024 - it is an event dedicated to the promotion and celebration of diversity cinema, providing a space for filmmakers to explore and share their creative visions and narratives in short films. This festival will cover the genres of fiction, animation and documentary, which highlight different aspects of cinema, offering an enriching experience for the public and supporting the growth of national film production, as well as inspiring the public to dream, believe in the extraordinary and embrace the diversity of stories that can be told through cinema. A space where imagination can flourish and where the boundaries of reality are challenged. List the fundamental role of short films in the training of new filmmakers, allowing them to experiment, innovate and tell impactful stories in a concise and effective way, enriching Brazilian audiovisual culture and contributing to a diverse cinematographic scene.

Produced and directed by Nitram Produções Cinematográficas, Culturais e Editora Ltda, the 1st National Short Film Festival of Itaiópolis - ITAICINE - represents the celebration of the magic of cinema and the capacity that the seventh art has to transport us to worlds of adventure and fantasy, where our wildest dreams can come true on the big screen.

II – GOAL AND MAIN OBJECTIVES
The democratization of Brazilian audiovisual production is the main focus of the 1st Itaiópolis National Short Film Festival - ITAICINE. The Festival aims to contribute to the appreciation of authorial audiovisual products and features competitive exhibitions in its program established in three distinct categories: SHORT FICTION, SHORT DOCUMENTARY and SHORT ANIMATION.

The festival theme is anchored in productions that talk about “Adventures and Fantasies” and within the main theme we will bring three subgroups:

• Adventure, Travel and Nature: It is designed to celebrate and recognize films that explore the elements of adventure, fantasy, travel and nature, providing enriching cinematic experiences. This selection highlights the importance of preserving nature and exploring our ability to dream and imagine worlds beyond reality, while valuing the artistic quality and emotional impact of films. It promotes awareness of the relationship between humans and the environment, encouraging appreciation and respect for nature.

• Surreal Fantasy and Science Fiction: Here, films explore realms of dreams and alternative realities. Included will be tales that defy the laws of physics and feature magical characters, mythological beings and enchanted places, science fiction elements that explore futuristic concepts, time travel and parallel realities expanding the imagination and offering audiences the opportunity to escape into extraordinary worlds. Narratives that challenge the limits of reality, captivating viewers with exciting journeys, magical creatures and stunning landscapes.

• Children's Adventures: This category is dedicated to films suitable for all ages, which provide children and families with an unforgettable journey into magical worlds full of valuable lessons.

Mirror Mountain Film Festival brings the best in independent, alternative and underground cinema to Canada’s capital. We are a diverse and inclusive festival that welcomes all types of films and all types of people to share in the collective cinema experience. Our mission is to promote unique and original creative voices from the Ottawa-Gatineau region and from around the world. Mirror Mountain showcases innovative, groundbreaking and unconventional films in a wide variety of genres, including drama, documentary, animation, experimental, horror, sci-fi, fantasy, dance and music videos. In addition to film screenings, the festival features engaging, community-oriented activities such as live performances, hybrid media presentations, interactive exhibits, parties, panel discussions, Q&A sessions and more. Our events aim to connect filmmakers both with audiences and with one another, and to support artists through educational and professional development opportunities.

Why should I submit to Mirror Mountain?

1. Free festival pass for all filmmakers who submit

Everyone who submits a film to Mirror Mountain, regardless of whether or not it is selected, gets a free pass to attend the entire festival.

2. Free to submit for local filmmakers
Films of any length can be submitted for free if they were shot and/or edited within a 125 km radius of Ottawa. This area includes Gatineau, Maniwaki, Mont Tremblant, Montebello, Hawkesbury, Cornwall, Potsdam, Brockville, Smiths Falls, Perth, Renfrew, Arnprior and more.

3. Free submissions for alumni
If you directed a film that was officially selected in a previous edition of Mirror Mountain, you can submit again at no cost.

4. Your money back
If your film is officially selected to screen in the festival, we’ll reimburse your original submission fee.

5. We pay artist fees
If your film is officially selected to screen in the festival, you will also receive an artist fee to thank you for letting us screen your work.

6. Fewer restrictions
We have no premiere or date-of-completion requirements. Your film is still eligible even if it has screened in the Ottawa region before, has distribution, has been broadcast on television, or is available to view online.

7. Stay in the loop
After you submit your film, you’ll get a notification from the festival to confirm we’ve received your application. Later, you’ll receive a notification informing you of the results, regardless of whether or not your film was selected.

8. Awards for winning filmmakers
Awards are given out in several categories after the completion of the festival. Award winners receive a certificate and a selection of prizes donated by our sponsors.

9. Friendly and alternative atmosphere
As a community of filmmakers and artists, we strive to cultivate a vibrant, dynamic and welcoming atmosphere, where creators and audience members from diverse artistic and cultural backgrounds can come together to engage and grow through shared work and conversation.

With the aim to encourage the creation of meeting spaces for the world of medium-length films, as well as fostering interest in cinematographic creation, the Manzanares El Real City Council's Department of Culture has created the First International Festival of Medium-Length Films of Manzanares El Real called FIMMER.

All those films with a duration between 30 and 60 minutes produced after January 1, 2021 may be submitted to the contest. And each author or producer may submit up to a maximum of two works.

Entries can be submitted online, through the festhome.com platform or by email to fimmerfestival@gmail.com, where the documentation required in the bases must be included, and where the technical characteristics of the files to send.

The deadline for receiving the files is open on January 9, 2023 and will close on February 28, 2023.