Film Festivals

A former major Gulf film festival that operated in Abu Dhabi from 2007 to 2015. Image Nation Abu Dhabi now focuses on direct film and television production, with 2025-2026 titles premiering at SXSW, Cannes, and BFI London.

West Africa's longest-running film festival, held annually in October-November in Abuja, Nigeria. The 22nd edition (November 6 to 10, 2025) received 1,592 entries from 80 countries, screened 70 films, and admitted 2,500 attendees. All screenings are free.

Ghana's leading international short film festival, held annually in Accra, receiving over 500 submissions from 100-plus countries and offering a Talent Connect pipeline to Clermont-Ferrand.

Ethiopia's annual documentary and social-issue film festival, held in Addis Ababa since 2007, screening 28 films from 34 countries with free admission across four cultural institute venues.

Ethiopia's annual human rights documentary festival, held over five days in Addis Ababa, screening 30+ films on migration, gender, health, and social justice. Founded 2007 by Initiative Africa.

South Australia's premier screen event, held annually in October in Adelaide. 2026 edition runs October 14-25. Submissions via FilmFreeway with early bird/regular/late deadlines. Features the AFF Investment Fund (AFFIF) commissioning model with 150+ funded projects. Feature Fiction Award AUD $10,000. AFF Goes to Cannes partnership.

An American documentary film festival held annually in Washington, DC and Silver Spring, Maryland from 2003 to 2022. Founded by the American Film Institute and Discovery Channel as Silverdocs. Academy Award-qualifying for documentary shorts. Merged into AFI Fest in 2022 and no longer operates as a standalone festival.

The American Film Institute's annual free festival in Hollywood, now in its 40th year. Shorts-only open submissions with three deadlines; features are curator-invited. Academy Award qualifying for live-action and animated shorts.

Nigeria's premier film festival, held annually in November in Lagos, showcasing African and diaspora cinema with a film market, industry sessions, and the Globe Awards ceremony.

Nigeria's premier international film festival and one of Africa's most significant, held annually in November in Lagos. The 15th edition (November 1 to 7, 2026) includes a dedicated Film and Content Market (AFCM). Submissions via FilmFreeway, fees from $20 (features) to lower rates for shorts and students.

Kuwait's international film festival, organized by American International University, accepting Arab and international features and shorts via FilmFreeway with free submission.

Algeria's state-organized international film festival in Algiers, founded in 2002, presenting engaged cinema from the Global South with free submissions via FilmFreeway and a focus on African, Arab, and Palestinian filmmaking.

Rome's independent film festival for young audiences and emerging cinema, held October 14 to 25, 2026, alongside the Rome Film Fest with 11 competition films, open submissions via FilmFreeway, and a youth jury of 35 teenagers aged 16 to 19.

Alaska's documentary and animation film festival, held annually in October in Sitka, on Baranof Island in Southeast Alaska, screening 20 curated films from the Palm Springs AmDocs festival including Oscar-qualifying shorts.

One of the largest documentary and animation festivals in the US, held annually in Palm Springs, CA. Academy Award qualifying for documentary shorts and animated shorts. Entry fees from $20.

The world's oldest and longest-running film festival dedicated to Native American and First Nations cinema, held annually in November in San Francisco. Entry fees $52 to $62.

Jordan's leading film festival, held annually in July in Amman, dedicated to first and second feature films from the Arab world and internationally, with cash awards totaling over $50,000.

One of four FIAPF-accredited competitive animation festivals worldwide, held annually in June in Zagreb, Croatia. Free submissions. 2026 edition: June 8-13. Cash prizes from EUR 1,000 to EUR 2,500. No entry fee.

A mid-size US festival in Annapolis, Maryland, programming 70+ films across 4 days. Jury prizes of $1,000 for features and $500 for shorts. Named one of the 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World by MovieMaker Magazine.

The world's oldest and largest animation festival, held annually in June in Annecy, France. 18,200+ accredited professionals. Submission fees from EUR 0 (graduation films) to EUR 100 (features). MIFA market accreditation from EUR 420.

Turkey's oldest competitive film festival, FIAPF-accredited, held annually in October in Antalya, distributing 11 million TL in prizes across 31 categories including a 5 million TL Best Film award.

A three-day festival in Huntington, West Virginia, celebrating Appalachian filmmakers and stories. The 2026 edition runs March 20 to 22 with $25 submission fees and free student entries.

The world's oldest and largest architecture film festival, held annually in October in Rotterdam, screening 80+ films about architecture, cities, and the built environment with free submissions via the AFFR portal.

Southern Oregon's primary film festival, held annually in April at the historic Varsity Theatre in Ashland. The 25th edition runs April 23 to 26, 2026. Submissions via FilmFreeway with an October 19, 2025 deadline. Recognized twice by MovieMaker Magazine as one of the '25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World.'

An Academy Award-qualifying short film festival in Aspen, CO, holding its 35th edition April 7-11, 2026 with 61 films from 25+ countries, cash prizes from $1,000 to $2,500, and submissions via FilmFreeway with fees from $2.

North Macedonia's longest-running specialized short, documentary, and auteur film festival, held annually in August in Strumica. Founded in 2005, the 21st edition (August 4 to 8, 2026) screens approximately 20 strictly selected films from 60+ countries across Global Fiction, AsterDocs, Animotion, and Merry-Diones categories.

Paraguay's primary contemporary film festival, held annually in October in Asuncion, accepting features and shorts completed from 2025 onward with a Spanish-language requirement and a project development lab for Paraguayan filmmakers.

A film festival at Barnard College in New York City celebrating women's leadership on screen, programming features, documentaries, and short films with a $15 submission fee and year-round creative development programs.

Athens-based international film festival held annually in late September to mid-October, presenting Greek premieres of new international cinema alongside a competitive Greek short film section with 2,000 EUR Golden Athena prize.

Academy Award-qualifying US festival held annually in April in Atlanta, Georgia, screening 120+ films from 6,000+ submissions with $100,000 in cash and prizes across feature, short, and documentary categories.

Atlantic Canada's largest film festival (founded 1981), screening Canadian and international films in Halifax, NS. The 46th edition runs September 16 to 23, 2026, with awards reserved for Atlantic Canadian filmmakers and an industry co-production market.

An industry and talent development program for Moroccan, Arab, and African filmmakers, launched in 2018 by the Marrakech International Film Festival, offering project development, post-production support, and cash prizes totaling over EUR 100,000.

Academy Award-qualifying US festival held annually in October in Austin, Texas, combining a film competition with a 4-day screenwriting conference featuring 50+ panels, with film submission fees from $60 to $95 and script competition fees from $25 to $90.

Iraq's most important film festival, held in Baghdad with 423 submissions across four competitions, offering $10,000 for Best Feature Film and $5,000 for Best Short Film, organized by the Iraqi Artists Syndicate.

Bahrain's short film festival, held in Manama with 894 submissions from 55 countries in 2026, organized by the Bahrain Cinema Club across five competition categories including Bahraini, international fiction, documentary, animation, and student films.

Azerbaijan's longest-running film festival, held annually in Baku since 2004, screening 78 films from 34 countries across four competition categories with the Golden Pomegranate as its top prize and free admission to all screenings.

Azerbaijan's longest-running film festival, held annually in Baku. Competitive sections for debut features and shorts. Main prize: Golden Pomegranate. Submissions via FilmFreeway. Founded 2004.

Indonesia's first and only Academy Award-qualifying film festival, held annually in June in Bali, with tiered submission fees from $25-$65 via FilmFreeway and free entry for Indonesian filmmakers.

A nine-day competitive festival in Banff, Alberta, programming adventure, climbing, environmental, and mountain culture films with a World Tour reaching 45+ countries and over 500,000 audience members annually.

A nine-day competitive mountain and adventure film festival in Banff, Alberta, awarding $35,000 CAD in prizes with a World Tour reaching 45+ countries and 500,000+ annual audience members. Submission fees $40 to $90 through FilmFreeway.

An annual international film festival in Bangkok presenting over 200 films from 40 countries, with a Film Market connecting Thai filmmakers to international buyers and USD 37,500 in competition prize money.

A Pan-African film festival in Gaborone, Botswana, held annually since 2022. Open to African filmmakers in Africa and the diaspora, with 253 submissions from 39 countries in its 4th edition.

A competitive international film festival held each April in Beijing, featuring the Tiantan Award competition and the Beijing Film Market, one of Asia's largest platforms for Sino-foreign co-production and distribution deals.

Lebanon's international film festival, held in Beirut since 1997. Currently paused due to regional conflict. Awards the Aleph in short, documentary, and feature film competitions.

A five-day independent film festival in Bend, Oregon, screening North American features and shorts with $9,350 in cash prizes and three Academy Award-qualifying short film categories.

A FIAPF-accredited competitive film festival held annually in Bengaluru, India, programming Asian, Indian, and Kannada cinema with cash prizes across three competition sections and over 200 films from 60 countries.

Norway's second largest film festival, held over nine days each October in Bergen, programming 120+ features with a documentary focus, a human rights competition, and free open submissions.

One of the world's three major A-list film festivals, held each February in Berlin with 350,000 tickets sold, a 12,500+ professional film market (EFM), and the Golden Bear as its top prize.

A co-production financing market held during the European Film Market at the Berlinale, where 35 selected feature projects and 10 series projects meet with 600 potential partners across 1,500 pre-arranged meetings.

A competitive Berlinale section that ran from 2020 to 2024, replaced by the Perspectives competition in 2025. It presented formally innovative cinema and awarded Best Film, Best Director, and Special Jury prizes.

The UK's largest queer film festival, presented annually in March at BFI Southbank, London. 40th edition runs March 18-29, 2026. Open submissions for shorts and features with a December deadline. One of the longest-running LGBTQIA+ film festivals in the world.

The UK's largest film festival, held annually in October in London. Open submissions are limited to UK and Ireland productions. Features must be UK premieres. Entry fees range from GBP 18 to GBP 77.

A 10-day Academy Award-qualifying documentary festival in Missoula, Montana, screening approximately 150 nonfiction films. Entry fees range from $5 to $50. Winners of Best Short and Best Mini-Doc qualify for Oscar consideration.

Kyrgyzstan's international film festival, held in Bishkek, featuring international and Central Asian feature film competitions with a total prize fund of 4.5 million KGS and a CAF Pitch for Central Asian projects.

A three-day independent film festival in Rapid City, South Dakota, screening features, shorts, documentaries, and Native American cinema near the Black Hills and Lakota sacred lands.

Ghana's leading film festival, founded in 2015 by Juliet Asante in Accra, accepting submissions via FilmFreeway across 10 categories including the Ghanaian Showcase, Africa Rising, and Series, with a 19-member global jury and a focus on the business of African cinema.

Colombia's oldest film festival, held annually in November in Bogota since 1984, specializing in new directors' first, second, and third films and awarding the Golden Precolumbian Circle across international and Colombian competition categories.

A four-day independent film festival in downtown Bozeman, Montana, launching October 8-11, 2026, with competitive sections for features, shorts, documentaries, Indigenous storytelling, outdoor adventure films, and a youth division.

A short film festival in the world's first UNESCO City of Film, held annually in October in Bradford, UK, with free submissions for local filmmakers and 6 award categories for films under 15 minutes.

A four-day independent film festival in Breckenridge, Colorado, screening 100+ films across 10 competitive categories with filmmaker Q&As and panels. Ranked a USA Today Top 20 Film Festival.

Queensland's premier film festival, held annually in Brisbane. 2025 edition runs November 27-30 with 62 films including 29 Australian premieres. 6FLIX pass AUD $119 for 6 entries. Paused in 2026 for redevelopment, returning in 2027 under new Screen Queensland model. Moving Image Commission for Australian filmmakers.

An international competitive festival in Brooklyn, NY, screening 130+ films across 6 categories with $50,000 in prizes including a $10,000 studio rental credit for Best Feature Narrative.

Brunei's first and only film festival, established in 2017 in Bandar Seri Begawan, centered on a 96-hour short film competition where participants produce a 3-to-6-minute film around a secret ingredient, alongside feature screenings and filmmaking workshops.

One of Europe's largest genre film festivals, held annually in April in Brussels, screening over 100 genre films over 16 days with competitive programming for horror, fantasy, science fiction, and thriller cinema and an audience of nearly 60,000.

A nine-day film festival in Brussels screening arthouse cinema across three competitive sections, with a co-production market and industry program. 9th edition runs September 4 to 12, 2026.

Asia's largest genre film festival, held over 10 days in July in Bucheon, South Korea. 30th edition in 2026 screens 200+ films with the NAFF Project Market and Bucheon Choice competitions. Free submissions. Non-FIAPF.

Hungary's largest documentary festival, held annually in January-February in Budapest with 60 films and 250 screenings across 12 Hungarian cities, presenting competitive international and Hungarian creative documentaries with open submissions via the festival website.

Hungary's only international competitive documentary festival, held annually in late January in Budapest, programming creative documentaries from around the world with no thematic restrictions and a Hungary premiere requirement.

Latin America's leading independent film festival, held over 12 days in April in Buenos Aires. 27th edition screens 327 titles including 147 Argentine films across three competitive sections. Free submissions.

Asia's largest film festival, held over 10 days in October in Busan, South Korea. 31st edition screens 300+ films from 70+ countries with the Asian Contents & Film Market and Asian Cinema Fund. Free submissions. FIAPF A-list accredited.

Asia's leading film festival for films made by and for children and teenagers, held annually in July in Busan, South Korea. Free submission for filmmakers under 18.

The oldest and only FIAPF-accredited competitive film festival in the Arab world and Africa, held annually in November in Cairo, Egypt.

Alberta's largest film festival and an Academy Award-qualifying festival, held annually over 11 days in Calgary, Canada, screening 200+ films with over $60,000 in cash and prizes.

Cambodia's largest film festival, held annually in Phnom Penh with free admission to all screenings, presenting approximately 150 films from 40 countries across 10 venues with a focus on Cambodian cinema recovery and Southeast Asian filmmaking.

One of the UK's oldest film festivals, founded 1977. The 45th edition runs 22 October to 1 November 2026 at Arts Picturehouse and partner venues. BAFTA and BIDA-qualifying with jury and audience awards.

A top-tier US documentary festival held in Camden, Rockport, and Rockland, Maine, since 2005, with the Points North industry forum, filmmaker honorariums, and submission fees from $25 to $45.

The world's only major film festival dedicated entirely to the art of cinematography, held annually in November in Torun, Poland, with the Golden Frog as its top prize and Oscar-qualifying status for documentary shorts.

Central Africa's largest film festival, held annually in Buea, Cameroon, featuring 40 selected projects across feature films, shorts, documentaries, and TV series with workshops, masterclasses, and awards across 10 categories, founded in 2016 by Agbor Gilbert Ebot.

The oldest parallel section of the Cannes Film Festival, founded in 1962 by the French film critics' union, dedicated exclusively to first and second feature films and short films from emerging directors worldwide.

The world's most influential film festival, held annually in May on the French Riviera, where the Palme d'Or is awarded to the best feature film in Official Competition and the Marche du Film hosts the largest film market on earth.

A Pan-African film festival and market held at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, screening 120-plus films across 10 days with a market connecting African producers to international buyers.

A film festival held in Cardiff, Wales, supported by the Welsh Government and Cardiff Council, accepting international submissions across all genres with the Golden Dragon as its top individual excellence award.

One of the oldest film festivals in the world, founded in 1929 in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, newly revived in 2024 with a four-day competitive program of narrative, documentary, animation, and student films each October.

Latin America's oldest film festival, held annually in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, with 11 competitive and non-competitive sections, Oscar-qualifying status, and USD 100,000 in prize money for its 65th edition in 2026.

Latin America's oldest film festival, held in Cartagena, Colombia, with 11 competitive sections for Ibero-American and international cinema and Academy Award-qualifying status for short films and documentaries.

The oldest film festival in Africa and the Arab world, held annually in December in Tunis, Tunisia, dedicated to cinema from Africa, the Arab world, and the Global South.

An annual Arab cinema competition in Casablanca, Morocco, featuring 31 films from 13 Arab countries across feature and short categories, with open submissions and a jury headed by Nabil Ayouch.

A volunteer-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit film festival held annually in June in Chattanooga, Tennessee, programming an eclectic mix of independent films with a genre lean and a hybrid in-person and virtual format.

An 8-day annual film festival in Chennai organized by the Indo Cine Appreciation Foundation since 2003. 23rd edition December 11-18, 2025. Tamil and World Cinema competitions. Submissions via FilmFreeway.

The largest children's film festival in North America, operated by FACETS in Chicago, presenting 250+ films from 40+ countries for audiences ages 2 to 18 with Academy Award-qualifying status for short films.

The oldest competitive film festival in North America, held annually in October in Chicago, screening 180-plus films from 60-plus countries with Academy Award-qualifying short film competitions and exact submission fees from $20 to $200.

Brazil's most important regional film festival outside Rio and Sao Paulo, held annually in Recife since 1997. 30th edition in 2026. Free submissions for Brazilian films and co-productions.

Luxembourg's largest film festival, held annually in October, dedicated to cinema from Central and Eastern Europe, with 60 features and 50 shorts, a 7-film competition, and an online cinema platform.

Brighton's annual film festival, held October-November across 18 days, screening 32+ previews, UK premieres, and local shorts at Duke of York's, Dukes at Komedia, Fabrica, ACCA, and Depot Lewes. BIDA-qualifying.

A boutique open-air festival held annually in late July in Gorski Kotar, Croatia, screening 100+ independent and arthouse films with the Propeller Cinehill competition award and European Film Award-qualifying short film category.

A monthly Mexican cinema screening series at the historic Fox Tucson Theatre in Tucson, Arizona, running September through May since 2021, presenting new Mexican films with filmmaker Q&As. Evolved from the annual Tucson Cine Mexico festival (2009 to 2020).

The Philippines' leading independent film festival, held annually in August in Manila, awarding P2 million in production grants to 10 feature finalists and P150,000 for Best Short Film, open exclusively to Filipino filmmakers.

A competitive festival dedicated to Mediterranean cinema, held annually in October in Montpellier, France, programming feature films, documentaries, and shorts from countries across the Mediterranean basin, the Black Sea, Portugal, and Armenia.

Ivory Coast's longest-running film festival, held annually in Abidjan, featuring short film competitions for young filmmakers from the eight UEMOA member states across West Africa.

The world's largest short film festival, held annually in late January and early February in central France, screening 500-plus films with a submission fee of 13 euros and the largest short film market globally, attracting 4,100-plus industry professionals and 173,000-plus admissions.

A 501(c)(3) nonprofit film festival in Cleveland, Ohio, screening 300+ films from 59 countries with $72,000 in cash prizes and Academy Award-qualifying status for all three short film categories.

A 501(c)(3) nonprofit film festival in Cleveland, Ohio, screening 300+ films from 59 countries with $72,000 in cash prizes and Academy Award-qualifying status for all three short film categories.

Sri Lanka's government-backed international film festival, organized by the National Film Corporation and Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority. The 2024 edition ran July 8 to 14 in Colombo, screening award-winning films from Iran, France, India, South Korea, China, Japan, and Germany. Free admission to all screenings.

A week-long independent film festival in Columbia, Maryland, screening 45+ films online and in person with an all-festival pass at $65, presented by Columbia Festival of the Arts.

A regional independent film festival based in Danbury, Connecticut, founded in 2005 as the Bethel Film Festival and relocated to Danbury in 2008. The festival screens independent international and American cinema, music performances, and filmmaking workshops. Currently inactive with no confirmed upcoming editions as of July 2026.

A five-day film festival in Reno-Tahoe, Nevada, ranked in the Top 1% of 15,000+ festivals on FilmFreeway, programming 150+ films from 4,000+ submissions across 83 countries with $1,000+ cash prizes and a PitchFest competition valued at up to $175,000.

Ireland's oldest and largest film festival, held annually in November in Cork, with three Academy Award-qualifying short film categories, BAFTA and European Film Award accreditation, and 15 competitive awards.

Ireland's oldest film festival, held annually in November in Cork, presenting 15 awards across features and shorts with three Academy Award-qualifying short film categories and open submissions via FilmFreeway.

Costa Rica's government-backed international film festival, held annually in San Jose, featuring competitive Central American and Caribbean feature and short film sections with cash prizes, a post-production lab, and free public screenings across the country.

One of Europe's largest documentary festivals, held annually in March in Copenhagen. 23rd edition (2026) screened 200+ films with 74 competition titles including 53 world premieres. DOX:AWARD prize EUR 10,000. CPH:FORUM co-production market. Submissions open May 2026.

One of Europe's largest documentary festivals, held annually in March in Copenhagen with 200+ films, seven competition categories totaling EUR 46,400 in prizes, and the CPH:FORUM co-production market.

Copenhagen's international fiction film festival, permanently closed in 2022 after 12 editions. Founded in 2008 from the merger of NatFilm Festival and Copenhagen International Film Festival. Copenhagen Film Festivals now operates CPH:DOX and BUSTER only.

Austria's socially engaged European film festival, held annually in April/May in Linz with free submissions, 140+ films, and EUR 27,000+ in prize money across fiction, documentary, and local artist competitions.

An independent film festival in Jackson, Mississippi, run by the Crossroads Film Society. 100+ films screened over 3-4 days each April. Submit via FilmFreeway. No premiere requirement. Awards include the Ruma Award for Most Promising Mississippi Filmmaker.

San Francisco Cinematheque's annual experimental film festival at Gray Area, screening avant-garde film, video, and performance cinema with $25-30 entry fees and rental fees paid to all selected artists.

Cyprus's official international film festival, held annually in April across Nicosia and Limassol. 24th edition ran April 17 to 25, 2026. Best Film Award EUR 6,000. Submissions via FilmFreeway. Organized by the Deputy Ministry of Culture and Rialto Theatre.

Barcelona's leading auteur cinema festival, held over 11 days in March. 16th edition in 2026 drew 31,102 spectators across 5 venues. Talents Award of 15,000 euros. Goya-qualifying for short films. Catalan premiere minimum.

Senegal's state-backed film festival in Dakar, operating intermittently since 1990, presenting Senegalese and African cinema alongside international selections and industry panels on cinema and development.

An eight-day Academy Award-qualifying film festival in Dallas, Texas, screening 120+ films from 150+ countries with Grand Jury Prizes in narrative, documentary, Texas, and short film categories.

Austria's first screendance festival, held annually in Graz at the Museum of Contemporary Arts, presenting competitive international dance films up to 25 minutes with an On Tour program reaching partner festivals across Europe.

Oklahoma's largest film festival and the state's only Oscar-qualifying event, screening roughly 200 films over five days each June in Oklahoma City with Academy Award-qualifying status in all three short film categories.

A five-day international film festival in New Delhi, India, organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and IGNCA. The 15th edition (May 4 to 8, 2026) screens 175 films from 60+ countries with free public entry.

One of the oldest film festivals in the United States, founded in 1978 and now in its 49th year. Screens 250+ films over 11 days each October-November in Denver, Colorado, with $10,000 and $2,500 cash prizes across juried and audience competitions.

The world's largest food film festival, held annually in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada, programming 70+ culinary cinema events with Golden Tine Awards across short and feature categories and entry fees through FilmFreeway.

Bangladesh's leading international film festival, held annually in January in Dhaka, presenting Asian and world cinema with a focus on humanistic and social values. Free to submit.

Bangladesh's leading international film festival, organized by Rainbow Film Society since 1992, with 250 films selected from thousands of submissions, free entry, and 22+ awards across Asian Competition and Women Filmmakers sections.

An annual film festival in Dili, Timor-Leste, screening 70+ films across Platinum Cineplex and open-air Beachside Cinema venues, with an international competition via FilmFreeway and a national short film competition for Timorese filmmakers.

South Korea's leading peace and human rights documentary festival, held each September near the Demilitarized Zone in Paju and Goyang. Free submissions, 20,000,000 KRW grand prize, Asian premiere requirement for international competition.

New Zealand's Oscar-qualifying documentary festival, held annually across Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch with 75+ films, 12 immersive projects, and an industry conference for Asia-Pacific documentary filmmakers.

America's largest documentary festival, held in Manhattan November 11-29, 2026, with NYC premiere minimum requirement, DOC NYC PRO industry conference, and $70,000 in Pitch Day grants.

The professional development and industry arm of DOC NYC, America's largest documentary festival, offering year-round programming, pitch competitions, and an 8-day industry conference in November.

An independent documentary film festival held annually in December at Babylon Cinema in Berlin, presenting approximately 30 international documentary shorts and features selected from over 2,000 submissions.

Israel's largest documentary festival and the only festival in the country dedicated exclusively to documentary film. Academy Award-qualifying for Best Documentary Feature and Best Documentary Short. Held each May-June in Tel Aviv with Israeli premiere requirement.

Mozambique's international documentary film festival, held annually in September in Maputo, founded in 2006 by Pedro Pimenta and produced by Ebano Multimedia in association with AMOCINE, screening 70 to 80 documentaries across Mozambican, Lusophone, and international sections.

Portugal's leading documentary festival and the only Portuguese festival with Academy Award-qualifying status. Held each October in Lisbon with 10,000 euros in international competition prizes and tiered submission fees from 15 to 50 euros.

Ukraine's largest documentary festival, holding its 23rd edition June 5-12, 2026 in Kyiv, with 3 competition sections (DOCU/WORLD, DOCU/SHORT, DOCU/UKRAINE), submission fees from $10 to $30 via FilmFreeway, and 35,000 UAH jury prizes.

Qatar's premier film festival, presented by the Doha Film Institute in Doha, November 19 to 27, 2026, with free short film submissions across International Short, Ajyal Film Competition (youth-focused), and Made in Qatar categories, requiring Middle Eastern premiere status.

One of the world's oldest documentary and animation festivals, held annually over six days in October in Leipzig, Germany, presenting four competitive sections with Oscar-qualifying Golden Dove awards, a 35-project Co-Pro Market, and tiered submission fees from EUR 35 to EUR 60.

Kosovo's largest film festival, held annually in August in Prizren. BAFTA-qualifying and EFA-nominating for short films, screening 200+ films across historic venues.

A defunct film festival that ran in Dubai from 2004 to 2017 (14 editions), formerly the leading platform for Arab cinema in the Gulf region. No revival has been announced as of 2026.

Ireland's premier international film festival, held February 19 to March 1, 2026 in Dublin, presenting the Volta Award for lifetime achievement and competitive awards across features, documentaries, and shorts with submissions via FilmFreeway.

A regional film festival in Duluth, Minnesota, that ran from 2010 to 2024. The parent organization, Northern Film Alliance, announced in 2025 that the festival will not be organized for the foreseeable future. Historical reference only.

Africa's oldest film festival (founded 1979), Oscar-qualifying for documentary and short film, held annually in July in Durban with 100+ films, an industry programme, and the Durban FilmMart co-production forum.

Tajikistan's primary international film festival, held biennially in October in Dushanbe under presidential patronage, organized by the state institution Tojikfilm.

A food and film publication and event platform founded by Gary Meyer in San Francisco, co-presenting food-themed films at festivals and events throughout the year, with a planned festival programme and weekly online editorial coverage of food, drink, and cinema.

The world's oldest continually running film festival (founded 1947), held annually in August in Edinburgh with 38+ features, a GBP 50,000 feature prize, and a GBP 15,000 short prize, running concurrent with the Edinburgh Fringe.

The world's oldest continually running film festival, held August 13-19, 2026 in Edinburgh, presenting 38 new features with 21 world premieres and the Sean Connery Prize for Feature Filmmaking Excellence, with submissions via FilmFreeway at $55-$125 depending on deadline.

An international short film festival held annually in November in Edinburgh, Scotland, accepting films up to 25 minutes across all genres with entry fees from GBP 13 to GBP 20 and awards for Best Film, Best Animation, and Best Scottish Short. BIFA-qualifying festival.

Alberta's Oscar-qualifying film festival (founded 1986), celebrating its 40th edition September 24 to October 3, 2026 with 160+ films from 40+ countries and 2,000+ annual submissions. The final Oscar qualifier on the calendar year.

Alberta's Oscar-qualifying film festival (founded 1986), celebrating its 40th edition September 24 to October 3, 2026 with 160+ films from 40+ countries and 2,000+ annual submissions. The final Oscar qualifier on the calendar year.

The UK's leading short film and animation festival, held annually in September in Bristol (UNESCO City of Film), presenting a 6-day international competition with Academy Award, BAFTA, and European Film Award qualifying status and over GBP 5,000 in prizes.

Africa's premier documentary festival, founded in 1999 in Cape Town and Johannesburg. 28th edition ran June 4-14, 2026. South African and African entries are free. International submissions from $10 via FilmFreeway.

Ecuador's longest-running documentary film festival, held annually in Quito since 2002. Non-competitive, free submissions, accepting creative documentaries from Latin America and worldwide.

The world's largest environmental film festival, held annually in March across 20+ venues in Washington, DC. The 34th edition in 2026 runs March 19 to 28, screening 70+ films with $30,000 in cash awards. Submissions open mid-summer via FilmFreeway with a December 1 deadline.

The only FIAPF-accredited film festival in Central Asia, held annually in Almaty, Kazakhstan, featuring international competition for European and Asian features and a dedicated Central Asian and Turkic world competition.

Iran's most important film festival, held annually in February in Tehran, presenting the Crystal Simorgh awards for Iranian cinema and an international competition with Golden Simorgh prizes of 800 million IRR for Best Film.

North America's largest genre film festival, held over 18 days each July in Montreal, screening approximately 150 films from 40+ countries with the Cheval Noir competition, Frontieres co-production market, and Canadian Screen Award qualifying status.

Portugal's longest-running genre film festival, held annually in Porto since 1981, celebrating fantasy, horror, and science fiction cinema with free submissions and competitive programming across five sections.

Portugal's longest-running genre film festival, held annually in February-March at Batalha Centro de Cinema in Porto, presenting competitive fantasy, horror, and auteur cinema with free submissions and no entry fees.

The largest genre film festival in the United States, held annually in September at Alamo Drafthouse in Austin, Texas, with FIAPF Competitive Specialised accreditation, approximately 100 features and 80 shorts, and a Fantastic Pitches project development program.

A competitive film festival at the historic Fargo Theatre in Fargo, ND, screening juried films across 8 categories with Best in Show awards and special honors including the Ted M. Larson Award.

A free-to-submit fashion film festival in Milan, Italy, programming fashion cinema, advertising films, and experimental work during Milan Fashion Week with 200 films selected from over 1,000 annual submissions across 60 countries.

A short film festival held annually in May in Schull, West Cork, Ireland, presenting 123 free short film screenings across 7 competition categories with EUR 5,000 top prizes and submissions via FilmFreeway at EUR 20 to EUR 50.

Africa's largest film festival, held biennially in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, open only to African and diaspora filmmakers for competition, with the Golden Stallion of Yennenga as its top prize and the MICA industry marketplace.

Serbia's largest film festival, founded in 1971, returning October 2-11, 2026 after a 2.5-year pause with competitive international and Serbian programs and the Belgrade Victor awards.

Brazil's leading international short film festival, held annually in Belo Horizonte with free submissions, competitive sections for Brazilian and international shorts, and a Capybara Trophy with cash prizes.

Uruguay's primary international film festival, organized by Cinemateca Uruguaya, with 209 films and 125 continental premieres across 7 competition categories, held March 30 to April 12, 2026 in Montevideo.

Brazil's Academy Award-qualifying short film festival, held annually in Rio de Janeiro. 35th edition March 25 to April 1, 2026. Max 30 minutes, all genres, FilmFreeway submissions.

The Dominican Republic's leading international film festival, held annually in Santo Domingo, presenting 160+ films across competitive categories for first-time filmmakers and short film directors from the Caribbean and worldwide.

Puerto Rico's flagship film festival, held annually in late August to early September in San Juan. The 2025 edition runs August 28 to September 3 at Fine Arts Cinema Cafe in Miramar and Caribbean Cinema in Ponce. Originally founded in 1988 as Festival Cine San Juan, the festival has presented over 1,000 films from 20+ countries. Executive Director: Jose Artemio Torres.

Spain's leading competitive festival for Spanish and Ibero-American cinema, held annually in March in Malaga, with Biznaga de Oro prizes of 8,000 EUR and a FIAPF-accredited industry program.

Venezuela's national film festival, held annually in Merida since 2005 and relocated to Margarita from 2024, showcasing Venezuelan features, documentaries, and shorts with support from CNAC and Fundearc, declared regional cultural heritage in 2022.

A competitive festival held annually in November in Nantes, France, dedicated exclusively to feature films from Africa, Asia, and Latin America, with a co-production workshop (Produire au Sud) for emerging producers from the Global South.

The Festival du film de Vendome was a short film festival in the Loire Valley that ran 23 editions from 1992 to 2014 before being discontinued. The venue now hosts the Little Film Festival, a summer children's cinema program at Ciné Vendôme running June 28 to August 31, 2026.

Canada's oldest film festival (founded 1971), presenting 200+ films from 60 countries in Montreal each October. The 55th edition runs October 7 to 18, 2026. Oscar-qualifying for short films, with a focus on formally innovative and emerging cinema.

Canada's oldest film festival, held annually in October in Montreal, presenting 200+ films from 60 countries with a focus on auteur cinema, experimental work, and digital arts. Academy Award-qualifying for short films.

A government-organized Latin American and Caribbean film festival in Caracas, Venezuela, founded in 2014 with free submissions for CELAC productions and cash prizes of $4,000 to $10,000.

El Salvador's leading international film festival, held annually in San Salvador with free screenings across unconventional venues, presenting Central American and Latin American cinema alongside educational programming.

Bolivia's leading film festival, held annually in Santa Cruz de la Sierra. Free submission. Iberoamerican Ibershorts qualifying festival. 26th edition in 2026.

Chile's heritage and archival film festival, held annually in Valparaíso since 1997, screening restored and preserved films in 35mm and 16mm with free admission at the Teatro Municipal de Valparaíso.

Southern Brazil's oldest film festival, held annually in Florianopolis since 1997. 30th edition in 2026. Free submissions for Mercosul countries, with co-production market and 9,100+ attendees.

Latin America's leading politically engaged film festival, held annually in December in Havana, Cuba. Founded 1979 by ICAIC. 46th edition received 2,051 submissions, selected 114 titles competing for Coral Awards across fiction, documentary, and animation.

Morocco's auteur cinema festival, founded in 1994 in Rabat, with feature, short, and documentary competitions, a film market, and FIPRESCI jury recognition, held each November with free public passes.

Mali's documentary film festival, held in January in Bamako, presenting 12 African documentary films in competition with the Grand Prix Yeelen as its top award, a writing residency for 6 projects, and 9 total prizes across features and shorts.

Mexico's university-backed international film festival, held annually at UNAM in Mexico City, presenting 100+ films across International Competition, Ahora Mexico, Umbrales, Catapulta, and Aciertos sections with the Puma de Plata awards carrying $150,000 MXN prizes and free open submissions.

Argentina's international documentary festival, held annually in late November in Buenos Aires. 13th edition: Nov 24-30, 2026. 60 films from 24 countries in 2025. Argentine films submit free. Submissions via FilmFreeway.

France's leading festival for documentary and hybrid cinema, held annually in July in Marseille, programming formally adventurous nonfiction, essay films, and experimental work that defies genre categorization.

Belgium's largest film festival, held annually in October in Ghent. Unique focus on film music with the World Soundtrack Awards. Entry fees EUR 25-75.

Belgium's largest film festival, held annually in October in Ghent. 100,000+ visitors. Competitive focus on impact of music on film. World Soundtrack Awards. Submission fees EUR 25-75. Founded 1974.

Germany's leading festival for audiovisual storytelling, held annually over eight days in October in Cologne, presenting international features, documentaries, TV series, and NRW-produced films with EUR 75,000 in total prize money and no submission fees.

Washington DC's international film festival, held annually in April. Founded in 1986, the festival celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2026 with 11 days of programming. The 2026 edition ran April 16 to 26, featuring films from 36+ countries with juried and audience awards across features, documentaries, and shorts. Submissions accepted via FilmFreeway with a January deadline.

Northern Germany's largest film festival, held annually over ten days in late September in Hamburg, presenting 118 features from 55 countries across 15 cinemas with EUR 145,000 in total prize money and a growing Industry Days program.

Oslo's oldest film festival, dedicated to cinema from Africa, Asia, and Latin America. 35th edition Nov 6-16, 2025 with 100+ films from 40+ countries. Silver Mirror Award for best fiction. Tickets from 170 NOK. Festival pass 1550 NOK. Venues: Vika Kino, Cinemateket, Vega Scene.

An annual streaming film festival presented by FanForce TV during Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week, showcasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cinema with All Access passes at $38 AUD.

Italy's dedicated Korean cinema festival, held annually in Florence, screening contemporary and classic Korean films with jury and audience awards and guests of honour from the Korean film industry.

A 10-day Oscar-qualifying festival at the Enzian Theater in Maitland, Florida, screening 160+ films and qualifying shorts in all three Academy Award categories.

Louisville's annual independent film festival, presented by the Louisville Film Society every July. Now in its 16th year, screening indie features, documentaries, and shorts from Kentucky and beyond. Tickets $10 to $15. Submissions via FilmFreeway.

The world's oldest and largest LGBTQ+ film festival, held over 11 days each June in San Francisco and Oakland, screening 140+ films from 35 countries. The 50th edition runs June 17-27, 2026.

One of the oldest and largest LGBTQ+ film festivals in the United States, held annually in September in Fresno's Historic Tower District, screening international features, documentaries, and shorts over five days.

The UK's largest genre film festival, held annually over the August Bank Holiday weekend in London across six screens at ODEON Leicester Square, programming horror, sci-fi, fantasy, and thriller cinema since 2000.

Fukuoka's continuing Asian cinema festival, held annually in October at the Fukuoka Asian Art Museum, screening 11 films across 5 days in 2025 with a 2026 edition planned for October 8-12.

A four-day documentary-only festival in Durham, NC, programmed by Duke University. Academy Award-qualifying for Best Documentary Short Film with $50,000 in cash prizes across 10 award categories.

A four-day Academy Award-qualifying documentary festival held each April in Durham, North Carolina, screening 70 documentary films with $45,000 in juried cash prizes and an intimate filmmaker-first atmosphere.

Ireland's leading competitive film festival, held annually in July in Galway, screening 97 features and over 100 shorts across six days with open submissions via FilmFreeway and an industry marketplace (Galway Film Fair).

Ireland's leading independent film festival, held annually in July in Galway, with Academy Award qualifying short film categories and the Galway Film Fair industry marketplace.

A four-day independent film festival in Asbury Park and Cranford, New Jersey, requiring a New Jersey premiere for all films except student work, with competitive film, screenplay, and movie music categories and a Rising Star Award. The 24th annual runs March 26-29, 2026.

The Caribbean's premier community short film festival, held annually in Kingston, Jamaica, with 34 films from 13 countries in 2025 and a 14th edition running May 30 to June 7, 2026.

World's leading film festival for children and youth, held annually in July in Giffoni Valle Piana, Italy, with over 5,000 young jurors from 30 countries judging competitive sections across age groups from 3 to 26 and open submissions via FilmFreeway.

Manitoba's largest film festival and Canada's biggest rural film festival, held annually in July in Gimli on Lake Winnipeg, screening 100+ films with free beach screenings and paying all filmmakers IMAA fees.

A Canadian documentary festival (founded 2008) produced by the Winnipeg Film Group at the Dave Barber Cinematheque. The 17th edition runs November 5 to 8, 2026. Canadian Screen Award qualifying, with free submissions and a 30-day documentary challenge.

Catalan international film festival held over 5 days in November in Girona. 37th edition in 2025 at Casa de Cultura and Auditori venues. FilmFreeway submissions. 16 award categories. Founded 1989. Ranked #10 on FilmFreeway globally.

Scotland's largest film festival, held February 25 to March 8, 2026 in Glasgow, presenting 126 films from 44 countries with 16 world/European/international premieres and a single Audience Award for first or second-time directors, with submissions via FilmFreeway at $60-$90.

Scotland's largest film festival, screening 126 films across 12 days in February and March. Requires UK premiere minimum. Feature-only submissions via FilmFreeway with fees from $60 to $90.

The Netherlands' only dedicated short film festival, held annually in April in Nijmegen. Academy Award-qualifying across four competition categories, with 300+ films screened and 550+ industry professionals attending from 33 countries.

Armenia's international film festival, held annually in July in Yerevan. 23rd edition: July 12-19, 2026. Submission fee $30 USD for features, free for shorts. Films completed after July 15, 2025 eligible. Via FilmFreeway.

Armenia's premier international film festival, held annually in July in Yerevan. Competitive sections for features, documentaries, and shorts. Submission fee $30 via FilmFreeway. Founded 2004.

The highest honor for Chinese-language cinema, held annually in November in Taipei. 63rd edition runs November 6 to 22, 2026, with 593 submissions in 2025. Short film winners are Academy Award-eligible.

Scandinavia's largest film festival, screening 450+ films from 60 countries across 11 days in late January. Home of the Nordic Film Market industry platform and the Dragon Award Best Nordic Film worth 400,000 SEK.

Scandinavia's largest film festival, held January 23 to February 1, 2026 in Gothenburg, presenting 266 films from 76 countries with the Dragon Award Best Nordic Film worth SEK 400,000 (approx EUR 37,000) and submissions at EUR 35 for non-Swedish films (Swedish films free).

A year-round festival at the historic Tarlton Theatre in Green Bay, Wisconsin, with spring and fall sessions. The 2026 spring event runs March 14 with a $200 Best of Fest cash award.

A non-competitive festival in Montpelier, Vermont, screening world cinema and independent film since 1997. The 25th edition runs March 12 to 15, 2026.

Mexico's largest film festival and the leading competitive showcase for Ibero-American cinema, held annually in Guadalajara with 10 competitive sections and a co-production market.

Latin America's most active co-production market and competitive festival, held annually in April in Guadalajara, Mexico, with 400 MXN feature submission fees, a Mexican premiere requirement, and the Mayahuel and Mezcal awards across Ibero-American and Mexican cinema.

Latin America's leading Ibero-American film festival and industry market, held annually in April in Guadalajara, Mexico. 41st edition runs April 17 to 25, 2026, with free submissions and cash prizes up to MX$500,000.

China's only state-level documentary festival with financing and trading functions, held annually in Guangzhou, featuring the Golden Kapok Award competition and Asia's largest documentary pitching and co-production market.

Israel's longest-running international film festival, held over 8 days in September-October in Haifa, presenting competitive Israeli and international cinema across 4 competition sections with the Carmel Award for Best International Film and the Golden Anchor for Best Debut, programmed by invitation only with no unsolicited submissions.

A competitive fall festival held annually in October in East Hampton, NY, with $196,500 in awards and two Academy Award-qualifying short film categories.

Vietnam's first international film festival, held biennially in Hanoi since 2010. The 8th edition runs November 24-28, 2026 with a debut film market and cash prizes up to $5,000 for Best Feature Film.

The largest competitive festival for Latin American and Caribbean cinema, held annually in December in Havana, Cuba, with Coral Awards across 9 categories and the MECLA regional film market.

Latin America's longest-running politically engaged film festival, held annually in December in Havana, screening 330+ films from 42 countries with Coral Awards across fiction, documentary, opera prima, animation, and short film categories.

A competitive film festival held annually in October in Honolulu, programming Asian, Pacific, and North American cinema with a Hawaii premiere requirement and open submissions via FilmFreeway.

Finland's largest film festival, held annually in September in Helsinki, presenting adventurous international and Finnish cinema with a competitive short film program for Finnish filmmakers.

Montenegro's largest film festival and a newly FIAPF-accredited event, held each August in Herceg Novi with feature film, documentary, and student competitions, the Montenegro Film Rendezvous industry days, and outdoor screenings in historic fortresses.

Japan's only Academy Award-qualifying animation festival, held biennially in Hiroshima with 4 competition categories and 3,181 submissions from 110 countries in 2026.

Vietnam's newest international film festival, founded in 2024 in Ho Chi Minh City, organized by Vietfest and the HCMC government. 2025 edition postponed; HIFF returns in 2026 with the Golden Star Award for Best Southeast Asian Film.

An Oscar and BAFTA-qualifying short film festival in Hollywood, CA, since 2005, screening 300+ shorts over 10 days with 4 Academy Award-qualifying categories and an LA premiere requirement.

One of Asia's oldest film festivals, held annually in spring in Hong Kong, featuring Firebird Award competitions for young cinema, documentaries, and shorts, plus the HAF co-production market and FILMART.

North America's largest documentary festival, held annually in April-May in Toronto, screening 200+ documentaries with the Hot Docs Forum pitching market and Deal Maker one-on-one meetings. Academy Award and BAFTA qualifying.

North America's largest documentary festival and market, held annually in April-May in Toronto, presenting 200+ documentaries and hosting the Hot Docs Forum co-production market. Academy Award and BAFTA qualifying.

North America's largest documentary festival, held annually in April-May in Toronto, screening 200+ documentaries with the Hot Docs Forum pitching market and Deal Maker one-on-one meetings. Academy Award and BAFTA qualifying.

An 11-day curated film festival in Houston, Texas, programming cinema in dialogue with visual arts, with an open CineSpace NASA short film competition and a Borders/No Borders regional shorts program.

A film festival in Hyderabad, Telangana, organized by the Hyderabad Film Club since 2007. The city also hosts the Hyderabad International Short Film Festival (December 19-21, 2025) and the Cinetaria International Film Festival (November 5 - December 4, 2026).

The world's longest-running aerial film festival, held annually in September in Saint-Hilaire-du-Touvet, France, with free submissions for films about air, flight, and aerial sports, screening approximately 30 competition films to 5,000 spectators.

Central America's longest-running international film festival, held annually in November in Guatemala City, with competitive sections for Central American and international fiction, documentary, animation, and experimental films.

The co-production and co-financing market of the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA), connecting documentary projects in development and production with international broadcasters, financiers, and co-producers.

The world's largest documentary co-production and financing market, operating during IDFA each November in Amsterdam, connecting documentary projects in production with international broadcasters, co-producers, and financiers.

Slovakia's FIAPF-accredited international film festival, held annually in June in Kosice. 32nd edition in 2026 with four competitive sections and 130+ films.

The Goa edition of the International Film Festival of India, held annually in November across Panaji and wider Goa since 2004, combining competitive screenings with the IFFIESTA cultural festival and WAVES Film Bazaar industry market.

The Netherlands' largest genre film festival, held annually in late October/early November in Amsterdam, presenting fantasy, horror, sci-fi, and speculative cinema with Silver Melies competition awards.

New York's science cinema festival, now in its 19th edition as the Science New Wave Festival, presenting 64 films annually on the Labocine platform and in-person at NYC venues, with the Symbiosis scientist-filmmaker collaboration program.

The world's largest Indigenous film and media arts festival, held annually in June in Toronto, presenting work by Indigenous filmmakers across film, video, audio, and digital media.

New England's highest-attended film festival, held annually in April across three historic Boston-area cinemas, programming 90+ independent features, documentaries, and shorts with filmmaker Q&As and nightly parties.

A four-day independent film festival in Memphis, Tennessee, programming short films, Hometowner features, music videos, and youth work with cash awards and a Memphis premiere requirement.

Lisbon's leading independent film festival, held annually in April-May, with 6 competitive sections, FilmFreeway submissions, and cash prizes up to 15,000 EUR for features and 4,000 EUR for shorts.

Portugal's leading independent film festival, held annually in April-May in Lisbon, presenting 241 films across 6 competitive sections with open submissions via FilmFreeway and a EUR 15,000 top prize.

Indianapolis's independent film festival, held annually in April, programming approximately 25 features and 100 shorts across four competitive categories with cash prizes.

The largest faith-based film and music festival in the US, held annually in Orlando, Florida, with competitive categories across feature films, shorts, documentaries, music videos, and scripts, accepting submissions via FilmFreeway from over 60 countries.

India's premier competitive festival for documentaries and short films, held annually in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, organized by the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy.

The world's largest documentary film festival, held annually in November in Amsterdam, screening 300+ documentaries with the IDFA Forum co-production market and DocLab immersive program. Oscar qualifying.

Asia's oldest competitive film festival, held annually in November in Goa, with FIAPF accreditation and a total awards purse of approximately USD 114,000 across Golden Peacock and Silver Peacock prizes.

One of India's most cinephile-driven film festivals, held annually in December in Thiruvananthapuram, featuring an international competition for Asian, African, and Latin American cinema and a major Malayalam cinema section.

Panama's premier film festival, 14th edition April 9-12, 2026 in Panama City. 40 films from Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Audience Award sponsored by Copa Airlines. Primera Mirada post-production fund up to $15,000. Su Mirada fund $15,000 for women filmmakers. Venues: Teatro Nacional, Ciudad de las Artes, Bio Museum.

A major European festival held annually in January-February in Rotterdam, screening 450+ films and championing independent and experimental cinema through its Tiger Competition and Hubert Bals Fund.

One of Europe's largest film festivals, held annually in late January in Rotterdam, with a signature Tiger Competition for first, second, and third-time directors offering a EUR 40,000 top prize and strict world premiere requirements.

One of the world's oldest short film festivals, FIAPF-accredited, held annually in May in Oberhausen, Germany, with 45,000 EUR in total prize money across five competitions and free submission for the first five entries.

A sports film festival in Castellammare di Stabia, Italy, returning in 2026 for its 5th edition (November 23 to 28). Accepts documentaries, fiction, animation, and digital productions where sport plays a central role. Also affiliated with FICTS and ISFF Slovenia (June 17 to 19, 2026).

The world's oldest wildlife film festival, held annually in April at the Roxy Theater in Missoula, Montana. The 49th edition runs April 18 to 23, 2026, with a virtual program April 25 to May 1. Submissions open through FilmFreeway with deadlines from October 2025 to January 2026.

The world's longest-running wildlife film festival, held annually in April at The Roxy Theater in Missoula, Montana. 49th edition runs April 18-23, 2026 with a virtual program April 26-May 1. Open submissions via FilmFreeway with four deadlines from October to January.

An annual short documentary film festival run by University of Iowa students in Iowa City, IA. The 2026 edition runs April 23 to 26 at FilmScene and the Adler Journalism Building. Submissions via FilmFreeway with fees of $15 to $25 ($10 to $15 for students). Accepts nonfiction films of 30 minutes or less that explore the boundaries of documentary form.

Egypt's dedicated documentary and short film festival, held annually in Ismailia, screening Arab, African, and international nonfiction and short form cinema with competitive sections and a project development marketplace.

Turkey's most important film festival, FIAPF-accredited as a Competitive Specialized Feature Film Festival, held annually in April in Istanbul, presenting competitive international and Turkish cinema with the Golden Tulip as its top prize.

Turkey's leading international film festival, held annually in April by IKSV in Istanbul, with the Golden Tulip as its top prize and a competition format mixing Turkish and international cinema.

The top awards in nature, wildlife, and conservation filmmaking, organized by Jackson Wild in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. 2026 entry fees range $50 to $240 per category with a May 8, 2026 deadline.

Indonesia's first major international film festival, founded in Jakarta in 1999 with funding from foreign donors. The festival has been on indefinite hiatus since 2014. As of July 2026, no revival has been announced.

South Korea's largest indie and arthouse film festival, held annually in late April/early May in Jeonju. 27th edition runs April 29-May 8, 2026. Open submissions via FilmFreeway and FestHome for International Competition (first/second features, $30 fee, Asian premiere required).

South Korea's leading alternative film festival, held annually in April-May in Jeonju. 27th edition screens 237 films from 54 countries with 78 world premieres. International Competition for first/second features. USD $30 submission fee via FilmFreeway. Grand Prize KRW 20M (~$13,200).

Israel's leading film festival, held annually in July at the Jerusalem Cinematheque and Sultan's Pool, screening approximately 200 films with NIS 1 million in prizes and Oscar qualifying short film competition.

Central Europe's largest documentary film festival, held annually in October in Jihlava, Czech Republic, focused on creative and experimental documentary with a EUR 25 submission fee and USD 10,000 top prize.

Central Europe's largest documentary festival, held annually in October in Jihlava, Czech Republic, with a EUR 25 submission fee, world premiere requirements for competition, USD 10,000 Opus Bonum prize, and Academy Award qualifying status for short documentaries.

Africa's premier film festival in Johannesburg, held March 3-8, 2026 under the theme 'Feel the Frame,' screening 60+ curated films from 770 submissions across 98 countries with the JBX industry market.

The oldest film festival in Africa and the Arab world, held annually in Tunis, Tunisia, presenting competitive Arab and African cinema with the Tanit d'Or as its top prize and a professional development program through Carthage Pro.

A free, biannual non-competitive short film festival in Juneau, Alaska, run by the Juneau Underground Motion Picture Society, screening films under 10 minutes with a Juneau connection.

A comedy film festival held each July in Montreal as part of the Just For Laughs festival, featuring JFL Shorts and JFL Pilots competitions in partnership with Will Arnett's Electric Avenue, with development deals for selected filmmakers.

A four-day Academy Award-qualifying festival in Kansas City, Missouri, screening approximately 150 films with competitive categories for features, shorts, and Midwest filmmakers.

Taiwan's third-largest film festival, held annually in October in Kaohsiung, with the country's only international short film and XR competition.

A FIAPF-accredited competitive festival held annually in July in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic, awarding the $25,000 Crystal Globe and running the Eastern Promises industry platform for Central and Eastern European projects.

FIAPF A-list competitive festival held annually in July in the Czech spa town of Karlovy Vary, presenting world premieres in its Crystal Globe and Proxima competitions with USD 25,000 and USD 15,000 grand prizes.

Nepal's mountain and adventure film festival, held annually in Kathmandu. The 23rd edition runs May 27-31, 2026 at QFX Chhaya Center, Thamel, with USD 5,000 in competition prizes across feature and short film categories.

An annual international film festival in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, organized by the Film Bridge Development Association and the Mongolian National Film Council, featuring Best Feature Film, Best Documentary Film, and Topic of the Year awards across venues including the Chinggis Khaan National Museum and Shangri La IMAX.

International documentary and feature film festival focused on eastern Ukrainian culture. Founded 2017. 2025 edition planned 1-6 October in hybrid online/offline format. Continues operating despite the ongoing war.

A FIAPF-accredited competitive festival held annually in November in Kolkata, India, organized by the Government of West Bengal with cash prizes totaling over INR 80 lakh across international, Asian, and national competitions.

A rotating international film festival organized by TURKSOY for member states of the Turkic world, with the 4th edition held in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan in November 2024, featuring competitive feature films, documentaries, and a TURKSOY special award for contribution to Turkic culture.

Poland's Academy Award-qualifying documentary and short film festival, held May 31 to June 7, 2026, in Krakow with four competitions, over 2,800 annual submissions, approximately 200 selected films, and qualifying status for the Oscars, European Film Awards, and BAFTA Awards.

One of the world's oldest documentary and short film festivals, held annually in May-June in Krakow, Poland, with Academy Award, BAFTA, and European Film Award qualifying status across four international competitions.

Barcelona's independent film festival, held November 12-22, 2026 at the CCCB, presenting competitive international and Spanish independent cinema across fiction, nonfiction, essay, animation, and experimental formats with up to EUR 15,000 in cash prizes and submissions at EUR 6-24.

A specialty festival in Hollywood run by LA Film Festivals (LAFFS) accepting films by female-identifying directors, writers, and crews with at least 50% women. 13th edition runs September 24-27, 2026. Submissions from $25 via FilmFreeway.

Malawi's leading arts and culture festival, held annually in October at Fish Eagle Bay, Nkhotakota, on the shores of Lake Malawi, featuring music, film, poetry, fashion, and workshops across three days.

One of the UK's largest film festivals, running 18 days every November in Leeds. Oscar, BAFTA, and BIDA-qualifying with 9 short film competitions and 2 feature competitions. 40th edition: 29 October to 15 November 2026.

Slovenia's largest film festival, founded in 1990 with FIAPF accreditation, featuring the Perspectives competition for emerging filmmakers with a EUR 5,000 Kingfisher Award and approximately 50,000 tickets sold annually.

A 10-day Latin American film festival held annually in August in Lima, Peru, organized by the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru with USD 5,000 top prizes across Peruvian, Latin American Fiction, and Latin American Documentary competitions.

Peru's leading international film festival, held annually in August in Lima, organized by the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru, with USD 5,000 top prizes across Latin American fiction, documentary, and Peruvian competition sections.

A FIAPF A-list festival held annually in August in Locarno, Switzerland, known for open-air Piazza Grande screenings and its Pardo d'Oro (Golden Leopard) competition for art cinema.

A co-production and talent development platform within the Locarno Film Festival, currently in a four-year cycle focused on 42 African countries, selecting 6 projects, 6 producers, and 5 directors annually with grants including CHF 50,000 and EUR 8,000+ in prizes.

The open-air screening section of the Locarno Film Festival, presenting premieres to 8,000 spectators on a 26-by-14-meter screen in Locarno's main square each August.

The UK's leading BAFTA and BIFA-qualifying short film festival, held annually in January in London, screening approximately 300 short films across competitive and curated programs.

The oldest and largest Asian American film festival in the US, held annually in Los Angeles by Visual Communications, Academy Award-qualifying for short films through its Golden Reel Award.

The most important Latino film festival in the US, co-founded by Edward James Olmos in 1997. 25th edition runs May 27 to 31, 2026 at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. Academy Award qualifying for short films. Open submissions via FilmFreeway.

Baton Rouge's international film festival, founded in 2011 and held at Cinemark Perkins Rowe. Features 50+ films across 4 screens with filmmaker Q&As and workshops. Currently on hiatus since 2019. Louisiana offers up to 40% production tax credit with $125M annual cap.

A Kentucky-based film festival held annually in October in Louisville, screening independent and international cinema with a Homegrown Award for films shot in Kentucky.

Angola's leading Pan-African film festival, held in Luanda since 2022, screening 40-plus films from 23 countries across five venues with a focus on African and diaspora cinema.

Angola's Pan-African film festival, held annually in November in Luanda. Open submissions via FilmFreeway for African and Afro-descendant filmmakers. Portuguese subtitles required. 40+ films from 23 countries in 2024.

Madagascar's only film festival, dedicated to short films and emerging African cinema, with a national competition, pan-African categories, and 758 submissions from 35 countries for its 20th edition in 2026.

10-day film festival in Waterville, Maine, founded in 1998. The 29th edition runs July 10 to 19, 2026, screening nearly 100 films. Tourmaline Prizes award $5,000 for best Maine feature and $2,500 for best Maine short. Submissions via FilmFreeway with 50% discount for Maine-made films.

FIAPF-accredited festival dedicated to Spanish and Ibero-American cinema, held March 6-15, 2026 in Malaga, presenting competitive Spanish and Latin American films with two Biznaga de Oro awards of EUR 8,000 each and submissions via FestHome at EUR 15-80.

Malaysia's largest-scale film festival, held annually over 8 days in July in Kuala Lumpur, presenting competitive narrative features from emerging directors worldwide with free open submissions and a Malaysian premiere requirement.

India's primary international film festival with FIAPF Competitive Specialised accreditation, focused on South Asian cinema and held annually in Mumbai. The 2025 edition was cancelled; the festival is set to return in 2026 with a new logo and restructured organisation.

A Los Angeles-based film festival celebrating Philippine and diaspora cinema on the global stage. 3rd edition runs September 3-6, 2026 at TCL Chinese Theatre with closing gala at The Beverly Hilton. Audience-voted awards across six categories. Open to Filipino filmmakers worldwide.

Latin America's only FIAPF Category A competitive festival, held annually in November in Mar del Plata, Argentina, organized by INCAA with international and Latin American competition sections.

Latin America's only FIAPF-accredited competitive A-list film festival, held annually in November in Mar del Plata, Argentina, organized by INCAA with the Astor Piazzolla Award for Best Film.

A competitive film festival held annually in Marrakech, Morocco, focusing on first and second features from around the world with emphasis on African and Arab cinema, with no entry fee and a submission deadline of July 31.

An independent film festival held each spring in Baltimore, screening features, shorts, XR, and performance work from Maryland and international filmmakers at the SNF Parkway Theatre.

Baltimore's longest-running independent film festival, held at the SNF Parkway Theatre. 170+ works across 5 days. Submission categories include features, shorts, XR, games, and vertical video. Passes from $20 to $400.

Malta's international film festival, held over 8 days in June in Valletta, presenting 35+ films across 5 competitive strands including Big Screen, Mediterranean, and Mare Nostrum competitions, with the Golden Bee Awards as top prizes and an industry program of masterclasses from BAFTA and Oscar-winning filmmakers.

Australia's largest film festival, held annually in August in Melbourne. 74th edition: Aug 6-23, 2026. Bright Horizons Award A$140,000. Submission fees USD$40-$110 via FilmFreeway. Academy Awards and BAFTA accredited shorts competition.

Australia's oldest film festival, held annually in August in Melbourne, screening 250+ films over 18 days with over A$300,000 in prize money including the A$140,000 Bright Horizons Award, with submissions via FilmFreeway.

A competitive US film festival operated by Miami Dade College, held annually in April, specializing in Ibero-American cinema with over $150,000 in cash awards and 45,000+ attendees, with submissions via FilmFreeway.

A five-day festival in Middlebury, Vermont, exclusively programming first and second-time directors. Awards over $15,000 in cash prizes and is a FilmFreeway Top 100 Best Reviewed Festival.

Melbourne's premier LGBTQIA+ arts and cultural festival, running for 22 days each January-February with 200+ events across 150+ venues, including the MQFF Midsumma Movies queer cinema program at Cinema Nova.

Milan's international film festival, held June 4-9, 2026, with 120+ films across two competitive sections, neighborhood screenings in 24 piazzas, and industry panels under artistic director Claudio Santamaria.

Poland's largest documentary film festival and the second-largest in Europe, held simultaneously across seven Polish cities with 181,000+ attendees, Oscar-qualifying for Best Feature Documentary.

A 15-day festival in Milwaukee screening 250+ films across two historic theatres, with free submissions for Wisconsin filmmakers and paid screening fees for selected artists.

The 45th edition of the upper Midwest's largest international film festival, screening 200+ films from 80+ countries over 12 days in Minneapolis and St. Paul with Academy Award-qualifying short film competitions.

Ukraine's only FIAPF-accredited film festival, held annually in October/November in Kyiv, focused on debut films and young cinema with the Scythian Deer as its top award and a Grand Prix of $5,000 USD.

Mexico's most important competitive festival for Mexican cinema, held annually in October in Morelia, Michoacan, with free submissions for Mexican films, four competitive sections exclusively for Mexican filmmakers, and the Ojo Award with 1,000,000 MXN in post-production services for Best Mexican Feature.

Russia's oldest film festival, held annually in April in Moscow, presenting 13 films in main competition for the Golden St. George award. FIAPF accreditation paused indefinitely since March 2022 due to the war in Ukraine.

An Academy Award-qualifying documentary festival in Telluride, Colorado, founded in 1979 and held every Memorial Day weekend. Programs adventure, environmental, and social justice documentaries with over $34,000 in cash prizes. The 48th edition runs May 21 to 25, 2026.

A 5-day documentary festival held over Memorial Day weekend in Telluride, Colorado, screening adventure, environmental, and social justice films. Academy Award-qualifying for documentary shorts, with $34,000+ in annual cash prizes.

The Netherlands' human rights film festival, held March 20 to 28, 2026, in The Hague with six competition sections, EUR 5,000 prizes per category, Academy Award-qualifying documentary competition, and submission fees from EUR 20 to EUR 35.

Germany's largest summer film festival and second-largest overall after the Berlinale, held annually in late June or early July in Munich. The 43rd edition runs June 26 to July 5, 2026, with four competition strands and over EUR 250,000 in prize money.

Oman's premier film festival, organized by the Oman Film Society in Muscat, featuring 56 films from 11 countries across 5 competition categories with 23 prizes, including international feature, documentary, animation, and Omani short film competitions.

A film festival platform in Yangon that has operated intermittently since 2014, presenting Burmese and international cinema. Its current status is uncertain following the February 2021 military coup, which severely disrupted Myanmar's cultural institutions.

Southern Italy's longest-running competitive film festival, held in two parts across December 2025 in Naples, with an international preview section and the Schermo Napoli competition for Campania-region filmmakers.

One of the longest-running film festivals in the US South, held annually in September in Nashville, Tennessee. Academy Award-qualifying in Narrative, Animated, and Documentary Short categories. The 57th edition runs September 24 to 30, 2026.

Kenya's leading film festival, held annually in Nairobi since 2017, screening 26-plus films from 15-plus countries with tiered submission fees from $5 to $35 and a focus on African and diaspora storytelling.

Nepal's main annual international film festival, held in Kathmandu. The 9th edition in 2026 screened 88 films from 40 countries with USD 1,500 top prize. Submissions via FilmFreeway with deadlines from August to December.

A New York City film series presented jointly by Film at Lincoln Center and MoMA, held annually in spring, focused exclusively on debut and second feature films from emerging directors worldwide. The 55th edition runs April 8 to 19, 2026.

A four-day independent film festival in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, running October 15-18, 2026, with competitive film and screenplay categories, a Youth Film Workshop, and no premiere requirement. Named one of the top 50 film festivals worldwide worth the entry fee.

The primary Nordic co-production and financing market, held annually in August during the Norwegian International Film Festival in Haugesund, presenting feature film projects to co-producers, sales agents, and distributors.

An Academy Award-qualifying film festival held annually in October in New Orleans, Louisiana, with Oscar-qualifying status in Narrative Short, Documentary Short, and Animated Short. The 38th edition runs October 22 to 27, 2026.

North America's leading Asian cinema festival, celebrating its 25th edition in 2026 with 69 features and 26 shorts across 5 NYC venues, open submissions via FilmFreeway with fees from $25 to $60, and the Uncaged Award for Best Feature Film.

A curated, non-competitive festival presented by Film at Lincoln Center each fall, selecting approximately 30 features and 40 short films as the year's most significant international cinema.

New Zealand's national film festival (Whanau Marama), touring 11 cities July 29 - September 9, 2026. Wellington edition August 12-23. Short film competitions with cash prizes. Submissions from NZ filmmakers only, deadline April 24, 2026.

An eight-day competitive film festival in Newport Beach, California, screening 350+ films from 50+ countries each October. Accredited by the Irish Film and Television Academy. Open submissions via FilmFreeway with a final deadline in mid-July.

Romania's largest short and medium-length film festival, founded in 2007 in Bucharest in memory of director Cristian Nemescu and sound designer Andrei Toncu, presenting over 100 selected short films annually with cash prizes totaling 5,000 EUR across international and national competitions.

A US genre film VOD platform launched in 2020 as a collaborative virtual festival by Brooklyn Horror, Boston Underground, and Overlook film festivals, now operating year-round as a curated transactional streaming service.

The competitive showcase for Nordic short films and documentaries, held annually in September in Malmo, Sweden, with free submissions and 25,000 EUR in total award money across five categories.

A Pacific Northwest genre and arthouse festival that operated from 2018 to 2022 in North Bend, Washington, the town where Twin Peaks was filmed. The festival closed after losing a critical funding line.

Ukraine's largest film festival, held in Kyiv since 2022 due to the Russian invasion, presenting competitive Ukrainian and international cinema with cash prizes of 75,000 UAH per category.

Ukraine's main national cinema festival, relocated to Kyiv since 2024 due to the war, held in August/September with free submissions, the Golden Duke as top prize, and a Grand Prix of 75,000 UAH determined by audience vote.

One of the longest-running community film festivals in the United States, operated by the Olympia Film Society at the historic Capitol Theater in Olympia, Washington. The 2026 edition runs April 23 to 30. Volunteer-run, 770-seat venue, year-round independent cinema programming. Voted 'Top 25 Festivals in the World' by MovieMaker Magazine in 2018.

A week-long independent film festival in Omaha, Nebraska, screening 100+ films from nearly 1,000 annual submissions across features, documentaries, shorts, animated shorts, and Nebraska-made films, with competitive screenplay categories.

The world's largest human rights documentary film festival, held annually in March in Prague and 59+ Czech towns, with competitive sections for international documentaries, VR films, and Czech human rights cinema.

The leading North American showcase for contemporary Italian cinema, co-presented by Film at Lincoln Center and Cinecitta. 25th edition runs May 28 to June 4, 2026 at the Walter Reade Theater in New York. Curated series with no open submissions.

Western Japan's leading Asian film festival, held annually in Osaka. 20th edition March 14-23, 2025 with 67 films. Grand Prix cash prize JPY 500,000. Free submissions. Competition, Spotlight, Indie Forum, and Special Programs sections.

Western Japan's leading Asian film festival, held annually in Osaka. 21st edition ran August 29 to September 7, 2025, timed to Expo 2025 Osaka. Free submissions. Grand Prix cash prize JPY 500,000. Competition, Spotlight, Indie Forum, and Special Programs sections.

Oslo's international film festival, held August 24 to 30, 2026, with Nordic fiction and documentary competitions (NOK 75,000 and NOK 50,000 prizes), open submissions for features over 60 minutes, and industry events including OsLOpitch with NOK 100,000 development prize.

North America's largest animation festival, held annually in September in Ottawa, with free submissions, 7 competition categories, and paid artist fees for selected independent films.

An independent film festival in Canada's capital, founded in 2009, screening shorts, features, documentaries, and web series from Canadian and international filmmakers at Cineplex Cinemas Lansdowne in Ottawa.

An international short film festival in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, founded in 2022, programming 50 fiction, documentary, and animation shorts each November at FESPACO headquarters.

Finland's only annual film festival dedicated entirely to children and young people, held in November in Oulu, Finland, with four competition categories, ECFA partnership, over 170,000 attendees, and free submission via direct application to the Oulu Film Centre.

Los Angeles LGBTQ+ film festival founded in 1982. The flagship summer festival is paused for 2026; OutfestNEXT runs July 23 to 26 at the LA LGBT Center. Submissions via FilmFreeway for short films under 30 minutes. No premiere requirement but LA premiere strongly preferred.

One of the world's largest LGBTQ+ film festivals, founded in 1982 in Los Angeles, currently operating as OutfestNEXT 2026 (July 23-26) while the main festival is restructured for future return.

A Mississippi-based independent film festival, founded in 2003, held annually in February in Oxford, MS, programming approximately 100 films with HOKA awards and a focus on Southern storytelling.

Pakistan's largest film platform, organized by the Karachi Film Society since 2017. 2025 edition June 19-22 in Karachi with German film screenings, IP rights panels, and the premiere of Hundan. Also covers the My Karachi Film Festival (MKFF), inaugural edition Jan 31-Feb 1, 2026 at Frere Hall with 34 films and free admission.

A major international film festival in Palm Springs, CA, founded in 1990, screening 160+ films from 70+ countries each January with a star-studded Film Awards gala that kicks off the Oscar campaign season.

The largest short film festival in North America, held annually in June in Palm Springs, CA. Academy Award, BAFTA, and Canadian Screen Award qualifying. The 32nd edition runs June 23 to 29, 2026, screening 300+ shorts from approximately 70 countries with an active short film market.

The largest Black film festival in the United States, held annually in February in Los Angeles during Black History Month, presenting over 170 films from 40+ countries with Academy Award-qualifying status for short films.

Film festivals in Port Moresby, PNG, a developing cinema culture with 800+ languages. Golden Jubilee Film Fest Sept 1-12, 2025 at Paradise Cinema with free screenings. PNG Academy Awards Film Festival Aug 25-28, 2025. Papa Buka (2025) is PNG's first-ever Oscar submission. Media Education Seminar Film Festival Oct 2026 with student films.

A Paris-based international film festival that ran from 2003 to 2014, presenting premieres and retrospectives across the city's independent cinemas. The festival ceased operations after its 12th edition due to loss of municipal funding.

One of the largest film festivals in the US Northeast, held annually in October in Philadelphia, presenting a broad international program and a dedicated local filmmaker category.

Arizona's largest film festival, held annually in April at Harkins Scottsdale 101, screening 300 films over 11 days with a short screenplay competition and diversity-focused submission categories.

A former annual international film festival in Portland, Oregon, operated 1977-2020 by the Northwest Film Center. Discontinued after COVID-19. Succeeded by Portland Panorama in 2025.

The longest-running dedicated surf film festival in the world, held annually in Ericeira, Portugal. The 15th edition runs July 17 to 31, 2026, under the theme '15 Years - 15 Days,' screening 30+ international surf films with free beach screenings, Q&A sessions, and an Ocean Art exhibition.

Arkansas's primary short film festival in Hot Springs, formerly known as Arkansas Shorts, screening 85+ films across Arkansas, North American, and international categories each January.

Czech Republic's largest general-audience film festival, held annually in Prague. 33rd edition runs April 28 to May 4, 2026, screening 130+ films. Main Competition prize EUR 5,000 for debut and second films. Comedy Competition prize EUR 3,000.

The Producers Guild of America's annual one-day industry conference on the Universal Studios Lot in Los Angeles. The 2026 edition runs Saturday, May 30, with PGA member passes at $150 to $300. Features fireside chats with Jason Blum, Michael De Luca, and Tom Quinn, plus sessions on AI, pitching, and the future of producing.

Croatia's national film festival, held annually in July in a first-century Roman amphitheatre in Pula, featuring the Golden Arena awards for Croatian cinema and a regional competition for Southeast European films.

A competitive feature film festival held annually in January in Pune, India, with a $25 USD submission fee via FilmFreeway and a deep connection to the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII).

A 501(c)(3) nonprofit multi-venue festival in Queens, NY, screening 2,100+ films over 16 years from 113 countries with awards in every category and no premiere requirement.

The UK's largest independent film festival, held annually in June in London, Academy Award-qualifying and BAFTA-qualifying for short films, prioritizing first- and second-time filmmakers.

Saudi Arabia's major international film festival, held annually in December in Jeddah's historic Al-Balad district, offering $100,000 for Best Feature Film and the Red Sea Souk industry market for Arab, Asian, and African cinema.

The world's largest film festival dedicated to disability stories and disabled filmmakers, held annually in New York City with affiliate festivals across North America.

The largest disability-themed film festival in the world, based at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan in New York City, touring to affiliate festivals across North America with all screenings presented with full accessibility accommodations.

Western Australia's independent film festival, held annually in July in Perth, screening 150+ films across 12 days with AACTA-qualifying status and open submissions via FilmFreeway.

Iceland's major annual film festival, held in Reykjavik since 2004, with submission fees of 4,900 ISK (early) to 7,600 ISK (regular) and competitive categories for first and second features.

New England's largest film festival and the only Academy Award-qualifying, BAFTA-qualifying, and Canadian Screen Award-qualifying festival in the region. The 30th edition runs August 4 to 9, 2026, in Providence. Submissions via FilmFreeway with deadlines January 15, May 15, June 1, and June 15, 2026. $50 entry fee. 98 Oscar nominations and 15 wins from festival films.

A competitive Mid-Atlantic festival held annually in Richmond, Virginia, screening 190+ films from 35 countries across 6 days with $20,000+ in cash and prizes, including a screenplay competition and music festival.

Latvia's leading international film festival, held annually in October in Riga, with a Feature Film Competition for Baltic Sea and Nordic region films, international short film competition, free early-bird submissions, and a EUR 5,000 top prize.

Latvia's primary international film festival, held annually in October in Riga, featuring a Feature Film Competition for Baltic Sea and Nordic region cinema with a EUR 5,000 prize, plus short film and music video competitions.

Latin America's largest film festival, held annually in October in Rio de Janeiro, screening 389 films from 74 countries across 11 days with 124,000 attendees, the Premiere Brasil competition, and the RioMarket industry forum.

A FIAPF-accredited competitive festival held annually in October at Rome's Auditorium Parco della Musica, featuring the Progressive Cinema competition with jury prizes, the Alice nella Citta autonomous youth section, and submission fees from 60 to 150 EUR.

A film festival based in New York City dedicated to rural life and agrarian culture, founded in 2002. Tours annually to rural communities across the US and internationally, screening films about farming, small-town life, and rural cultures worldwide.

Rwanda's primary film festival, held annually in July in Kigali with a traveling mobile cinema program that screens films on inflatable screens in rural communities, presenting Silverback Awards across 10 categories.

Southern California's competitive film festival outside Los Angeles, held annually in October in San Diego. The 25th edition runs October 13 to 18, 2026, presenting international and American cinema with a San Diego premiere requirement. Submissions open January 1, 2026 via FilmFreeway with fees from $40 to $110.

The longest-running film festival in the Americas, held annually in spring in San Francisco, screening 79+ programs from 40+ countries with Academy Award-qualifying short film competitions.

The world's oldest and largest Jewish film festival, presented by the Jewish Film Institute. 46th edition in 2026. Academy Award qualifying for Documentary Short Subject. Open submissions via FilmFreeway with two deadlines.

The world's oldest and largest Jewish film festival, held annually in July-August in San Francisco and the East Bay, with Academy Award qualifying status for Documentary Short Subject.

Basque Country's human rights film festival, held over 8 days in April in Donostia-San Sebastian. 23rd edition in 2026 drew 14,833 participants. Free submissions via Movibeta and ShortFilmDepot. Organized by the City Council.

A FIAPF-accredited A-list competitive festival held annually in September in the Basque Country, awarding the Golden Shell and serving as the primary European bridge for Latin American cinema.

An Academy Award-qualifying and BAFTA-qualifying festival held annually in February in Santa Barbara, known for its awards season tributes and 200+ film program running weeks before the Oscars.

An Academy Award-qualifying film festival in Santa Fe, New Mexico, screening features and shorts across 6 days each October with Panavision camera packages and cash prizes totaling over $60,000 in value.

Chile's primary international film festival, held annually in Santiago, with three official competitions (International, Chilean Cinema, National Short Film) and a USD 30 submission fee for international features via Festhome.

The leading film festival in Southeast Europe, founded in 1995 during the Siege of Sarajevo, screening 250+ films across 8 days in August with the CineLink co-production market and Academy Award-qualifying short film competition.

A Florida Gulf Coast film festival founded in 1998, Academy Award-qualifying for short films, screening 100+ films across 10 days in April with submissions via FilmFreeway.

One of the largest film festivals in the American South, organized by SCAD with 60,000+ attendees across 8 days in Savannah, GA. The 29th edition runs October 24 to 31, 2026, receiving 2,500+ annual submissions. Submission fees $10 to $60 via FilmFreeway with deadlines from January to June 2026.

An annual science film festival in New York City, founded in 2008 and now in its 19th edition. Programs approximately 64 films each October that explore scientific themes across documentary, fiction, animation, and experimental forms. Submissions open January and close end of August.

The largest and longest-running horror film festival in the US, founded in 2001 in Hollywood, screening 100+ films over 10 days each October at TCL Chinese 6 Theatres with Academy Award-qualifying short film competition.

A 52-year-old Academy Award-qualifying film festival in Seattle, screening 250+ films from 70+ countries over 11 days each May with submissions via FilmFreeway and $30,000+ in cash prizes.

Spain's oldest international film festival, held annually in October in Valladolid with FIAPF Competitive Specialised accreditation, EUR 70,000 Golden Spike prize, and the MERCI independent film market.

An annual international television drama competition and awards ceremony held in Seoul, South Korea, recognizing excellence in TV movies, miniseries, series, and short-form drama from over 50 countries.

Asia's largest environmental film festival, held annually in Seoul since 2004 on World Environment Day (June 5), presenting competitive environmental documentaries and narratives with free submission and 26 million KRW in prize money.

Asia's largest women's film festival, held over 7 days in August in Seoul. 28th edition in 2026 received 4,115 submissions from 125 countries. Free submissions via FilmFreeway. Discovery, Asian Shorts, and I-Teens competitions with KRW 12M top prize.

An annual international film festival in Chisinau, Moldova, September 5 to 10, 2026, accepting submissions via FilmFreeway and Festhome with a July 31, 2026 deadline, featuring dramatic, documentary, and short film competitions judged by a 4-5 member international jury.

The only FIAPF A-list competitive film festival in mainland China, held annually in June in Shanghai. 28th edition in 2026. Golden Goblet Award across 5 competition categories. Submission deadline March 31, 2026.

China's only FIAPF-accredited competitive film festival, held annually in June in Shanghai, featuring the Golden Goblet Awards across five competition sections and the SIFF Project co-production market.

The UK's leading documentary festival, held annually in June in Sheffield. 33rd edition (2026) curated 37 competition films from over 2,900 submissions. MeetMarket pitching market, Academy Award-qualifying Grand Jury Award.

The UK's leading documentary festival and market, held annually in June in Sheffield, England, screening 150+ documentaries with the MeetMarket pitching event connecting filmmakers to 150+ international funders and broadcasters.

Southeast Asia's longest-running film festival, held annually in Singapore, featuring the Silver Screen Awards for Asian feature films and Southeast Asian short films, and qualifying shorts for Academy Awards consideration.

A FIAPF-accredited competitive genre film festival in Sitges, Spain, programming horror, sci-fi, and fantasy cinema with Academy Award-qualifying short film categories and entry fees of 60 to 90 euros through FilmFreeway and Festhome.

The world's leading genre film festival, held annually in October in Sitges near Barcelona, FIAPF-accredited and Oscar-qualifying for short films, featuring horror, sci-fi, fantasy, and thriller cinema across 200+ films in 10 days.

A filmmaker-run independent festival held annually in February in Los Angeles, screening 141 films by first-time directors with budgets under $1 million. Academy Award, BAFTA, and Canadian Screen Award qualifying.

Bulgaria's largest competitive film festival, held annually in March in Sofia with 167 films from 60 countries, open submissions starting at EUR 35, and the Sofia Meetings co-production market for first and second features.

Bulgaria's biggest competitive film festival and FIAPF Competitive Specialised accredited event, held annually in March in Sofia. The 30th edition runs March 12 to 22, 2026, screening 145 features and 19 shorts from 60 countries.

Zambia's largest film festival, held annually in Lusaka. Open submissions via FilmFreeway with three deadlines. Competitive categories across features, shorts, documentaries, and animation with a focus on Southern African filmmakers.

South Africa's music-themed film festival, established 2010 in Cape Town. 16th edition ran July 24 to 27, 2025 at Neelsie Cinema in Stellenbosch. Open submissions via FilmFreeway for features and shorts about music, musicians, and musical culture.

Eastern Washington's primary film festival, presented by the Contemporary Arts Alliance of Spokane. The 27th edition ran March 6 to 8, 2026. Submissions via FilmFreeway for SpIFF 2027 (March 2027) are open. Intimate festival with jury and audience awards across features, documentaries, and shorts. Spokane premiere required for Pacific Northwest filmmakers.

Australia's longest-running short film festival, held annually in June in Melbourne with Academy Award qualifying status, a $40,000+ prize pool, and 960 submissions in 2026.

A 35-year-old competitive festival held annually in November in St. Louis, screening 271 films across 12 venues. Academy Award-qualifying for Best Animated Short, with 22,921 attendees in 2025.

West Africa's leading documentary-only film festival, held annually in Saint-Louis, Senegal, screening 44 films from 22 countries with free submissions and a focus on African and Creolophone nonfiction cinema.

Sweden's second largest film festival, held annually in November in Stockholm, screening 135 films from 60 countries. The 37th edition runs November 11 to 22, 2026, with the Bronze Horse as its top award.

A competitive genre film festival held annually in September in Strasbourg, France, programming fantasy, horror, science fiction, thrillers, and animation across 6 feature film sections and short film competitions, with a Silver Melies competition for European fantastic cinema.

One of Europe's leading animation festivals, held annually in May in Stuttgart, presenting competitive international animation with an Academy Award-qualifying Grand Prix, 60,000 EUR in total prize money, and the parallel FMX conference and Animation Production Days market.

Idaho's premier film festival, held annually in December in Sun Valley. The 14th edition runs December 3 to 7, 2025, with 5 days of screenings, Coffee Talks, and awards season contenders. Features a $5,000 1 Potato production grant for Idaho-based short films and a Screenwriters Lab with Writer-in-Residence at the Hemingway House. Submissions via FilmFreeway.

The largest independent film festival in the United States, moving from Park City, Utah to Boulder, Colorado in 2027, with 16,000+ annual submissions and acquisition deals reaching eight figures.