The Berlin Gate International Film Festival (BGIFF) opens its first call for entries on 20 July 2026. Filmmakers, screenwriters and photographers from every country are invited to submit their work through FilmFreeway, the festival's official submission platform.
The first edition spans 18 categories — narrative and documentary features, shorts, animation, experimental work, music videos, student and first films, screenplays, new media, AI film, underground cinema and three dedicated photography sections.
Five submission deadlines structure the season: Super Earlybird on 10 September, Earlybird on 30 September, Regular on 20 October, Late on 10 November and a final Extended deadline on 30 November 2026. Earlier deadlines carry lower entry fees — full details are listed on FilmFreeway.
The Official Selection will be announced on 21 December 2026, and the first edition culminates in a live event in Berlin on 23 January 2027, with selected screenings and the announcement of the winners — including the festival's highest honour, The Berlin Gate Grand Prize.