Every festival has to earn its structure. For the first edition of the Berlin Gate International Film Festival, we designed a season that is transparent from the first day: five clear deadlines, one announced selection date, and one night in Berlin where everything comes together.
Submissions open on 20 July 2026 and close on 30 November 2026. Judging follows in December, and the Official Selection is made public on 21 December 2026 — every entrant hears from us, whatever the outcome.
Winners are announced at the Berlin event on 23 January 2027. Selected works receive official laurels and certificates; category, craft, thematic and special jury awards are presented across the programme, crowned by The Berlin Gate Grand Prize.
One principle guides the whole edition: one entry, every relevant opportunity. A film submitted in its category is automatically considered for every craft, thematic and special honour it qualifies for — no extra fees, no hidden tiers.