Every form has a place.
Twelve families, eighteen official categories. Choose the FilmFreeway category that fits your work best — one entry automatically qualifies for every relevant craft, thematic and special honour.
Feature Film
Long-form cinema with a distinct voice.
Short Film
Compact cinema with lasting impact.
Animation
Frame-by-frame worlds without limits.
Experimental
Form, image and sound reimagined.
Music Video
Music translated into moving image.
New Media
Stories built for emerging formats.
AI Film
Human vision meeting new technology.
Underground
Independent work beyond convention.
Student Film
The next generation, in focus.
First Film
A bold first step into cinema.
Screenplay
Cinema beginning on the page.
Photography
A complete story in a single frame.
Entry fees, eligibility details and full rules for every category are listed on FilmFreeway, the festival's official submission platform.
Dates & deadlines.
Call Opens
20 JUL 2026Super Earlybird Deadline
10 SEP 2026Earlybird Deadline
30 SEP 2026Regular Deadline
20 OCT 2026Late Deadline
10 NOV 2026Extended Deadline — Final
30 NOV 2026Official Selection Announced
21 DEC 2026Berlin Event
23 JAN 2027Five deadlines, in chronological order. Earlier deadlines carry lower entry fees — the full fee schedule is published on FilmFreeway.
How to submit.
Choose the right category
Prepare your screener and details
Submit through FilmFreeway
Keep your screener accessible
Receive the official result
Frequently asked questions.
Is premiere status required?
No. Previously screened or released work is welcome.
Do non-English films need subtitles?
Yes. Clear English subtitles are required for non-English dialogue.
Does Official Selection guarantee a screening?
No. The public programme is curated separately.
Are AI-assisted works accepted?
Yes, when the tools and their role are clearly declared.
Must I attend in Berlin?
No. Attendance is welcomed but is not required for eligibility.
Where do I find the entry fees?
All entry fees for every category and deadline are listed on our FilmFreeway page.
Are entry fees refundable?
Submission fees are non-refundable once an entry has been completed.
By submitting, you confirm that you own or control all necessary rights. The complete Rules & Terms published on FilmFreeway govern all entries and festival participation.