1. Submission Eligibility
Filmmakers of all ages, nationalities, and levels of experience are eligible to submit their films.
The submitted film must be a short documentary debut and the only project the filmmaker is currently submitting to festivals.
For the purposes of this festival, a debut film is defined as the first completed documentary film made by the director as an author, regardless of whether it has previously been submitted to or screened at other festivals.
A debut film refers to the filmmaker’s first documentary work, not their first festival submission.
Films must be submitted in English or with English subtitles.
2. Film CategoryOpen Theme
There are no thematic restrictions.
3. Film LengthThe festival accepts short documentary films only.
Short films: 3–39 minutes
(Films exceeding 39 minutes are not eligible.)
4. Submission FeesA submission fee applies.
Early-bird rates are available for a limited period.
All fee details and payment information are available on the festival’s FilmFreeway page.
5. Submission DeadlinesSubmission opening dates and deadlines are published on the festival’s official website and FilmFreeway page.
6. Submission FormatFilms must be submitted digitally via FilmFreeway.
Technical specifications and screening requirements will be published on the festival’s official website.
7. Rights and PermissionsFilmmakers must hold all necessary rights for the submitted film, including music and any third-party content.
By submitting a film, filmmakers grant the festival the right to use excerpts, stills, and trailers from the film for promotional purposes related to the festival.
8. Selection ProcessAll films are reviewed by the festival’s selection committee.
Selection decisions are final and not subject to appeal.
9. AwardsThe festival presents the following award:
Best Short Documentary Award — €800
Additional awards or special mentions may be announced separately.
10. Screening RightsSelected films will be screened offline during the festival on
September 27, 2026, in Belgrade, Serbia.
Filmmakers are encouraged to attend the screening and participate in post-screening discussions and Q&A sessions.
11. Distribution RightsFilmmakers retain full rights to their films and are free to pursue further distribution after the festival.
12. Code of ConductAll participants — filmmakers, guests, and festival staff — are expected to maintain a respectful, inclusive, and professional environment.
13. Updates and AnnouncementsParticipants are responsible for following updates published on the festival’s official website and official social media channels.
14. Premiere RequirementsThere are no premiere requirements.
However, the submitted film must be the filmmaker’s debut documentary work and the only project the filmmaker is presenting to festivals at the time of submission.
