The Navarra International Film Festival (NIFF) provides a platform and recognition for creators of fiction, documentary, and animated films. It is recognized as a qualifying festival for the Goya Awards of the Spanish Film Academy, a qualifying festival for the Fugaz Awards (the Goya Awards for short films in Spain), and is rated by IMDb.
Since its first edition in 2019, NIFF has promoted social debate by addressing themes that place people at the heart of its mission, such as the state of the planet and its inhabitants, migration, feminism, diversity, and integration. Through these initiatives, the festival seeks to raise awareness and foster social values, confronting a lack of commitment and giving voice to a wide variety of opinions and perspectives.
Through its various sections and awards, NIFF promotes Regional, National, European, Ibero-American, and International films.
Sacrae Scenae 2026: VII Edition
Cinema Narrating the Soul of the World
Returning to Ardesio, in the heart of the Orobic Prealps, is the seventh edition of Sacrae Scenae, the world’s only international film festival entirely dedicated to popular devotions. Now a landmark event, the festival transforms this historic Bergamo village into a cultural crossroads where the universal language of cinema meets the timeless allure of rituals, traditions, and the sacred.
What to Expect This Edition
The 7th edition promises to be a visual journey without borders, ranging from intimate local cults to grand international manifestations of faith. The festival is more than just a film screening; it is an immersive experience featuring:
International Screenings: A curated selection of documentaries and short films investigating the profound relationship between humanity and the divine.
Cultural Dialogue: Meetings with directors, anthropologists, and experts to delve deeper into the roots of folk traditions.
Territorial Heritage: An unbreakable bond with the identity of Ardesio and its mountains, which serve as the natural stage for this artistic exploration.
Awards of the VII Edition
In addition to the historic Golden Bell Tower (Campanile d’Oro), this year’s focus looks toward the future with the Under 30 category—established to amplify the voices of a new generation of filmmakers who choose to document the intangible through fresh and innovative perspectives.
"Sacrae Scenae is not just cinema: it is an act of cultural resilience, rescuing the deepest roots of human communities from oblivion."
The SunChild 14th International Environmental Festival (SunChild IEF) will take place in October 2026 in Armenia, screening a curated selection of outstanding environmental films from around the world. The 14th edition of the festival will be held in parallel with the UN Convention on Biological Diversity COP17, hosted by Armenia, creating a unique platform where culture, conservation, and global environmental dialogue intersect.
At a time when biodiversity loss has become one of the most urgent challenges facing humanity, SunChild IEF aims to bring stories of nature, species, ecosystems, and people to the forefront of public attention. Through film, discussion, and community engagement, the festival creates space to learn, connect, and imagine solutions for a more sustainable and biodiverse future.
Selected filmmakers and directors will be invited to Armenia to participate in screenings, discussions, and public events, fostering direct dialogue between filmmakers, experts, youth, and audiences during this globally significant moment for biodiversity conservation.
About the Festival
Founded by the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC), SunChild International Environmental Festival is the first and only environmental film festival in the South Caucasus. Over the past years, the festival has screened more than 780 films from over 150 countries, becoming a recognized platform for environmental storytelling and dialogue.
Beyond film screenings, SunChild IEF includes a wide range of activities such as workshops, conferences, exhibitions, public discussions, and creative events. The festival also travels to regions across Armenia throughout the year, actively engaging children and youth through educational screenings and community-based initiatives that encourage local action and creative responses to environmental challenges.
SunChild IEF aims to bring biodiversity, wildlife, ecosystems, and environmental responsibility into the center of public discourse, strengthening environmental awareness and participation at both local and international levels.
Theme of the 14th Edition: Biodiversity Conservation
The 14th edition of SunChild IEF is dedicated to biodiversity conservation, focusing on the protection of species, habitats, ecosystems, and the intricate relationships that sustain life on Earth. Films and events within the festival will explore biodiversity loss, human impacts on nature, conservation efforts, restoration initiatives, and pathways toward ecological resilience in Armenia, the South Caucasus region, and globally.
By highlighting both the challenges and solutions related to biodiversity conservation, the festival seeks to inspire responsibility, dialogue, and action among diverse audiences.
Film Categories:
• Feature-Length Environmental Films (Competition)
Documentary films addressing biodiversity conservation, environmental degradation, species protection, ecosystem restoration, and human–nature relationships.
Films released after March 2025 are eligible.
Duration: 45 minutes to 3 hours.
For longer films, please contact SunChild IEF.
• Short Environmental Films (Competition)
Short documentary or fictional films focusing on biodiversity-related themes, including conservation challenges, local and global environmental stories, and innovative solutions.
Films released after March 2025 are eligible.
Duration: 5–45 minutes.
• Youth Voices for Biodiversity – Documentary (Competition)
This category is dedicated to environmental documentaries created by young filmmakers. In line with UN standards, youth are defined as individuals aged 15–24.
At least one key creative role (director, co-director, or lead producer) must be held by a filmmaker within this age range. The category highlights youth perspectives on biodiversity conservation, environmental challenges, and solutions shaping the future.
Films released after March 2024 are eligible.
Duration: 5–120 minutes.
• John Burton Conservation Award
Named in honor of the late conservationist John Burton, this award recognizes outstanding films about individuals and initiatives dedicated to protecting nature and biodiversity worldwide.
The award celebrates strong directorial vision and impactful storytelling about conservation leaders and changemakers.
Films released after March 2025 are eligible.
• Non-Competition: Environmental Education & Awareness
This non-competitive program welcomes films that contribute to environmental education and public awareness on a broad range of ecological topics, including biodiversity, climate, wildlife, and sustainability.
Films of any genre released before March 2023 are eligible.
Duration: 5 minutes to 2 hours.
For shorter or longer films, please contact SunChild IEF.
The 18th annual SiciliAmbiente Film Festival will take on July 13-18, 2026.
The aim of SiciliAmbiente Film Festival is to promote independent cinema and documentary cinema, and to encourage creative exchange and networking among the directors.
This Festival is organized and sponsored by Demetra Produzioni SAS and CANTIERE 7 Cultural Association, and made possible by public and private partners and sponsors who share in the same ethical principles of the Festival.
Films dealing with the following themes may participate: Environment, Anthropology, Human Rights, Biodiversity, War, Integration, Civil Rights, Sustainable Development and the Relationship between Man and the Environment.
The Festival is divided into different sections:
- Documentary Film contest (minimum rt: 31 minutes)
- Fiction Feature Film contest (minimum rt: 70 minutes)
- Short Film contest for Fiction and Documentary shorts (maximum rt: 31 minutes)
- Animated short film contest (maximum rt: 31 minutes)
Overview of documentaries, fiction, short films and several tributes, retrospectives, seminars and panel discussions
The Selection Committee will choose based on the quality of writing and images and the general use of a creative language identifying artistic documentary cinema.
The Traveling School Film Festival (FIFE) is an annual event showcasing cinema, audiovisual media, and digital creation. It is an initiative of the Mboro International Center for Practical Training and the NGO Youth and Development, and relies on the partnership of the Girl Guides and Boy Scouts of Senegal, the Jokkoo Consulting Agency, and several other stakeholders in Senegal and around the world.
To manage the regular organization of the film festival it initiated, an Economic Interest Group (GIE) was established: GIE Les Associés du Film d’École (School Film Associates), whose primary mission is the annual organization of the Traveling School Film Festival, FIFE.
Children's, Nature & Wildlife Film Festival is an India’s independent film festival promoted by Miniboxoffice India. The Children's, Nature & Wildlife Film Festival aim is to showcase & promote professionally made entertaining, enlightening & encouraging feature films, short films, animation & documentaries among target audience. The festival accept all genres of children’s, Nature, Climate & Wildlife films be it a fantasy, motivational, drama, disability, educational, science fiction, adventurous, parenting etc.
The Children's, Nature & Wildlife Film Festival is a boutique of children’s, Nature, Climate & Wildlife films celebrating childhood & nature. The festival objective is to bring the world class cinema to the door step of children’s which provide alternate source of learning & help in understanding the culture of other nations and nature through the art of cinema. CNWFF also giving exposure of film education through various workshops & master classes. At the same time providing platform to the filmmakers in reaching out wide audience through CNWFF.
The festival helps in raising the standards of quality content for children’s & nature films and also helps to boost-up the film market. We hope that CNWFF will prove a milestone for filmmakers in their career & a rich experience for audience as well.
To show films that make us think, awaken our conscience, denounce injustice and reflect the social and cultural diversity of humanity. This is the objective of The Human Rights Film Festival, which will celebrate its 23 annual festival this year.
The Human Rights Film Festival, with the central headquarter in Barcelona, is the oldest independent Human Rights Film Festival and one of the most important festival on Human Rights in all Spain and widely internationally established festival on Human Rights.
The screenlights Film Festival is a dynamic and evolving cinematic celebration now entering its second year. Founded by filmmakers and visionaries Dinkar Jadhav and Omkar Jadhav, the festival aims to provide a platform for both emerging and established filmmakers to showcase their work. With an emphasis on innovative storytelling, diverse genres, and creative expression, the festival is quickly becoming a hub for independent cinema enthusiasts.
Stories of sea, life, and cinema.
At the Corto e Cultura Film Festival, cinema comes alive among the ancient walls of Manfredonia and the Gargano sea: shorts and documentaries that tell stories of the world, emotions, and people—with poetry, humor, and heart.
Every screening is a journey: stories of life, love, challenges, dreams, and landscapes that speak about us. A festival where the audience is not a passive spectator, but a protagonist: they applaud, reflect, laugh, and decide the Audience Award.
The competition includes several sections:
Narrative Shorts – life stories, emotions, and small and great gestures that reveal the human experience.
Short Documentaries – authentic perspectives on the world, blending reality and poetry.
Environmental / Green – ecology, sustainability, territory, climate change.
Territorial / Local – works connected to the festival’s territory.
Animations – imagination and creativity to explore social and cultural themes.
Debut Works – innovative, experimental pieces dedicated to emerging talents.
International
Organized by Angeli, founded by Anna Rita, the festival supports young artists, celebrates the territory, and brings cinema beyond borders: submissions come from Italy, Europe, and America, confirming Corto e Cultura’s international vocation.
For info and submissions: www.cortoecultura.com
– info@cortoecultura.it
Come to Manfredonia, listen to the sea, experience cinema. Here, stories come alive.
20. VUKOVAR FILM FESTIVAL / CROATIA
One of the largest and undoubtedly one of the most important film festivals in Croatia is moving forward! The 20th Vukovar Film Festival will take place from September 2th to 5th, 2026, thus staying in its familiar and much-loved time slot—at the end of summer, right between the end of the vacation season and the start of the new school year.
Founded in 2007, the festival is dedicated to showcasing the best of contemporary cinema from around the world, with a special focus on films from the Danube region and other countries.
The festival typically features a variety of film categories, including feature films, short films and documentaries. It highlights works that deal with global issues, social themes, and personal stories, offering a platform for emerging filmmakers as well as established names. VFF is known for its welcoming atmosphere and connecting filmmakers.
A signature feature of the Vukovar Film Festival is its location in the historic town of Vukovar, offering a unique setting that enhances the festival experience. Vukovar’s remarkable architectural and cultural backdrop is making the festival not just a celebration of cinema, but also a tribute to the power of storytelling and the importance of preserving cultural heritage.
Held under the open sky, the festival's central screen is located in the unique park of Eltz Castle, which itself provides an unforgettable setting and backdrop for both the opening and closing ceremony. The city of Vukovar is in those days is a place where people that are making the films and people that are enyojing the films are met.
Cinema under the stars is a special experience on all four days of the festival, from Wednesday to Saturday. On Wednesday, September 2th, the festival's grand opening and film screenings will be held in the gardens of Eltz Castle and on September 5th, film screenings, a closing ceremony and awards ceremony will be held. Representatives of films nominated in the official competition will receive an invitation to live screenings and the festival itself.
The festival's commitment to innovation, creativity, and artistic expression has made it a key player in the regional film festival scene.
Welcome to the Indie Innovators Film Festival 2026—where creativity meets innovation and every story has a place to shine! We’re thrilled to celebrate bold, original voices from all corners of the indie film world. Whether your film is a gripping drama, a laugh-out-loud comedy, an eye-opening documentary, or and fantasy,
The Festival de Cine de Madrid - PNR is organized by Plataforma Nuevos Realizadores (PNR), a non-profit association founded in 1987 by emerging Spanish filmmakers, producers, and technicians. For nearly forty years, the association has championed the creation and production of audiovisual works in Spain and promoted their exhibition in movie theaters and other distribution channels.
PNR’s long-standing commitment to film and audiovisual production is renewed each year with the celebration of the FCM-PNR, through which the association seeks to fulfill several of its founding objectives.
Film submissions may be made via Festhome from February 2 to April 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM.
MI PRIMER FESTIVAL (MY FIRST FESTIVAL) - International film festival for children, Barcelona & Madrid - 19th edition: from November 7 to 22, 2026.
"Mi Primer Festival" is an International film festival for children from 2 to 12 years. My First Film Festival features over 100 films in a total of 21 screenings. In short, MPF is a film extravaganza that showcases both different techniques and formats and the creativity of artists from all around the world.
The international competition of SHORT FILMS for children will include 4 programmes:
- International Short Competition for children over 3 years old
- International Short Competition for children over 5 years old
- International Short Competition for children over 7 years old
- International Short Competition for children over 10 years old
The international competition of FEATURE FILMS will include one programme of films, with a maximum of 10 titles.
The festival will take place in November simultaneously in Barcelona and Madrid and is a great opportunity for boys and girls from 2 to 12 years old to discover unique and unprecedented cinema.
The festival also programs films that have not been created specifically for children, which is why it encourages film directors as well as distributors to present their works even if they have not been conceived for this audience profile. Younger viewers rise to the challenge, and the introductions and discussions that accompany viewings provide a good context for understanding and enjoying the films.
The Novelda Film Festival Acan Awards
The Novelda Film Festival Acan Awards, organized by the Novelda film and art association, announces the bases to qualify for the awards of its 6ª edition to be held on June 15 and 21, 2026.
The aim of the contest is to promote film culture. Culture is considered a source of wealth and, in this sense, the local promotion of the cultural offer also serves to promote the economic and local development of our municipality. The city of Novelda deserved a Film Festival that would put the municipality on the map of the main festivals in the province of Alicante.
In this sixth edition, it is also sought to promote the making of short films that show the culture of the municipality of Novelda and Alicante. In this edition of the Festival we also open to National Feature Films and Italy as a guest country.
Cortos en Grande Short Film Festival is an event organized by Fundación Viart that seeks to promote young creation and give a new opportunity to new generations of filmmakers, highlighting and rewarding their work and talent. Its main objective is to be a platform for dissemination and real support for the development of emerging cinema, providing its filmmakers with a space for the presentation and development of their artistic proposals.
3rd Edition · Festival Internacional de Cine de Loreto (FICLO)
The Festival Internacional de Cine de Loreto (FICLO) invites filmmakers from Mexico and abroad to submit their short films to the Official Competition of its third edition, which will take place in person from April 15 to 17, 2026, in Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico.
The Official Selection of FICLO brings together contemporary short films that propose a personal vision of current cinematic language. Works that take formal risks, do not follow established trends, and trust in the power of their form to engage in dialogue with the viewer.
Selected short films will not only be screened, but will also be part of a curated program of public discussion and critical reflection, aimed at reading the concerns, tensions, and forms of contemporary cinema.
