UnShushed! Film Festival 2026
Washington, DC | November 2026
UnShushed! Film Festival is a celebration and showcase of fantasy, horror, Afrofuturism, Southern Gothic, and thriller films by Black women and emerging filmmakers.
Now in its third year, UnShushed! continues to amplify bold storytelling, visionary filmmakers, and genre-bending narratives centered on Black women.
For 2026, we are excited to expand our submission formats and now welcome vertical films (9:16 aspect ratio) alongside traditional horizontal formats.
If your film is strange, magical, terrifying, surreal, futuristic, or genre-blending — we want to see it.
The festival takes place November 2026 in Washington, DC and features:
Film Screenings
Awards
Filmmaker Q&A Sessions
Workshops
Networking Opportunities
UnShushed! is a space where genre filmmaking by Black women is celebrated, supported, and seen.
About UnShushed!
UnShushed! Film Festival was created to highlight genre storytelling by Black women, a space where horror, fantasy, speculative fiction, and surreal storytelling can thrive.
We celebrate films that are:
Bold
Experimental
Visually striking
Emotionally powerful
Unapologetically imaginative
Bring us your ghosts, monsters, futures, folklore, nightmares, and dream worlds.
We can’t wait to experience your films.
See you at UnShushed! Film Festival 2026.
Love, Sex & Cinema Film Festival is an international, Berlin-based short film festival dedicated to cinema that treats intimacy as storytelling – not spectacle.
We showcase bold, thoughtful films that explore love, desire, vulnerability, and emotional closeness. From subtle gestures to raw encounters, the films we programme are unafraid to look closely at what it means to be human.
Love, Sex & Cinema was created to fill a curatorial gap. Films that engage openly with intimacy often fall between categories: too emotionally exposed or sexually frank for conservative festivals, yet misaligned with festivals that frame sex primarily through erotic spectacle, pornography, kink, or niche subcultures.
The festival exists for the vast middle ground, where intimacy is narrative, emotional, political, and deeply human.
We welcome narrative, documentary, and experimental short films (up to 20 minutes). Explicit sexual content – including real sex – is welcome when it serves a clear cinematic or emotional purpose, but sex does not need to be present. What matters is depth, intention, and how closeness functions within the film.
The inaugural edition will take place September 16–17, 2026, at Il Kino in Berlin, an independent cinema known for thoughtful programming and a strong film community.
Built by filmmakers, for filmmakers, the festival approaches stories of closeness, desire, and vulnerability with seriousness, openness, and respect.
What Kind of Films Are We Looking For?
We are looking for short films (up to 20 minutes) that engage seriously and thoughtfully with love, sex, intimacy, desire, and human connection.
Sex does not have to be present.
Films centred on love, longing, consent, self-love, coming of age, emotional intimacy, relational tension, etc. are just as welcome. What matters to us is not explicitness, but depth and intention.
We welcome:
Narrative shorts
Documentary shorts
Experimental work – as long as there is a clear story, idea, or emotional through-line.
Form, tone, genre are all flexible.
Explicit sexual content – including real sex – is welcome when it is used with intention. Sex can be provocative, confronting, sensual, unsettling, or even titillating. We are interested in work that understands sex as a cinematic tool, something that can carry meaning, tension, pleasure, power, or purpose.
What matters to us is that intimacy, bodies, and sexual acts are doing something within the film: shaping character, advancing an idea, challenging the viewer, or deepening the emotional or narrative experience, rather than existing in isolation or as empty spectacle.
We are less interested in work where sex is the entire point, and more interested in work where love or sex is part of a larger cinematic conversation. We are drawn to films that trust the audience, resist simplification, and approach intimacy with emotional honesty and cinematic intention.
It's an international short film festival that stands out for its socially oriented themes.
The short films participating in this festival have only one admission category related to social and solidarity themes. Since 2018, we've been using the Festhome platform.
In all these editions, the awarded short film categories have been:
Best Social Movie
Best Actor under 17
The first edition took place in September 2017, in the evocative location of the Santuario del Sacro Monte in Varese, with Silent Movie projections via headphones, directly in front of the church.
In the editions from 2018 to December 2025, we received more than 2,500 short films from approximately 50 countries around the world. 2025 editions has been held in Lecce, at the Biblioteca Ogni Bene, former Augustinian Convent. Here are the winners. for the final.
FCTS: 21 Years Celebrating the Seventh Art, in the Heart of Todos Santos
The Todos Santos Film Festival (FCTS) is the undisputed epicenter of South Californian, Mexican, and Latin American cinema in Baja California Sur.
More than a festival, we are a cultural movement that has captivated audiences and film professionals alike.
Our selection of feature films, documentaries, and short films, many of them exclusive premieres and award-winning films at international festivals, is rigorously curated to offer you the best of contemporary cinema.
We have been honored by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (Golden Globes) for our programming excellence and commitment to the community.
Iconic figures such as Diego Luna, Dolores Heredia, and Tenoch Huerta have shared their talent and passion at our festival, enriching the cinematic dialogue.
Through our Leonardo Perel Film School and various community activities, we foster education, creativity, and a love of film among all ages.
The FCTS is more than a festival; it's a transformative experience.
We invite you to immerse yourself in the fascinating world of cinema, discover new voices, and become part of a vibrant community that celebrates diversity and creativity.
Be part of Baja California Sur's film history!
Check out our full program and find out how you can participate.
MACAU INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILM FESTIVAL (“FESTIVAL”) is an annual worldwide audio-visual festival that aims to motivate overseas and Macau short film and music videos productions to compete in this FESTIVAL.
The Festival was previously known as "Sound & Image Challenge" and was first launched in 2010 focusing only on an audiovisual competition for local talent. This initiative was co-founded with professionals in film, music, sound and image fields, with two priorities: to promote the Creative Industries in the audiovisual sector and highlight the local talents in the production of sound and moving image design. Over the years, it expanded across 5 continents, grew and gained recognition, and finally became a short film festival in 2015.
The Festival will be held from 6 to 12 December 2026. A series of cultural programs will be scheduled in venues throughout Macau during the Festival week, such as public screenings of “SHORTS & VOLUME” official selection, Masterclasses of film production, development, International Film Festival curatorship and organising; audience voting for “Audience Award”; as well as gala awards ceremony.
RURÉFILOS, International Film and Rural World Festival is a multidisciplinary meeting point in which, through audiovisual language, a space is provided for debate and creative reflection on the past, present and future of the rural world.
Horizons IA – Punta del Este International AI Film Festival – celebrates its first edition from May 27 to 31 at The Grand Hotel in Punta del Este (Maldonado, Uruguay). This new international event is dedicated to exploring the creative possibilities of cinema made with artificial intelligence and the new forms of storytelling that emerge from the dialogue between artists and generative technologies.
Over five days, Horizons IA will present a selection of short films from around the world, along with talks, meetings, and the participation of national and international guests linked to cinema, technology, and digital arts.
With free admission, the festival seeks to become an open space for discovering new perspectives, experimenting with the audiovisual languages of the future, and connecting creators who are expanding the horizons of cinema in the age of artificial intelligence.
CIMASUB 2026. The 50th edition of the San Sebastián International Underwater Film Festival, to be held on 12, 13 and 14 november 2026, is organised by the Subacuáticas Real Sociedad, and aims to raise awareness of the underwater world, and raise awareness of respect and care for our seas and oceans, through the dissemination of audiovisual works.
XIII Edition Pávez Awards - Talavera de la Reina International Film Festival. From October 16 to 23, 2026.
GOYA, FORQUÉ, FUGAZ AND IBERSHORTS AWARDS QUALIFYING FESTIVAL.
- Short films of Spanish or Ibero-American production and/or direction.
- Short films produced from January 1, 2025.
- Spanish spoken language or original language with spanish subtitles.
- Maximum running time: 30 minutes with credits included.
- They may not be hosted on free viewing online platforms.
- 5 competitive sections: National (Official Section), International (Ibero-America), Local (Talavera de la Reina), Animation and Documentary.
- 18 categories opting for a prize.
- 5700 euros + 18 Pávez awards.
- Screening fee for selected films in all sections.
- DCP required for Official, International and Local Selection.
Kika Kills Producciones is organizing the 6th Ponme un corto International Short Film Festival, in collaboration with the Huerta de Rey Town Hall.
Prizes totaling over €4,000 will be awarded.
Official Section Requirements:
Maximum duration: 20 minutes.
Production date after January 1, 2024.
Eligible projects: fiction, documentary, and animation.
90s Section Requirements:
Duration under 120 seconds.
Production date after January 1, 2024.
Eligible projects: fiction, documentary, and animation.
Local/Regional Section Requirements:
Maximum duration: 5 minutes.
Production date after January 1, 2025.
Eligible projects: fiction, documentary, and animation.
Please read the rules carefully to see if you are eligible to participate.
This is an excerpt from the rules. Consult the call for applications for more information.
Festival start date: … October 2026
Festival end date: … October 2026
Pulp Vision, Neoma BS’s film club, is pleased to present the 14th edition of the “Tournez-court” short film festival.
For this new edition, we have chosen to highlight student creativity and the art of cinema around the theme “Memory.” As a space for encounters, memories, and opportunities, memory strikes us as an infinite source of inspiration, embodying a unique aesthetic.
Short films are open to all languages, provided they are subtitled in French. Our goal is to celebrate the diversity of cinematic perspectives and experiences, in order to bring forth varied and sensitive interpretations of this theme.
Fiction, documentary, animation, or experimental film: all formats are welcome. Each film will thus be able to offer its own interpretation of the theme and explore the many dimensions of memory. We therefore invite filmmakers and film enthusiasts to give free rein to their imagination and share their vision on the big screen.
ACTRUM is a non-profit Cultural Association that works in all areas of the artistic sector.
In this festival, the finalist works will be screened online and it will be open to the public, who will have to vote through our website for their 3 favorite shorts/feature films from each section to award the public prizes.
Register your project! We accept any gender.
IA en Corto is an International Short Film Festival dedicated to exploring new forms of audiovisual creation emerging from the use of Artificial Intelligence.
The festival seeks works that research, experiment with, or integrate AI tools at any stage of the creative process, including image generation, animation, scriptwriting, editing, sound design, or narrative development.
IA en Corto was created as a space for filmmakers, digital artists, audiovisual creators, and experimental artists from around the world who understand artificial intelligence not only as a technical tool, but as a new creative language.
The festival celebrates innovation, diversity of perspectives, and the dialogue between cinema, technology, and the future.
It is not required for the entire short film to be generated using AI; however, its use must be relevant and creative, not merely technical or incidental.
The Soul Center of Art & History is partnering with AfriSoul Education Center to celebrate BIPOC women in film for International Women’s Day .
the Soul Center Film Fest was created to:
1. Showcase a diverse array of films that expand our understanding of the world, confront critical social justice issues—like racial equity, immigration, public safety, and environmental justice—and delve into the dynamics of human relationships.
2. Amplify the voices and stories of Black and Brown filmmakers, both emerging and established.
3. Encourage dialogue, collaboration, and action by connecting filmmakers, activists, and audiences.
4. Foster a space for critical reflection and empathy through the art of storytelling.
Welcome to the Indie Film Festival Awards (IFFA)!
The Indie Film Festival Awards (IFFA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to celebrating the creativity and innovation of independent filmmakers from all over the world. Our mission is to foster community engagement through the art of cinema and to provide a platform for talented filmmakers, regardless of borders, languages, or genres.
Based in New York City, the IFFA presents a one-of-a-kind festival that connects independent filmmakers and content creators from all corners of the globe. We offer a unique blend of online award nominations, live screenings, and an in-person Indie Film Festival Awards Show, bringing together artists, industry professionals, and audiences in an unforgettable celebration of independent cinema.
A Global Platform for Independent Film
IFFA stands out as a film festival with no barriers — films of all genres and languages are welcomed. A dedicated committee of industry experts previews submitted films, carefully selecting outstanding works to be featured in our Award Nomination Festival.
Award Nomination Festival
The selected films will participate in the IFFA Award Nomination Festival, which runs from mid-February 2025 to mid-April 2025. During this period, all nominated films will be showcased on the Indie Films World streaming platform for a nominal fee of $1.49. Fifty percent of the revenue generated will be shared with the producers, supporting their continued creative efforts.
After the two-month festival period, these films will be removed from the platform. Films will be screened via a secure server, allowing viewers from around the world to watch and vote. The 25 films receiving the most votes will be nominated for 25 prestigious award categories.
Live Screenings & Awards Show
The nominated films will be screened live in New York City at our premier theater venue located in the heart of Downtown Manhattan. The grand finale of the festival will take place on the last day of screenings during the Indie Film Festival Awards Show, where filmmakers, actors, and technicians will be honored for their outstanding work in independent cinema.
Opportunities for Filmmakers
IFFA offers more than just awards. We bring distributors to the festival, giving producers and content creators the chance to meet, network, and explore distribution opportunities. IFFA also assists in distributing films worldwide, including through platforms like Amazon Prime Video.
Submissions
IFFA accepts submissions for all types of films, including:
Feature narratives
Short films
Television shows and series
Documentaries
Animation
Student films
We invite filmmakers, creators, and artists to submit their work and be part of this exciting celebration of independent cinema. Join us in showcasing new voices and innovative stories that will shape the future of film!
Why Choose IFFA?
Global Exposure: Showcase your film on an international platform.
Revenue Sharing: Receive 50% of streaming revenue from the festival.
Networking: Connect with distributors and industry professionals.
Recognition: Gain recognition and award nominations for your work.
Distribution: Opportunities to distribute films worldwide.
We look forward to celebrating your creative work and welcoming you to the Indie Film Festival Awards!
The Films Infest festival is Official Event in IMDB. The prizes of the editions of Mallorca and NYC are officially recognized.
https://www.imdb.com/event/ev0005660/2017/1/?ref_=ev_eh
All films submitted are considered equally and carefully, through a multiple-stage prescreening process involving as well as industry professionals.
About Us
The New York City International Films Infest Festival (NYCIFIF) is an extension of the Palma de Mallorca Films Infest.
NYCIFIF’s mission is to showcase the content of emerging and of great artists filmmaking talent de U.S, Spanish, Ibero-American and other countries of the world.
Films of all genres are accepted and those chosen for screening display a high-level of artistic excellence.
Artistic Manifesto
In the first edition of “Palma de Mallorca Films Infest”, which was held on January 28, 2017, the great actress Claudia Cardinale signed our artistic manifesto to stimulate the growth of author`s cinema and support for young filmmakers
Excerpt from the manifesto:
It is undeniable that we must start with a natural talent, the best possible preparation and a great vocation; but the solitary effort becomes as depilating as the exhaustion of the castaway. If no one gives you a hand, a support, an advice or an opportunity … you end up abandoning.
Quite contrary to wanting a” greenhouse of chosen ones”, with docile filmmakers in the service of local corporations, or TV channels, to make “tailor made” products (frozen vegetables, all the same), we invoke the great George Orwell in “Animal Farm” and we want a “Rebellion in the orchard”
We want fresh cultural products, with their own roots, different perfumes, flavors from each shore and each sea. Mountain air and the unmistakable aroma of truth that shines in the sun. Truths written, painted, filmed, recorded, and narrated … without fear: tall as sequoias or delicate as a saffron stamen. An art that has seeds! A seed culture that enlightens minds.
Read the Complete Manifesto in http://filmsinfest.com
In the editions of the NYCIFIF, we will also read the manifesto and take the signature book.
Previous editions;
First Edition 2018 (Cinepolis) and (Producers Club)
Second Edition 2019 (Lincon Center) and (Producers Club)
Third Edition 2022 (La Nacional) and (Producers Club)
Fourth edition 2023 (La Nacional) and (Producers Club)
Fifth edition 2024 (La Nacional)
The Zentenero Short Film Showcase (MCZ) is an international short film festival celebrating its first edition from July 17 to July 19 in Zentenero, Spain.
MCZ was created with the aim of bringing cinema to rural environments and creating a meeting point between filmmakers and audiences, supporting both emerging and established talent regardless of geographic origin.
Despite being an intimate showcase, its vision is ambitious: to present a carefully curated international official selection and recognize cinematic excellence across multiple artistic and technical disciplines.
Selected films will be screened during the festival dates in front of both the audience and an official jury, which will present several awards as well as the audience award, the "Premio d'o Gurrión".
MCZ aims to become a meeting point for independent cinema and a platform to highlight new cinematic voices in an authentic and culturally committed environmen
