SAGE Film Festival (1)

Festival start: 17 May 2025      Festival end: 17 May 2025

Launching for the first time in 2025, the SAGE Film Festival brings a unique cinematic experience to a serene village just 40 minutes from the vibrant European Cultural Capital of Plovdiv. Inspired by the breathtaking natural surroundings of the Mountains, the festival is dedicated to celebrating the art of storytelling across various genres. With deep respect for the region's rich cultural heritage while embracing the future, our screening program features a diverse range of films, including Music Videos, Animation, Ecology, Documentary, and Short Films, showcasing the talents of both established and emerging artists.

By presenting gems of independent international cinema in this enchanting setting, we aim to pay tribute to the artistic spirit of our surroundings while inspiring the next generation of filmmakers. The SAGE Film Festival fosters a creative atmosphere that encourages dialogue and collaboration, inviting attendees to engage with the stories being told.

SAGE aspires to become an annual event that attracts a diverse audience, creating a platform where filmmakers and audiences can connect and share their passion for cinema. With our festival venue nestled in the heart of nature, we envision SAGE as a gathering space where new ideas and conversations flourish through the power of film.

Organized by a dedicated team passionate about nurturing creativity, the SAGE Film Festival is committed to championing independent cinema and fostering a vibrant community of artists. Our mission is to honor filmmakers who challenge conventions and inspire change, while establishing a network of creatives eager to collaborate and share their work on a global stage.

At the SAGE Film Festival, we celebrate excellence in filmmaking across various genres. The award-winning films will be presented at the conclusion of our screenings, with winners announced on our official website.

All winners will receive an official award certificate, recognizing their outstanding contributions to the art of cinema.

Join us as we honor creativity and innovation in filmmaking at the SAGE Film Festival!

Rules & Terms

✓ All films must be submitted in English or with English subtitles if in a different language.

✓ Short films must not exceed 40 minutes in duration.

✓ Filmmakers are responsible for securing copyright permissions for all materials included in their submissions.

✓ By submitting your film, you grant us the consent and right to screen it in front of a live audience and, under special circumstances, for online screenings.

✓ Nominations: All films nominated for an award in a category will be considered.

✓ Award Winners: Winners will be chosen from the nominations, which include the Official Selection.

✓ Film Critique: An experienced film professional will review your project and provide a critique (depending on the film's length). Both films and screenplays can be submitted for this service.

Critiques will be sent within 1 to 3 months after the festival.

✓ We may promote clips from your film on our social media platforms, based on the press kits you provide.

✓ We reserve the right to change the date and venue of the festival under special circumstances.

All filmmakers will be informed of any changes via email and our online platforms.

✓ We impose no restrictions on your work regarding premiere status or whether it has been made available online.

✓ We do not accept partial screeners, trailers, or screener links that require access other than password-protected links.

✓ Any technical issues with submitted films are the sole responsibility of the filmmakers. If your video file fails to work or lacks English subtitles (if applicable) at the time of judging, it will be automatically rejected without a refund. Please contact the festival team as soon as possible if you encounter any submission issues, and we will work to find a solution.

✓ We cannot provide refunds.

✓ By submitting your film, you agree to our terms and conditions and consent to receiving marketing newsletters and discounts about film festivals via email. We will never sell your information to third parties.

✓ We reserve the right to update our terms and conditions.