Short and Feature Films
No Fee
Submissions deadline
31 Oct 26
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24 Jul 2026
Call for entries
31 Oct 2026
Final deadline
16 Nov 2026
Notification date
19 Nov 2026
21 Nov 2026
Festival start: 19 November 2026 Festival end: 21 November 2026
THE FESTIVAL
Heritage, told at altitude.
An annual, rotating festival at the meeting point of heritage conservation and cultural preservation, told through film and storytelling. Inaugurated in 2025 to carry Lesotho's cultural heritage across all ten districts, the 2026 Maseru edition is reimagined: cost-effective, impact-driven, and built to immerse participants in heritage while equipping creatives and conservationists through education, networking and storytelling.
Position the Creative Cultural Industry as a business sector, and a future.
Promote conservation as a cultural and economic asset.
Use film and media as tools for advocacy, education and economic opportunity.
Connect creatives, conservation actors, policymakers and funders.
Build local and international visibility for Lesotho's creative and conservation sector.
Awards go to outstanding films and filmmakers whose work shows creativity, originality and excellence.
Kingdom in the Sky – Conservation International Film Festival
Official Terms & Conditions & Program
Organizers
The festival is organized by GEM Institute in partnership with Mokhabebe Creative Lab.
Location & Dates
Festival Dates: November 19–21, 2026
Location: Maseru, Lesotho
Submission Window: July 24, 2026 – October 31, 2026
Platform: Submissions must be submitted exclusively via Festhome.
Eligibility & Categories
Eligibility: Open to filmmakers worldwide with free submission.
Categories: Short Films, Feature Films, Documentaries, Student Films, and Film Music & Culture.
Official Festival Schedule
DAY 1 · NOV 19 · BASE CAMP (1,400 M)
Heritage, Culture & Film
Historical Walk: Guided tour through Maseru (Sea Point, Makoanyane Square, Vodacom Park) exploring local history, heritage, and creative roots.
Creative Arts Exhibition: Showcase of Basotho talent across graphic design, fine art, fashion, and multidisciplinary arts.
Film Screenings: Debut screenings of selected local and international films.
DAY 2 · NOV 20 · MID-SLOPE (2,400 M)
Creative Industry Symposium & Masterclasses
Creative Industry Symposium: Keynote panels uniting creators, government leaders, and investors to build a commercially viable local economy.
Breakout Discussions:
Area 01: Marketing and branding
Area 02: Access to funding and investment
Area 03: Financial management and bookkeeping
Area 04: Business registration and formalisation
Area 05: Monetising creative work
Area 06: Building sustainable creative businesses
Masterclasses: Practical training sessions focused on business development, career growth, and market access.
DAY 3 · NOV 21 · THE SUMMIT (3,482 M)
Film & Television Awards and Networking
Summit Screenings: Final showcase screenings on the summit.
Film & Television Awards: Gala honoring outstanding local/international films, standard-setting creators, and Industry Legends.
Regional Networking: Closing reception connecting delegates across Lesotho, South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and beyond to form future partnerships.
No Fee
Submissions deadline
31 Oct 26
No Fee
Submissions deadline
31 Oct 26
No Fee
Submissions deadline
31 Oct 26
No Fee
Submissions deadline
31 Oct 26
No Fee
Submissions deadline
31 Oct 26
Festhome holds accountable fees festivals by holding the payment of the fees of most newer festivals until they have viewed the submissions, held their festivals and other methods.
