Blue Danube Film Festival (9)

Festival start: 21 November 2026      Festival end: 28 November 2026

In 3 countries - Austria, Hungary and Slovakia

Join us for the best films and filmmakers from November 21 to 28, 2026, at the 9th Blue Danube Film Festival, taking place in Vienna, Budapest, and Bratislava.



The Blue Danube Film Festival showcases independent films from around the world, encouraging creativity and experimentation. We welcome all types of films and aim to inspire talented filmmakers exploring new forms and examining societal issues through a critical lens.

Films are evaluated by our professional jury based on the criteria of their entry category, considering generally accepted filmmaking quality standards such as artistic vision, production quality, aesthetic positioning, structure, cinematography, direction, and creativity.

Selected films will be screened in art cinemas and cultural centers in Vienna, Budapest and Bratislava.

BDFF is the region's first cross-border film festival, sailing up the Danube from Budapest to Bratislava and Vienna. We will showcase short films in three cities at four festival locations. Our jury will evaluate the films, and winners will receive not only media attention but also cash prizes.

We look forward to celebrating cinema with you!

Cash Prizes: 830€

https://www.imdb.com/event/ev0025280/2024/1/
www.imdb.com/event/ev0025280/2023/1/
www.imdb.com/event/ev0025280/2022/1/
www.imdb.com/event/ev0025280/2020/1/

Categories:

Short Film - max. 40 minutes
Documentary Film - max. 40 minutes
Animation Film - max. 40 minutes
Experimental Film – max. 40 minutes
Student Film - max. 40 minutes
Super Short Film - 5 minutes or less



Awards:

Best Short Film - Prize Money + Certification

Best Super Short Film - Prize Money + Certification

Best Student Film - Prize Money + Certification

Best Documentary Film - Prize Money + Certification

Best Animation Film - Prize Money + Certification

Best Experimental Film - Prize Money + Certification


All genres and themes are allowed.


All winners will receive Prize Money and Certifications and Gold Laurels, with the "WINNER" label to be used as the filmmaker sees fit for marketing and promotional purpose.

All the movies we choose will receive "Official Selection" laurels to be used for marketing and promotional materials as the filmmaker sees fit. All the Official selection and the Winners will announced on our website, as they wish, with the links of their films and movie trailers.


Special awards:

The Student Jury will also award the best film by category.

The current total planned prize money is $1,000 USD, with the potential for this amount to increase as the season progresses.

...IMDb Qualifying Festival...

1. Eligibility: The Blue Danube Film Festival (BDFF) accepts films of all forms and genres produced after January 1, 2024. All films must have English subtitles. Films previously included in the Official Selection of BDFF are not eligible for competition.

2. Format: We only accept digital submissions in HD quality (720p or higher).

3. Duration: Super Short: maximum 5 minutes, other categories: maximum 40 minutes.

4. Global Participation: Submissions for Short, Animation, Documentary, Experimental, Super Short, and Student categories are open to filmmakers worldwide.

5. Multiple Entries: Filmmakers may submit multiple projects; however, each must be submitted as a separate entry with its own entry fee.

6. Refunds: All entry fees are non-refundable.

7. Copyrights & Indemnity: By submitting, the filmmaker certifies they hold all necessary rights and licenses for the film’s content. The filmmaker agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Festival organizers against all claims, costs, and legal fees resulting from the screening or third-party disputes.

8. Content Standards: Submissions must not incite racial, ethnic, religious, gender, or political conflict, nor contain illegal or pornographic content. The Organizers reserve the right to disqualify any film that violates these standards.

9. Promotional Rights: By submitting, the filmmaker grants BDFF the right to use posters, trailers, and social media links for promotional purposes.

10. Screening Rights: The Festival treats all submissions with confidentiality. If selected for public screening, the filmmaker grants the Festival permission to download the film for projection. No screening fees or financial compensation will be paid to the filmmaker for these screenings.

11. Venues: Official Selection films will be screened in cinemas and/or cultural centers in Vienna, Budapest, and selected films in Bratislava.

12. Awards Delivery: Laurels and certificates will be sent via email. Cash prizes will be delivered via bank transfer.

13. Post-Festival Screenings: Selected films may be screened by BDFF up to two times following the main festival dates.

14. Final Decision: The jury’s decision is final and beyond dispute.

15. Right to Change: The Festival reserves the right to make necessary changes to the regulations or scheduling as needed.