Sabadell International Film Festival (1)

Festival start: 01 October 2025      Festival end: 05 October 2025

WHAT IS SIFF?

The Sabadell International Film Festival (SIFF) is defined by its name: a festival dedicated to independent filmmakers who captivate audiences with original and innovative stories. Our aim is to offer a selection of cutting-edge cinema from around the world, positioning us as the ideal place to discover new talents and global premieres.

PERSONALITY AND IMPACT

Our carefully selected winning films will be screened at Sabadell's iconic Imperial Cinemas, while the awards will be presented at Sabadell's historic Teatro Principal. This impressive building, the work of architect Francesc-Daniel Molina, was inaugurated in 1866 and decorated in a remarkable baroque style by leading artists of the time.

In addition, we will use streaming platforms for our official selections, allowing the films to reach a wider audience and participate in the selection of the Audience Award.

PERMANENT RECOGNITION

The selected films will compete for the Félix Award and SIFF’s Ferran Casablancas Awards. Join us for a red carpet ceremony at the Teatro Principal in Sabadell, followed by a glamorous party.

MISSION

SIFF will have the mission of expanding, enriching and challenging the perception of the world through cinema and audiovisual arts. We will offer a festival that will deepen the appreciation of cinema in all its forms, diversifying audiences and creating opportunities for filmmakers and artists from around the world.

VISION

Through innovative programming, we will create a haven for the plurality of voices, formats and narratives. We will aspire to be an essential destination for professionals and film lovers, supporting filmmakers and promoting the impact of their work, through screenings, talks and education. We will bring together people from diverse backgrounds, fostering discovery, dialogue and creative development. We will look where others don't see and make room for ideas that aspire to cross borders and transform realities.

OUR COMMITMENT

Winners:

SIFF will have a firm commitment to generating a significant impact. Our winning films will be screened at the iconic Imperial Cinemas in Sabadell, actively supporting new film talents through our awards.
In addition, SIFF will offer you the opportunity to be interviewed on the renowned website 242 FILMS LATER, managed by the renowned film critic and analyst, JOSÉ ANTONIO PÉRES GUEVARA.

Official Selections:
Each year we will select the best independent films, both feature films and short films, which will compete for Our Awards. All Official Selections will be available for viewing through the Streaming Platform. SIFF will be more than a festival, it will be a community of filmmakers. We're glad you're considering joining us - let's collaborate and elevate your filmmaking journey together!

SIFF 2025 will take place from October 1-5, 2025.

SPECIAL AWARDS:

1. Honorary Award (Ferran Casablancas Honorary Award)

2. Audience Award (Ferran Casablancas Audience Award)

3. Infinity Award (Ferran Casablancas Infinity Award)

FEATURE FILM AWARDS:

1. Best fiction feature film (Fèlix Award)(includes animation)

2. Best Documentary Feature Film (Ferran Casablancas Award)

3. Best Comedy Feature Film (Ferran Casablancas Award)

4. Best Screenplay Adapted to a Feature (Ferran Casablancas Award)

5. Best Visibility Film (Ferran Casablancas Award)

6. Best Directing (Ferran Casablancas Award)

7. Best Lead Actress (Ferran Casablancas Award)

8. Best Lead Actor (Ferran Casablancas Award)

9. Best Cinematography (Ferran Casablancas Award)

10.Best Original Score (Ferran Casablancas Award)


SHORT FILM AWARDS:

1. Best fiction Short Film (Ferran Casablancas Award) (includes animation)


2. Best Student Short Film (Free Rate) (Ferran Casablancas Award)

3. Best Comedy Short Film (Ferran Casablancas Award)

REGISTRATION RULES FOR THE SABADELL INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE SIFF

The Festival Management may add to or modify these rules with the annexes it deems relevant. Any interpretation of these rules will be the exclusive responsibility of the Festival Management.

The Organizing Committee of the Sabadell International Film Festival opens the call for entries for the competition for its first edition and defines the rules that will regulate it.

1. The first edition of the Sabadell International Film Festival (SIFF) will be held from October 1 to 5, 2025. This international festival aims to create a space dedicated to the discovery, exhibition and dissemination of unreleased feature films and short films.

2. The festival has an open theme and is aimed at a general audience; however, both the theme and the genre of the productions are completely free. Priority will be given to quality and originality, which will be the main selection criteria.

3. Feature films and short films will be submitted exclusively through the following online submission platforms: Festhome.com

4. Works of an advertising or tourist nature will not be accepted, nor will those that include more than 10% of non-original material. Likewise, productions that do not meet the technical standards required to ensure adequate viewing will not be accepted.

5. Any issue that arises during the Festival, not contemplated in the RULES, will be decided by the Organizing Committee. Participation in the Festival implies acceptance of these RULES. Participants must comply with all the rules and regulations set forth below, including deadlines, film length, submission materials, and terms of acceptance.

6. We inform you that if during the Festival you are located in the areas called "Photocall" or in areas close to these, or in all the spaces assigned for the SABADELL INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL, whether public or private, you are exposed to being able to appear in promotional photographs and videos that are published in the Festival materials, which could include our Web at sabadellinternationalfilmfestival.com, social networks, press or any audiovisual media.

7. For more information, visit the official website of the festival: sabadellinternationalfilmfestival.com

1. Selection Process:
- The entries will be evaluated by the Preview and Selection Committee, appointed by the Executive Director.
- The committee's decisions are final and confidential.
- The selected and winning films will be screened at official SIFF events.

2. length of Films:
- Short Films: Maximum 30 minutes, including titles and credits.
- Feature Films: Minimum 60 minutes in length.

3. Entry Fee:
- An entry fee is required for each category.
- Payment will be made at the time of entry through the platform. Festhome.com

4. Submission of Entries:
- All entries must be made through the designated official platforms. Festhome.com
- No physical material should be sent unless requested.

5. subtitles:
- Films in a language other than english must be submitted with english subtitles, except for those
submitted in Spanish or Catalan. However, in the case of all Officially Selected films, these must
additionally include Spanish or Catalan subtitles.
- Films in Spanish or Catalan must include english subtitles if selected.

6. deadline for Submission: Titles will not be accepted after the official deadline for submission.

7. Obligation to Participate:
- No film may be withdrawn from the program once selected.
- Directors and lead actors are expected to attend the presentation of their films at the Imperial Cinemas in Sabadell.

8. Communication of Results:
- No individual comments will be provided on selection decisions due to the number of proposals received.

9. Copyright:
- Films must be original and not infringe the rights of third parties.
- Participants must have all necessary copyright permissions.

10. Withdrawal of Films:
- In the event of withdrawal, no fees will be refunded and no materials will be returned.

11. Mandatory Trailer:
- All films must include a trailer.

12. Re-submission:
- Films entered in previous editions are not eligible to re-submit.

13. Student Competition:
- Film students in Spain can compete for free in the Official Selection of short films by providing a verification code.
- The educational institution must contact SIFF to obtain the promotional code.

14. Works in Progress:
- Works in progress are not accepted.

15. Waivers and Refunds:
- Fee waivers and refunds are not offered.

16. Promotional Use:
- Film excerpts submitted to SIFF may be used for promotion in media and social networks.
- Participants are expected to provide high-quality publicity materials.

17. Changes and Cancellations:
- SIFF reserves the right to change, cancel or reschedule dates, locations, prizes and categories.
- In the event that the festival cannot take place for any reason, we regret to inform you that we will not be able to offer refunds, as payments made are intended to cover administrative costs.

18. prizes:
- SIFF reserves the right not to award any or all prizes.
- Sabadell International Film Festival (SIFF) does not award cash prizes.

19. Availability on Platforms:
- All films Officially Selected at SIFF will be available for 15 consecutive days through the festival's Streaming Platform. Viewers will be able to watch them from anywhere to discover the best of Independent Cinema and support their favorite productions. In addition, they will have the unique opportunity to vote for the film they consider most outstanding, helping to award the Ferran Casablancas Audience Award, one of the most prestigious awards at the festival. For more information, please visit our website sabadellinternationalfilmfestival.com

20. Promotion:
- Films and short films that are part of the Official Selection or that are Winners must include the Sabadell International Film Festival (SIFF) logo/laurel in all their promotional materials.

21. Acceptance of the Regulations:
- Participation in the festival implies acceptance of all the terms and conditions.

FEATURE FILM REGISTRATION

Conditions:
- Production in 2022/23/24.
- Minimum duration of 60 minutes.
- Must include a trailer.

Available Categories:
- Fiction Feature Film (including animated feature films)
- Documentary Feature Film
- Comedy Feature Film
- Literary Adaptation Feature Film
- Visibility Feature Film
- Best Director
- Best Actress
- Best Actor
- Best Cinematography
- Best Soundtrack

SHORT FILM REGISTRATION

Conditions:
- Production in 2022/23/24.
- Maximum duration of 30 minutes.
- Must include a trailer.

Available Categories:
- Fiction Short Film (including animated short films)
- Comedy Short Film
- Student Short Film

OFFICIAL SELECTION AND SCREENING

SIFF will contact the producers/distributors of the selected films. A copy and promotional material will be requested for the streaming platform and for promotional use.

WINNERS AND DELIVERY FORMAT

We look forward to the top winning directors and actors attending the screening of their films at the Imperial Cinemas in Sabadell.

Final Delivery:
- Winners must deliver the final version of their films by the deadline, which will be provided by SIFF via email to distributors, directors or producers.
- A DCP film file is required for the live screening.
- SIFF will not be responsible for the costs of generating DKDM or KDMs if the DCP is encrypted.

Storage and Return:
- SIFF will cover the storage and insurance costs of film media during the festival.
- Physical media will only be returned upon request and at the expense of the participant.


TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR FILMS AND TRAILERS

In order to ensure high technical quality in both films and trailers submitted, it is essential that the following established criteria are met:

1. Accepted Qualities: Productions may be submitted in any of the following quality formats: SD (Standard Definition), HD (High Definition) and 4K. It is important to note that the maximum file size must not exceed 15 GB to ensure easy management and delivery of the materials.

2. Advertising Material: Participants must submit high-resolution advertising material, including photographs, posters, press kits and other content that supports the dissemination of their work. These materials will be used exclusively at the Sabadell International Film Festival (SIFF) to promote the selected films on the festival platforms, at screenings, social networks (YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok), print and digital media, as well as at public events and festivals.

3. Live Screening: For live screenings during the event, the presentation of a DCP (Digital Cinema Package) copy that complies with cinema standards is required. In case the DCP is encrypted, the Sabadell International Film Festival (SIFF) will not cover the costs related to the DKDM or KDM codes (decryption keys), this being the responsibility of the participants.

4. Important Dates: SIFF 2025 will take place from 1 to 5 October 2025, therefore participants are advised to ensure that all required materials are delivered well in advance to ensure proper screening and dissemination of their films and trailers. This set of requirements aims to maintain the quality and professionalism of the Sabadell International Film Festival (SIFF), ensuring that each work is optimally presented and meets the required technical standards.

CONTACT:

Sabadell international film festival
​​Passatge del Vallès, 7-15 – Local 5 – Sabadell
08201 · BARCELONA · SPAIN
support@sabadellinternationalfilmfestival.com
ceo@sabadellinternationalfilmfestival.com
+34 93 7305730 / +34 625 138 236
https://sabadellinternationalfilmfestival.com/