Berlin International Pictures Awards(BIPA) (1)

Festival start: 24 January 2026      Festival end: 24 January 2026

In Berlin — a city born from avant-garde ideas, fearless art, and creative rebellion — we decided to see differently, and act differently. BIPA is not just another film festival; it is a reimagining of what cinematic and visual recognition can be.

Two creative approaches make us distinct, pioneering, and progressive: 1. Our new, hybrid model of judging. 2. The wide spectrum of categories that embrace the entire world of visual storytelling.

**1. One Submission → Complete Judging** Unlike traditional models, at BIPA, submitting your project to its main category is enough. Your work is automatically considered for all relevant awards — including Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Actor/Actress, Best in Your Genre, and all major craft categories — evaluated by our international jury of accomplished filmmakers, artists, and educators. No additional fees. No extra categories. Just your art — fully seen.

Unlike conventional festivals, BIPA is not limited to cinema — we celebrate all forms of visual expression: from narrative and documentary films to animation, music videos, mobile and fashion films, photography, digital content, and immersive media (VR / AR / AI). Every visual creation has its place in BIPA’s universe, because we see “image” as the universal language of creativity — beyond format, length, or platform.

**???? Inaugural Edition: Winter 2026** Our inaugural Winter 2026 Season is a curated event that culminates in the live screening of selected works at **Brotfabrik Berlin** Cinema, on **January 24, 2026**.

We are not a “Prize Factory.” We are a Critic-Driven Cultural Ecosystem — a hybrid of festival and laboratory dedicated to evaluation, reflection, and support for emerging voices.

**???? BIPA’s Mission** We are here to build credibility, visibility, and meaningful artistic dialogue. BIPA — Where Judging Becomes Growth.

We don’t just reward the final result; we invest in the artist’s creative journey. Our selected creators enter the BIPA Support Ecosystem and may receive: • Curated screenings at partner cinemas in Berlin (beyond the seasonal showcase) • Critical Critiques — in-depth feedback from our jury to help refine the work • Global Spotlight — exclusive interviews and features across our media channels • Online Screenings & Talks — conversations with directors on BIPA’s YouTube channel • Production or Funding Support (Grants) — for selected future projects

If you are only looking for a laurel, there are many festivals out there. But if you seek growth, fair critique, and a cultural partner in Berlin — join BIPA.

**???? BIPA — Voicing New Visions.**

Cash Prizes: 100€

At BIPA, we believe in comprehensive and fair evaluation. By submitting your work to its main section (e.g., Short Film, Feature, Animation, Photography, etc.), your project is automatically and without any extra fee considered for all competitive awards listed below.

**???? 1. Seasonal Competition Awards** (Main & Technical Awards — unified under our complete judging model)

**Main Awards:** • Best Film • Best Director • Best Screenplay • Best Actress • Best Actor • Best in Your Genre

**Craft & Technical Awards:** • Best Cinematography • Best Editing • Best Sound Design • Best Original Score • Best Production Design • Best Costume & Makeup • Best Visual Effects (VFX)

All submissions are reviewed by our international jury of filmmakers, critics, and educators.

**???? 2. Special Awards** (The identity and unique signature of BIPA) These awards are granted to works that go beyond standard competition and demonstrate outstanding creative identity:

• **Critics’ Choice Award:** For films and visual works with bold artistic vision. • **Innovation in Form Award:** For projects redefining structure and storytelling. • **Cross-Form Creativity Award:** For works blending multiple mediums (film, photography, AI, music, etc.). • **Berlin Spirit Award:** For the piece that best captures the independent, artistic essence of Berlin.

**???? 3. Audience Choice – Cash Prize** (During the live screening event in Berlin) During our Winter 2026 Screening Event in Berlin (January 24, 2026), audience members will vote for their favorite films. The film receiving the highest number of votes will be honored with the BIPA Audience Choice Cash Prize.

**???? 4. The BIPA Support Ecosystem** Because we don’t just award artists — we nurture them. BIPA operates as both a festival and a creative laboratory, providing a merit-based (Free / Jury Selected) growth path: Our jury may select outstanding creators to join the BIPA Support Ecosystem, where they may receive: • Critical Critique — in-depth professional feedback • Global Spotlight — interviews and international promotion • Online Screenings & Talks — discussions via BIPA’s YouTube channel • Jury Invitations — participation in future panels • Grants & Co-Production Support — for upcoming projects

**???? 5. Honorary Awards** (Representing the academic and cultural prestige of BIPA) • Lifetime Achievement Award • Emerging Artist of the Year • Independent Vision Award

**????️ Final Note** All submissions are automatically considered for Seasonal Competition Awards (main & craft) and Special Awards. Cash and audience prizes are presented during the live Berlin event.

**1. General** BIPA (Berlin International Pictures Awards) is an independent cultural organization based in Berlin, dedicated to discovering, analyzing, and supporting emerging creative voices across all forms of visual storytelling. The festival operates as a hybrid Festival + Laboratory, featuring a Critic-Driven Evaluation Model that emphasizes both artistic quality and professional growth.

**2. Eligibility** 2.1. Submissions are open to creators worldwide in all forms of visual media — including film, photography, music videos, fashion films, mobile content, VR, AR, AI, and experimental works. 2.2. Maximum runtime for films: 240 minutes. 2.3. Works that have been previously screened or awarded at other festivals are eligible. 2.4. The submitter must be the rightful owner or authorized representative of the work’s rights. 2.5. Submissions containing discriminatory, hateful, or unlawful content will not be accepted.

**3. Language & Subtitles** 3.1. All non-English works must include English subtitles.

**4. Screenings** 4.1. Live screenings take place at Brotfabrik Berlin Cinema. 4.2. The on-site event is a curated showcase — selection is based on jury discretion and thematic programming. 4.3. Being an Official Selection or even a Winner in any competitive category does not guarantee a live screening at the cinema. The live showcase is a separate, curated invitation. 4.4. Selected works may also be screened online through BIPA’s official digital channels, upon written consent from the rights holder.

**5. Judging** 5.1. All submitted works are automatically entered into the Seasonal Competition (Full Judging Model). 5.2. Evaluation is based on creativity, storytelling, execution, technical quality, and artistic merit. 5.3. All jury decisions are final and not subject to appeal.

**6. Awards** 6.1. All submissions are automatically considered for seasonal competitive awards. 6.2. Awards may include digital certificates, official laurels, or — in selected cases — physical BIPA trophies. 6.3. In case of a request for a physical trophy or certificate, the cost of production and shipping will be covered by the recipient. 6.4. The Audience Choice Cash Prize will be awarded during the live screening event in Berlin.

**7. Rights & Usage** 7.1. Submitting a project grants BIPA the right to publicly screen or exhibit the work within the festival’s programs (live or online). 7.2. The submitter confirms that they hold all necessary rights for music, visuals, and any third-party materials used in the work. 7.3. BIPA may use up to 60 seconds of submitted works for promotional or editorial purposes related to the festival.

**8. Additional Terms** 8.1. Submission fees are non-refundable under any circumstances. 8.2. The festival reserves the right to disqualify or reassign works that violate the rules or category criteria. 8.3. Participation in BIPA constitutes full acceptance of these Rules & Terms.