Berlin International Pictures Awards(BIPA) (1)

This premier competitive section is dedicated to outstanding achievements in feature-length storytelling from around the globe. We seek compelling Independent Films (Indie Films) with a unique voice.

All genres are welcome, including: Drama, Comedy, Sci-Fi, Horror, Thriller, Romance, and Art-House cinema.

Works selected in this section will compete for our main awards and are eligible for selection into the "Berlin Seasonal Showcase," our live screening event in Germany.

We welcome submissions from both emerging and established filmmakers. Submit your feature film today!

This highly competitive section celebrates the art of short-form storytelling from filmmakers worldwide. We are looking for powerful, innovative, and engaging independent short films (Indie Shorts) under 40 minutes.

All genres are encouraged: Drama, Comedy, Sci-Fi, Horror, Thriller, Romance, Experimental Shorts, and Art-House. Show us your unique vision!

Selected shorts will compete for our main awards, are eligible for the **€25 Screening Fee** if shown at our live "Berlin Seasonal Showcase" in Germany, and contend for the prestigious **€100 Audience Award**.

Submit your narrative short film today and let your voice be heard!

This section honors impactful, insightful, and compelling feature-length documentaries (40+ minutes) from across the globe. We seek non-fiction films that explore diverse subjects, challenge perspectives, and demonstrate strong cinematic craft.

All documentary approaches are welcome: Observational, Expository, Participatory, Poetic, Reflexive, Performative. Topics can range from Social Issues, Human Rights, Environmental, Historical, Biographical, Arts & Culture, and more.

Selected features will compete for our main awards and are eligible for selection into the "Berlin Seasonal Showcase," our live screening event in Germany. Note: Feature films receive a **€50 Screening Fee** if selected for the showcase.

Share your true story with the world. Submit your documentary feature today!

This section celebrates the power and artistry of short-form non-fiction storytelling (under 40 minutes). We are looking for compelling documentary shorts from around the world that offer unique insights, powerful narratives, and creative approaches to reality.

All styles are welcome: Observational, Expository, Participatory, Poetic, Reflexive, Micro-Docs. We encourage submissions exploring Social Issues, Human Stories, Environmental Topics, Cultural Exploration, and more.

Selected shorts will compete for our main awards, are eligible for the **€25 Screening Fee** if shown at our live "Berlin Seasonal Showcase" in Germany, and contend for the prestigious **€100 Audience Award**.

Submit your documentary short today and share your perspective!

This category celebrates the boundless creativity and artistic mastery of feature-length animation (40+ minutes) from international artists. We are seeking imaginative and technically accomplished animated features of all styles.

All animation techniques are welcome: 2D Animation, 3D CGI, Stop-Motion, Traditional Hand-Drawn, Rotoscope, Mixed Media, and more. Genres can include Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Family, and Experimental.

Selected features will compete for our main awards and are eligible for selection into the "Berlin Seasonal Showcase," our live screening event. Feature films receive a **€50 Screening Fee** if selected for the showcase.

Bring your animated worlds to life. Submit your animation feature today!

This vibrant category showcases the innovation and artistry of short-form animation (under 40 minutes) from creators worldwide. We seek visually stunning, narratively engaging, and technically brilliant animated shorts.

All techniques are embraced: 2D Animation, 3D CGI, Stop-Motion, Hand-Drawn, Motion Graphics, Abstract Animation, Mixed Media, etc. We welcome all genres, from whimsical comedies to profound dramas and experimental pieces.

Selected shorts will compete for our main awards, are eligible for the **€25 Screening Fee** if shown at our live "Berlin Seasonal Showcase" in Germany, and contend for the prestigious **€100 Audience Award**.

Submit your animated short film today and share your unique artistic vision!

This section celebrates feature-length films (40+ minutes) that challenge conventional narrative structures and explore the boundaries of cinematic language. We are seeking bold, avant-garde, and innovative works from visionary artists.

We welcome a wide range of experimental approaches: Abstract Cinema, Non-Linear Narratives, Found Footage, Video Art, Expanded Cinema concepts adapted for screen, Surrealist Films, Structural Films, and any work that pushes formal and aesthetic limits.

Selected features will compete for our main awards and are eligible for selection into the "Berlin Seasonal Showcase," our live screening event. Feature films receive a **€50 Screening Fee** if selected for the showcase.

Push the boundaries. Submit your experimental feature film today!

This category is dedicated to short films (under 40 minutes) that break cinematic conventions and explore innovative forms of visual expression. We seek adventurous, unconventional, and thought-provoking works from artists pushing creative boundaries.

All forms of experimental shorts are encouraged: Abstract Films, Non-Narrative Works, Video Art, Found Footage experiments, Surrealist Shorts, Structural/Materialist Film, Avant-Garde Animation, and any piece prioritizing form, concept, or aesthetic experimentation.

Selected shorts will compete for our main awards, are eligible for the **€25 Screening Fee** if shown at our live "Berlin Seasonal Showcase" in Germany, and contend for the prestigious **€100 Audience Award**.

Challenge the norm. Submit your experimental short film today!

This category celebrates the resourcefulness and creativity of filmmakers producing compelling feature-length narratives (40+ minutes) on minimal budgets (typically under €50,000). We champion authentic voices and powerful storytelling achieved through innovation and passion, not large expenditures.

All genres produced under significant budgetary constraints are welcome. We are looking for strong stories, unique directorial visions, and proof that cinematic impact doesn't require massive funding. Zero-budget films are also encouraged.

Selected features will compete for our main awards and are eligible for selection into the "Berlin Seasonal Showcase," our live screening event. Feature films receive a **€50 Screening Fee** if selected for the showcase.

Big stories don't always need big budgets. Submit your micro-budget feature today!

This category champions the ingenuity and spirit of filmmakers creating impactful short films (under 40 minutes) with minimal financial resources (typically under €5,000). We celebrate resourcefulness, creativity, and powerful storytelling achieved through passion and innovation over large budgets.

We welcome micro-budget and zero-budget short films across all genres. Show us how you brought your vision to life with limited means! We value strong narratives, unique perspectives, and technical skill demonstrated within constraints.

Selected shorts will compete for our main awards, are eligible for the **€25 Screening Fee** if shown at our live "Berlin Seasonal Showcase" in Germany, and contend for the prestigious **€100 Audience Award**.

Creativity knows no budget. Submit your micro-budget short film today!

This special section is dedicated to celebrating the bold debut feature films (40+ minutes) from emerging directorial voices. We are passionate about discovering and supporting the next generation of talented filmmakers embarking on their feature filmmaking journey.

Submissions must be the director's *first* narrative or documentary feature film. We welcome debuts across all genres that showcase a distinct vision, compelling storytelling, and promising directorial talent.

Selected first features will compete for our main awards (including specific recognition for debut films) and are eligible for selection into the "Berlin Seasonal Showcase," our live screening event. Feature films receive a **€50 Screening Fee** if selected for the showcase.

Make your mark. Submit your debut feature film today!

This category shines a spotlight on the debut short films (under 40 minutes) from exciting new directorial talents. We are dedicated to discovering and promoting emerging filmmakers taking their first steps in cinematic storytelling.

Submissions must be the director's *first* completed short film (narrative, documentary, animation, or experimental). We look for originality, potential, and a clear directorial voice, regardless of budget or genre.

Selected first shorts will compete for our awards (including specific recognition for debut shorts), are eligible for the **€25 Screening Fee** if shown at our live "Berlin Seasonal Showcase," and contend for the **€100 Audience Award**.

Start your journey here. Submit your debut short film today!

This section specifically celebrates and promotes feature-length films (40+ minutes) directed by women filmmakers from around the world. We are committed to amplifying female voices and perspectives in cinema.

Submissions must have a woman credited as the primary director. We welcome narrative features, documentaries, and animations across all genres that showcase strong directorial vision and storytelling.

Selected features will compete for our main awards (including specific recognition for women directors) and are eligible for selection into the "Berlin Seasonal Showcase." Feature films receive a **€50 Screening Fee** if selected for the showcase.

Empowering women behind the camera. Submit your feature film today!

This category highlights and celebrates outstanding short films (under 40 minutes) directed by women filmmakers globally. BIPA is dedicated to supporting and showcasing the talent and diverse perspectives of women in film.

Submissions must have a woman credited as the primary director. We welcome narrative shorts, documentaries, animations, and experimental works across all genres demonstrating directorial skill and unique vision.

Selected shorts will compete for our awards (including specific recognition for women directors), are eligible for the **€25 Screening Fee** if shown at our live "Berlin Seasonal Showcase," and contend for the **€100 Audience Award**.

Championing female voices. Submit your short film today!

This section is dedicated to showcasing the talent and creativity emerging from film schools and academic programs worldwide. We celebrate the fresh perspectives and innovative work of student filmmakers.

Submissions must have been completed while the director was enrolled in a recognized film school, university, or similar educational institution. We accept student shorts (under 40 minutes) across all genres (narrative, documentary, animation, experimental).

Selected student shorts will compete for our awards (including a specific Best Student Film award), are eligible for the **€25 Screening Fee** if shown at our live "Berlin Seasonal Showcase," and contend for the **€100 Audience Award**.

The future of cinema starts here. Submit your student short film today!

This forward-thinking category explores feature-length films (40+ minutes) where Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools played a significant role in the creative process (e.g., scriptwriting, image generation, editing, VFX, sound design). We are interested in how AI is shaping the future of cinema.

Submissions must clearly state the role and extent of AI usage in their production notes. We welcome narrative, documentary, animation, and experimental features that creatively leverage AI technologies.

Selected AI features will compete for our awards and are eligible for selection into the "Berlin Seasonal Showcase." Feature films receive a **€50 Screening Fee** if selected for the showcase.

Exploring the intersection of art and algorithm. Submit your AI-assisted feature film today!

This cutting-edge category showcases short films (under 40 minutes) created with significant use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in aspects like image generation (e.g., Gen-2, Midjourney), scriptwriting, animation, or sound design. We celebrate innovation at the frontier of filmmaking technology.

Filmmakers must detail the AI tools and processes used in their submission notes. We welcome narrative, experimental, animated, and documentary shorts that push creative boundaries using AI.

Selected AI shorts will compete for our awards, are eligible for the **€25 Screening Fee** if shown at our live "Berlin Seasonal Showcase," and contend for the **€100 Audience Award**.

Inventing the future of cinema. Submit your AI-powered short film today!

This category celebrates the creativity and accessibility of filmmaking using smartphones and mobile devices. We seek compelling short films (under 40 minutes) shot primarily on mobile technology, proving that powerful stories can be told with the tools in our pockets.

Submissions must confirm that the majority of the footage was captured on a mobile device (smartphone, tablet). All genres (narrative, documentary, experimental, animation created on mobile) are welcome. Post-production can be done on any platform.

Selected mobile films will compete for our awards, are eligible for the **€25 Screening Fee** if shown at our live "Berlin Seasonal Showcase," and contend for the **€100 Audience Award**.

Cinema in your pocket. Submit your mobile film today!

This dynamic category challenges filmmakers to tell a complete and impactful story within the tight constraint of **exactly 60 seconds** (including credits). We celebrate brevity, precision, and maximum creative impact in minimal time.

Submissions must be precisely one minute in length (00:60:00). All genres and forms are welcome: micro-narratives, ultra-short documentaries, conceptual pieces, animations, experimental flashes.

Selected 1-minute films will compete for our awards, are eligible for the **€25 Screening Fee** if shown as part of a curated block at our live "Berlin Seasonal Showcase," and contend for the **€100 Audience Award**.

Maximum impact, minimum time. Submit your 1-minute film today!

This category celebrates the fusion of music and moving image. We seek creative, visually striking, and conceptually innovative music videos from artists and directors worldwide.

Submissions can be for any musical genre. We value originality, strong direction, compelling cinematography, effective editing, and how well the visuals complement or enhance the music.

Selected music videos will compete for our awards (including Best Music Video), are eligible for the **€25 Screening Fee** if shown at our live "Berlin Seasonal Showcase," and contend for the **€100 Audience Award**.

Visualizing the sound. Submit your music video today!

This section recognizes excellence in branded content, advertising, and corporate communication. We seek high-quality, effective, and creatively executed videos designed for commercial or organizational purposes.

Submissions can include TV Commercials, Online Adverts, Brand Films, Product Videos, Explainer Videos, Corporate Documentaries, Internal Communication pieces, and Case Study Videos. We value creativity, production quality, clarity of message, and overall impact.

Selected works will compete for specific awards in this section and may be featured in a special segment during our "Berlin Seasonal Showcase" (Screening fees apply only to narrative/doc/animation shorts).

Creativity that communicates. Submit your commercial or corporate video today!

This category celebrates the art and craft of capturing life's most significant moments through cinematic videography. We honor outstanding work in wedding films and the documentation of other major events (concerts, conferences, ceremonies, etc.).

Submissions can include Wedding Feature Films, Wedding Highlight Reels, Same-Day Edits, Engagement Films, and Cinematic Event Recaps. We look for strong storytelling, emotional impact, high production value (cinematography, editing, sound), and a distinct artistic style.

Selected works will compete for specific awards in this section and may be featured in a special segment during our "Berlin Seasonal Showcase" (Screening fees apply only to narrative/doc/animation shorts and features).

Capturing moments, creating memories. Submit your wedding or event film today!

This category celebrates the artistic vision and technical skill of photographers working in fine art and portraiture. We seek powerful, evocative, and masterfully crafted single images or cohesive series.

Submissions are welcome across various styles: Conceptual Photography, Fine Art Nude, Abstract Photography, Studio Portraits, Environmental Portraits, Self-Portraits, and more. We value originality, emotional resonance, composition, and technical excellence.

Selected works will compete for our photography awards and may be featured in a curated exhibition segment during our live "Berlin Seasonal Showcase".

Show us your artistic eye. Submit your fine art or portrait photography today! (Please submit high-resolution image files. The system may require upload as media files).

This section recognizes outstanding photography created for commercial purposes or documenting real-world events. We seek images that are not only technically proficient but also effectively communicate a message or capture a moment.

Submissions can include: Advertising Photography, Fashion Photography, Product Photography, Food Photography, Wedding Photography, Event Photography (concerts, corporate, etc.), Photojournalism, Street Photography, Architectural Photography, and Travel Photography.

Selected works will compete for our photography awards and may be featured in a curated exhibition segment during our live "Berlin Seasonal Showcase".

Capture the world around us. Submit your commercial or event photography today! (Please submit high-resolution image files. The system may require upload as media files).

Welcome to the Unproduced Screenplay competition at BIPA (Berlin International Pictures Awards)!

This section seeks outstanding, original screenplays that have not yet been produced. We are looking for compelling stories, well-developed characters, sharp dialogue, and a strong cinematic vision ready for the screen.

We accept screenplays in standard industry format (.pdf preferred) across various lengths and types: Feature Film Screenplays (typically 80-120 pages), Short Film Screenplays (typically under 40 pages), and TV Pilot Scripts.

All genres are welcome: Drama, Comedy, Sci-Fi, Horror, Thriller, Animation, etc. Submissions must be primarily in English.

Selected screenplays will compete for our screenplay awards, potentially receiving recognition that can help attract producers and agents.

The foundation of great cinema. Submit your unproduced screenplay today!