Data limite d'iscrizione
13 dic 26
11.6$
Fictional films running 40 minutes or longer. Open to all genres that prioritize compelling storytelling and strong character development.
01 gen 2026
Inizio delle iscrizioni
14 giu 2026
Scadenza iniziale
01 ott 2026
Scadenza standard
15 nov 2026
Scadenza finale
13 dic 2026
Scadenza estesa
10
mese
13 feb 2027
Data della notifica
31 dic 2026
08 gen 2027
Inizio del Festival: 31 dicembre 2026 Festival si chiude: 08 gennaio 2027
The Storyteller Universe is a global celebration of cinema that honors the soul of storytelling. Built on the belief that stories have the power to transform lives, our festival shines a spotlight on bold, original voices from every corner of the world.
We welcome all forms of storytelling — narrative features, short films, documentaries, experimental works, animation, and web series. Whether you’re a first-time filmmaker or a seasoned creator, if your story has something meaningful to say, this is your stage.
Our mission is to create an inclusive and accessible platform where fresh talent meets opportunity. Selected films receive global recognition, including press exposure, virtual showcases, and awards across categories such as:
Best Feature
Best Short
Breakthrough Storyteller
Audience Choice
We are not just a festival. We are a movement.
A universe where your voice matters, your story counts, and your film inspires audiences long after the screen fades to black.
Submit your work and become part of The Storyteller Universe — where stories live forever.
Festival Structure & Selection Process
The Storyteller Universe Film Festival follows a quarterly submission model that leads into one annual in-person festival and awards ceremony.
Each Quarter:
• Films are officially reviewed by our jury
• Selected films receive Official Selection status
• Quarterly Winners are announced
• Quarterly Winners automatically advance as Finalists for the Annual Final Competition
At the End of the Year:
• Finalists from all four quarters are re-evaluated together
• A smaller group is selected as Official Nominees
• Final Award Winners are revealed live during the annual festival event
This multi-stage process ensures fairness, thoughtful evaluation, and true distinction at every level of recognition.
Awards & Prizes
AWARDS & PRIZES (UPDATED STRUCTURE)
Quarterly Recognition
Each quarter, films may receive:
• Official Selection status
• Quarterly Winner awards in applicable categories
• Digital laurels for promotion
Quarterly Winners automatically qualify as Finalists for the Annual Final Competition.
Annual Final Competition & Awards
From all four quarters:
Quarterly Winners → Annual Finalists
Annual Finalists → Official Nominees
Nominees → Award Winners (announced live)
Final Awards May Include
Feature & Short Film Awards
• Best Feature Film
• Best Short Film
• Best Documentary
• Best Documentary Short
• Best Micro Short
Performance Awards
• Best Actor
• Best Actress
• Rising Star Performer
Craft & Creative Excellence
• Best Director
• Best Screenplay
• Best Cinematography
• Best Editing
• Best Original Score
Special Recognition Awards
• Best Social Impact Story
• Breakthrough Storyteller Award
• Storyteller’s Vision Award
• Best Debut Filmmaker
• Jury Choice Award
Emerging Storytelling Formats
• Best Vertical Storytelling Film
Recognizing narrative-driven cinema intentionally created for the vertical frame, celebrating innovation, craft, and the evolving language of storytelling.
Prizes
• Official Winner Laurel
• Physical trophies for select categories
• Public recognition on festival platforms
• Screening opportunities at the annual event (based on programming and attendance)
Submission Guidelines & Rules
1.Submission Format
All films must be submitted only via Festhome as a secure online screener.
We do not accept DVDs, Blu-Rays, USBs, or physical copies.
2.Completion Date
Films must have been completed after January 1, 2022.
3.Language
Films not in English must include English subtitles.
This helps our jury and audience fully experience your story.
4.Multiple Entries
You’re welcome to submit multiple projects, but each film must be submitted separately with its own submission fee.
5.Rights & Permissions
By submitting to The Storyteller Universe, you confirm that you own all necessary rights to your film, including music, visuals, and any copyrighted material.
You also grant us permission to use stills, posters, trailers, and short excerpts (under 30 seconds) for promotional purposes.
6.Entry Fees
All submission fees are non-refundable, regardless of selection status.
7.Selection Process
Every film is reviewed by our selection committee and jury.
All decisions made by the festival team are final, and unfortunately we are unable to provide individual feedback.
8.Categories
Please submit your film to the most appropriate category.
The festival reserves the right to reassign films if needed for programming purposes.
9.Premiere Status
Premiere status is not required.
Films that have screened elsewhere or are available online are still fully eligible.
10.Disqualification
Any film with incomplete or false information, offensive content, or violations of these rules may be disqualified without a refund.
11.Notification
All selected filmmakers will be notified via Festhome and email.
12.Festival Format
The festival may include in-person and/or virtual screenings.
Selected filmmakers will be informed of the screening format in advance.
Data limite d'iscrizione
13 dic 26
Fictional films running 40 minutes or longer. Open to all genres that prioritize compelling storytelling and strong character development.
Data limite d'iscrizione
13 dic 26
Fictional films under 40 minutes. Perfect for storytellers who make an impact in a limited timeframe.
Data limite d'iscrizione
13 dic 26
Non-fiction films 40 minutes or longer that explore real stories, issues, or individuals with depth and perspective.
Data limite d'iscrizione
13 dic 26
Non-fiction films under 40 minutes that inform, inspire, or challenge audiences with real-world content.
Data limite d'iscrizione
13 dic 26
Films that push the boundaries of traditional storytelling through form, technique, or subject. Open to all durations.
Data limite d'iscrizione
13 dic 26
Animated films of any length, genre, or style, including 2D, 3D, stop-motion, or mixed media.
Data limite d'iscrizione
13 dic 26
Series of at least two episodes, each under 30 minutes. Can be narrative, documentary, or experimental.
Data limite d'iscrizione
13 dic 26
Films made as part of an academic program. Proof of student status may be requested. Open to all genres and lengths.
Data limite d'iscrizione
13 dic 26
Original music videos with a strong visual narrative or concept. All musical genres welcome.
Data limite d'iscrizione
13 dic 26
For directors submitting their first-ever short or feature film. A celebration of bold new voices.
Data limite d'iscrizione
13 dic 26
Films directed by women, across all genres and lengths. Empowering underrepresented talent in cinema.
Data limite d'iscrizione
13 dic 26
Films that address social, environmental, or humanitarian issues. Projects that aim to inspire action or awareness.
Data limite d'iscrizione
13 dic 26
Films that explore LGBTQ+ themes, identities, or stories, whether through fiction, non-fiction, or experimental work.
Data limite d'iscrizione
13 dic 26
Films that highlight South Asian culture, characters, heritage, or creators. Open to global submissions with a South Asian focus.
Data limite d'iscrizione
13 dic 26
Compact storytelling in five minutes or less. Great for punchy, poetic, or experimental concepts.
Data limite d'iscrizione
13 dic 26
Films shot 100% on mobile devices. Creativity is key, not budget.
Data limite d'iscrizione
13 dic 26
Narratives that thrill, scare, or psychologically unsettle. All subgenres within horror or suspense welcome.
Data limite d'iscrizione
13 dic 26
Films that entertain and bring laughter—whether light-hearted, dark, satirical, or absurd.
Data limite d'iscrizione
13 dic 26
Imaginative stories that explore futuristic, supernatural, or otherworldly themes and worlds.
Data limite d'iscrizione
13 dic 26
This category is for films created using artificial intelligence tools in any part of the process—scriptwriting, voice, visuals, editing, or animation. Open to both experimental and narrative works, as long as AI plays a meaningful creative role.
Data limite d'iscrizione
13 dic 26
Data limite d'iscrizione
13 dic 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.