AFAQ Film Festival is an international event organized and supervised by the Afaq e.V. Association for Social and Cultural Cooperation, based in Germany. The festival welcomes a diverse range of films and is committed to fostering cultural collaboration between communities. Through showcasing various cinematic works, the festival aims to strengthen mutual understanding and promote dialogue between different cultures and peoples.

As part of its commitment to supporting emerging filmmakers and students, Afaq e.V. has contributed to the development of three films by young directors. Additionally, the festival provides an opportunity for participants to receive support for their future projects, fostering creative growth and cinematic innovation.

Festival Objectives:

Cultural & Social Dialogue: We aim to provide a platform for filmmakers from diverse backgrounds, facilitating communication and promoting mutual understanding between cultures and nations.

Support for Independent Filmmakers: The festival offers an important opportunity for independent filmmakers and emerging talents to showcase their work on an international stage, helping to propel their careers and amplify their creative voices.

Raising Awareness of Humanitarian Issues: Through films that address human rights, social justice, migration, conflicts, and environmental issues, we strive to raise awareness and spark meaningful conversations on these vital global topics.

Promoting Cinematic Diversity: We celebrate cinematic works that reflect the richness of diverse cultures and communities, honoring untold stories and presenting fresh perspectives on the world.

Fostering International Collaboration: By encouraging partnerships between filmmakers from various countries, we create opportunities for collaboration and the potential for future joint projects that bridge East and West.

Cinematic Education:
The festival is committed to fostering a deeper understanding of cinema through various educational initiatives. We organize workshops, seminars, and discussions with renowned directors, providing participants with opportunities to enhance their filmmaking skills and gain valuable insights into the art of cinema.

Festival Activities

Film Screenings: The festival showcases a wide array of films from around the globe, including feature films, short films, documentaries, and animated films, offering a platform for diverse cinematic voices.

Workshops and Seminars: We offer hands-on filmmaking workshops designed to improve technical skills, along with insightful seminars exploring various cinematic topics and trends.

Filmmaker Meet-ups: Our festival provides ample networking opportunities, allowing filmmakers, producers, and distributors to connect, share ideas, and collaborate on future projects.

Awards Ceremony: At the culmination of the festival, awards are presented to the winning films across multiple categories, honoring outstanding achievements in cinema. In addition, winners will be given the opportunity to compete for a chance to produce their own film with support from the Afak Association, further empowering emerging filmmakers.

The AFAQ Film Festival is more than just a film event; it is a global platform that offers participants and audiences the chance to discover stories and experiences from different parts of the world, emphasizing the values of understanding and cooperation between cultures.

At the culmination of the festival, awards are presented to the winning films across multiple categories, honoring exceptional achievements in cinema. In addition, winners will be given the opportunity to compete for a chance to produce their own film with the support of the Afak Association, further empowering emerging filmmakers.

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Best Feature Film
Best Feature Documentary
Best Short Film
Best Short Documentary
Best Student Film
Best Super Short Film
Best Animated Short

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Best Director
Best Screenplay
Best Cinematography
Best Film Editing
Best Music Score
Best Visual Effects
Best Production Design / Wardrobe / Make-Up
Best Actor
Best Actress

The festival is open to filmmakers of all backgrounds, including professionals, independents, and students. Films from all countries are eligible for submission.

Film Requirements:
-Films must fit into one of the following categories: Feature Film, Documentary Film, Short Film, Short Documentary, or Animation.
-All films must have English subtitles.
-Films should have been produced within the last three years.

Intellectual Property Rights:
-Participants must hold all intellectual property rights to their films, including music, visuals, and any other content.
-The festival will not be liable for any rights infringement issues related to the submitted films.

Submission and Selection:
-Films must be submitted via the FilmFreeway platform, accompanied by the applicable submission fee.
-The festival will accept multiple submissions from the same filmmaker.
-An independent jury will review and select the films. The jury’s decision is final and binding.

Awards:
-Awards will be given in categories such as Best Feature Film, Best Documentary, Best Short Film, and Best Short Documentary.
-Additional awards may include Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Supporting Actress.
-The awards will be determined by the jury based on creativity, relevance to the festival’s themes, and overall impact.

Screening and Promotion:
-The festival reserves the right to screen selected films during the event and use excerpts or promotional materials for marketing purposes.
-Filmmakers will be notified if their film is selected for screening and may be
-required to provide additional promotional materials.

General Conditions:
-By submitting a film, participants agree to the festival’s terms and conditions and
-grant permission for their film to be screened and promoted as part of the festival.
-The festival is not responsible for any loss or damage to submitted films.

These terms and conditions ensure that the Afaq Film Festival maintains its focus on critical global issues while providing a fair and professional platform for filmmakers.