Aceh Film Festival (AFF) is a film festival that aims to create a film ecosystem in Aceh. AFF emerged to respond to the growth of film through film communities after the armed conflict and the Aceh tsunami disaster. And as one of the provinces that does not yet have a cinema, AFF tries to be present to provide a viewing experience to the community and celebrate it.

AFF was first held in 2015 in the city of Banda Aceh and this year is entering its fifth celebration. So far, AFF's main program has been Gampong Film--a screening program in remote villages--through this program we want to invite the community to watch films as a tool to spark discussion, education, and entertainment. We also present films from around the world and hold various masterclasses and workshops in collaboration with filmmakers in Southeast Asia.

This year, we take "Stratagem", through this theme AFF wants to discuss and present various strategies and lessons from international filmmakers, especially from colonial or conflict countries. Therefore, for the first time we are opening an open call for films from all over the world.

We open submissions for 3 categories:

1. Short Fiction Competition

Through the Short Fiction Competition, we aim to capture and celebrate various phenomena in Indonesia and around the world, transforming them into compelling and innovative narratives through the medium of short films. This year, under the theme “Stratagem” (Strategy), we explore the ways in which individuals navigate power dynamics and overcome obstacles. At the same time, we encourage a broad and creative interpretation of this theme, allowing for diverse storytelling approaches.

2. Short Documentary Competition

At Aceh Film Festival (AFF), we believe that documentary films serve as powerful tools to reveal overlooked details of real-life events and document significant phenomena through audio-visual storytelling. The Short Documentary Competition not only seeks to highlight these phenomena but also to examine how they are narrated. Within this year’s theme, “Stratagem” (Strategy), we explore the strategies people employ to navigate restrictions and challenges. However, we also invite filmmakers to interpret this theme in the widest possible sense, fostering diverse perspectives and storytelling techniques.

3. Aflamu (AFF x East Cinema) Non-Competition

Aflamu is a special program at the Aceh Film Festival 2025, presented in collaboration with East Cinema. This program will showcase selected films from various countries in the Middle East and conflict zones worldwide, offering a unique window into the rich and diverse Islamic civilization.

The films featured in Aflamu are not merely for entertainment. Carefully curated, they aim to present a strong and relevant representation of Islamic civilization. These films explore important themes such as history, humanity, human rights, art, culture, social values, and the challenges faced by Muslim communities in the Middle East and conflict zones around the world. We only accept films from the Middle East and conflict regions, such as Palestine, Syria, Afghanistan, Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq, and others.

Awards & Prizes

SHORT FICTION COMPETITION
We will select one "best short fiction" film and will receive the charter, festival laurels and certificates.

SHORT DOCUMENTARY-COMPETITION
We will select one "best short documentary" film and will receive the charter, festival laurels and certificates.

AFLAMU (AFF x EAST CINEMA) NON-COMPETITION
All selected films will receive festival laurels and certificates.

Rules & Terms

COMPETITION CATEGORIES

Short Fiction and Documentary:

(a) Entry Requirements:

1. All films must have been completed between 2022 and 2025.
2. Submissions are open to filmmakers from all over the world.
3. All film genres are eligible, except those of an advertising/commercial nature and/or music video clips.
4. Premiere status is not a requirement. Films that have been previously screened elsewhere are still eligible for submission.
5. Submitted films will undergo a selection process by the festival committee and jury. A total of 10 finalists will be selected, and the chosen films will be screened at the Aceh Film Festival 2025.

(b) Technical Requirements:

1. Films must have a maximum runtime of 25 minutes, including opening and closing credits.
2. All submitted films must include English subtitles.
3. Selected films must be provided in high resolution (ProRes 1080p OR H.264 1080p).

NON-COMPETITON CATEGORY

Aflamu (Aceh Film Festival X East Cinema):

1. Submissions are only accepted from filmmakers based in conflict-affected countries, specifically: Afghanistan, Syria, Palestine, Iraq, South Sudan, Myanmar, Yemen, Ethiopia, and Mali.
2. Film categories:
• Short films: Maximum runtime of 30 minutes.
3. .Films must have been completed after December 30, 2023.
4. Selected films must be available for screening during the Aceh Film Festival (September 6-10, 2025).
5. All films must include English subtitles.
6. The Aceh Film Festival accepts all genres (fiction, documentary, and animation).
7. Selected films must be submitted in high-resolution format.
8. Each selected film will be screened a maximum of two times during the festival.
9. The festival reserves the right to use photos and trailers from selected films for promotional purposes.
10. The Aceh Film Festival provides a screening fee for each selected film.
11. The festival may invite the directors of selected films for an online discussion session.

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Disclaimer
1. Uploading your film via FilmFreeway grants the organizers WATCH-ONLY access.
2. The festival cannot download, copy, or share films uploaded to FilmFreeway.
3. Uploading a film to FilmFreeway does not grant the platform permission to use the work for purposes other than the competition and festival-related events (Aceh Film Festival 2025).
4. Submitted films remain under full copyright protection, in accordance with applicable laws.
5. Once submitted, films cannot be withdrawn, canceled, or resubmitted.
6. Participation in this event implies full acceptance of all outlined terms and conditions, including adherence to deadlines and technical requirements.
7. In case of any ambiguity or dispute regarding these terms, the festival organizers’ interpretation will be final.
8. The Aceh Film Festival reserves the right to use materials from selected films (such as stills, posters, and other media assets) for promotional purposes.
9. Unless explicitly stated otherwise in writing by the film’s owner, the festival reserves the right to retain one copy of the submitted film for educational, archival, and research purposes.