1. Participation, Eligibility, and Submission
1.1 Eligibility Criteria
Eligible cinematographic and audio-visual works include:
• Genres: Fiction, Documentary, Animation, Experimental
• Duration: Short films: Up to 40 minutes
Feature films: Over 40 minutes
• Production Date: After January 1, 2025
• Languages: Arabic, English, or French. Films in other languages must be subtitled in French or English.
• Premiere Status: Films not previously screened in Algeria will be given priority. However, previously screened or awarded films (2024 -2025) may be accepted at the discretion of the selection committee.
1.2 Submission Details
No submission fees required.
Submission platform: Submission through Film Freeway Platform and accessible via the festival’s official website www.ficinema.dz
Required materials:
• Secure viewing link or digital file
• Synopsis (AR/FR/EN)
• Director’s biography and filmography + HD photo
• Official Poster + stills (HD)
• Teaser
• Complete Technical Rider
Deadline: September 1st, 2026 (11:59 PM, UTC+1)
2. Selection Process
• A designated committee of professionals from the film and cultural sectors, will review all submissions.
• Committee decisions are final and non-contestable.
• Official selections will be announced no later than October 10, 2026 (11:59 PM, UTC+1).
*No withdrawal is accepted once the official selection is confirmed.
3. Program Sections & Awards
3.1 Sections
• In competition: Feature and short films, both fiction and documentary.
• Non competitive: International panorama, including films on knowledge and science.
• Algeria/Africa Focus: Films by African filmmakers or addressing Algerian contexts.
• Palestine: Special selection dedicated to Palestinian cinema.
• Cinema Lab: Workshops, Masterclasses and Residencies.
3.2 Awards and Distinctions:
For each section: Feature film - short film - Documentary:
• Grand Prize
• Jury Prize
• Audience Award
• Technical Achievement Award
*Special Mentions at the Jury’s discretion
4. Juries
Jury members are appointed by the festival and consist of esteemed professionals from cinema and culture. Their decisions are final and not subject to appeal.
5. Commitments of Selected Participants
Rights holders of selected films agree to:
• Authorize public screenings within the festival framework
• Allow the use of up to 3 minutes of footage for promotional purposes (TV, web, print, social media).
• Participation in the festival’s promotional and media activities (press, radio and television interviews, and online media coverage).
6. Technical Requirements
• Accepted formats: DCP, .MOV / .MP4 (H.264 codec), Blu-ray
• Deadline for receiving final screening copies: October 15, 2026 (11:59 PM, UTC+1)
• Shipping: Outbound shipping at participant's expense; return shipping covered by the festival.
7. Communication & Publicity Rights
"The festival reserves the right to utilize photographs, audiovisual content, and all related information concerning the selected works across all its media and promotional platforms."
8. Conduct & Regulations
All participants and accredited guests must behave respectfully and comply with festival rules and Algerian law.
Misconduct may result in immediate withdrawal of accreditation.
9. Force Majeure
The festival reserves the right to modify, postpone, or fully or partially cancel its activities in the event of exceptional circumstances, without any obligation for compensation.
10. Acceptance
Participation implies full and unconditional acceptance of this regulation.
