Balkan CineFest is an event dedicated to discovering ambitious films from the Balkans and beyond.

Filmmakers are invited to submit their work in the following categories:

Balkan Storyteller: Short Film

Balkan Storyteller: Feature Film

Balkan Storyteller: Documentary

Balkan Storyteller: Video Art / Moving Image

Balkan Storyteller: Student Film

Berat Artscape

Category Descriptions:

Balkan Storyteller (short films, features films, documentaries, video art/moving image):
These categories welcome Balkan filmmakers whose thought-provoking imagery and captivating narratives stand as a testament to the resilience and creativity of the Balkan spirit.

Berat Artscape: Open to creators from around the world, this category invites international filmmakers to express their artistic and cultural connection to the city of Berat.

Our Mission :

To provide a platform for fresh voices, showcasing the immense talent and potential of our region.

To empower emerging filmmakers to tell their stories and explore their identities.

To engage with global issues through the transformative power of cinema.

To submit your film and join our vibrant creative community, please proceed via [FilmFreeway].

For any questions, feel free to contact our festival office via email.

Awards & Prizes

As a participant in this year’s Balkan CineFest, you will have access to screenings, interactive workshops, a vibrant community of filmmakers and creatives, and active social media exposure throughout the festival.

The festival will also present the following awards:

Finalists and Winners in the Balkan Storyteller category (Short, Feature, Documentary, Video Art/Moving Image and Student films).)

Honorable Mentions in the Berat Artscape category.

Rules & Terms

Films must be submitted through FilmFreeway.

Secure online screeners must be included with the application.

All submitted materials must include English subtitles.

There is no limit to the number of films a filmmaker or producer may submit.

Each entry must be accompanied by:

A synopsis in English

A poster of the film

A biography of the director in English

By submitting your film to this festival, you agree for it to be screened during the official festival dates.

Please note that Balkan CineFest does not cover travel or lodging expenses. However, for participating filmmakers, we are pleased to offer:

Exclusive Invitations to the festival’s opening event and dinner.

Official Screenings of your work followed by Q&A sessions.

Dedicated Media Coverage and social media promotion.

Guided Local Tours, offering a unique cultural and touristic experience of the city.

9 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Alkistis Voulgari

    Thank you so much for the selection of "Women of Saos" and for the great hospitality. Best wishes!

    March 2026
    Helpful
  • Buket Demirel

    It's an honor for us to be at the Balkan Cinema Festival 2025. We're delighted to have the world premiere of Gamze's Sorrow here. It's been a positive contribution to our networking experience. Thank you very much.

    August 2025
    Helpful
  • Стефан Войводов

    It was a real pleasure to be part of this year’s edition of the festival. I truly appreciate the effort and dedication you invest in organizing such a meaningful event, and the opportunity you provide for filmmakers from across the region to present their work to new audiences.
    I look forward to staying in touch and hope our paths cross again at future editions of the festival.

    June 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Dear Стефан Войводов,

    We were happy to have your work included in this year’s edition of the festival. It was a pleasure to share your creative vision with our audience.

    We look forward to staying in touch and hope our paths cross again—in the wide and vital field of artistic creation and the platforms that bring it to light.

    Warm regards,

  • gianni russo

    A great festival with a great organisation and communication. We’re honoured to be part of it. Thanks to all the staff. It is really recommended!!!

    June 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you, Gianni. We are happy to have received feedback from you — especially coming from Piano B Produzioni, the team behind Giuseppe Tornatore’s latest film.

  • Murat Sezen

    Thank you for your festival

    June 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you for your participation, positivity, and interactivity during our days at the online festival. Keep creating 🙏🏻