Berlin Sci-Fi Filmfest was the first genre-specific Sci-Fi film festival in Germany. Berlin is a metropolis that welcomes a better future, even as it parties and celebrates the fall of the old order in post-apocalyptic converted industrial spaces. Berlin Sci-Fi Filmfest is looking for thought provoking science fiction that makes audiences think, feel, and reflect on our place in the universe and our future.

We are introducing a new competition this year: “Stories That Would Made Great Sci-Fi Films”. We will also be expanding our competitions to include Science Documentaries. Our goal is to promote cross-fertilization between science, science fiction literature, and science fiction filmmaking.

Towards that end, Berlin Sci-fi Filmfest is planning to be back this year at a new venue—Urania—located at the intersection of lively Schöneberg and upscale Charlottenburg, on Ku’damn, known as the Champs-Élysées of Berlin, two blocks from KaDeWe. Urania is a scientific society founded in 1888 to disseminate the latest advances in science to the public.

Awards & Prizes

You can submit in the following categories:

MAIN CATEGORIES
Best Science Fiction Feature
Best Science Fiction Short
Best Animation
Best Documentary Feature
Best Documentary Short
Best Science Fiction Web Series
Best Innovation in AI Filmmaking
Best German Science Fiction Film or Series
Innovation in AI Filmmaking
Open Source Technology Award (for achievement in the use of Open Source Software in filmmaking)

Rules & Terms

These are the Terms & Conditions of Entry into Berlin Sci-fi Filmfest (Known herein as the Festival).

1 - Submissions must belong to Sci-fi/Fantasy or any relevant sub-genres.

2 - We welcome films from any country in the world. If the film is in any language other than English, the film must have English subtitles embedded.

3 - If selected, the submitter of a film must provide the following within 30 days of notification:

• A non-watermarked film.
• Poster (Portrait).
• 3 x 16:9 images (2 from the film and a headshot).
• Log-line synopsis (no more than 20 words).
• Key cast (Only the lead actors, with their roles).
• Production year.

If selected, the submitter of a work of short fiction must provide the following within 30 days of notification:

• A PDF copy of the work of short fiction
• A headshot
• A synopsis (no more than 20 words).
• A 1-2 minute clip (HD/2K) of the author reading a passage from the text. The clip may contain concept art if desired, but concept art is not necessarily needed.

4 - All Official Selections will receive a live screening. Short films and Web Series must submitted a MOV file for screening. Feature film screenings will require a DCP screener.

TERMS:

1 - The submitter agrees that they are the owner and legal representative of the work. You are responsible for all copyright clearances and must have in place music, model/actor releases, distribution rights etc. If you need more information contact us.

2 - If you have a distribution deal or sales agent, we recommend that you consult them first.

Get a 'letter of agreement' that allows you to submit to the Festival. Please consult all your partners before entering.

3 – The Festival is not liable for any infringement on copyright or ownership clearance issues.

4 - The Submitter accepts full responsibility for any breach of intellectual or trademark property.

5 - The Submitter permits the Festival to use their film, trailers and marketing material for all promotional purposes.

6 - By submitting your film, you permit the Festival to screen the film royalty-free during the Festival, and it includes alternative venues and designated times. Under no circumstances do we pay a screening fee.

7 - You cannot withdraw your film once selected for the festival line-up.

8 - By submitting, the filmmaker agrees that they have read and understood the terms & conditions of entry.

9 - We reserve the right to change or otherwise alter these Terms & Conditions at any time. Unless otherwise indicated, amendments will become effective immediately.

Please review these Terms and Conditions. They stand as of 02.05.2024. You can also email us at info@berlinscifi.com.

If you wish to be involved in a Question and Answer or Panel Discussion, contact us within a reasonable time frame before the event.
125 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
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  • Alican Kuzu

    This is one of my favourite festivals. The vibe is like being reuinted with a long lost family. Watching science fiction films from inspired filmmakers is a unique experience. Should be bigger and more filmmakers should dare to scifi. This is what I think, when I'm sitting at Berlin Sci-fi Filmfest and watching these amazing Works.

    January 2022
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  • Dicky Chalmers

    I was honoured that my short film ANGEL was selected for Berlin Sci-fi Filmfest in 2021, and overjoyed when it received nominations for two awards. So it was deeply frustrating to not be able to attend in person. Nonetheless, I had a great experience with this festival. Communication with the team was smooth, and the festival was very well-organised. And although I could not be there in person, I felt confident that my film was in safe hands, and being screened by a team who are passionate about sci-fi.

    December 2021
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  • Damian Weber

    We loved Berlin Sci-Fi festival! The festival team is super nice and helpful. They have organised the festival as a whole Sci-fi-event with a lot of enthusiasm and love for details. It takes place in a beautiful and historical Cinema in Berlin Mitte.

    December 2021
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  • Double Yellow Productions

    We had such a brilliant time being a part of Berlin Sci-Fi Filmfest! The communication from day one was brilliant, we were always kept in the loop with what was happening and the assistance with any technical issues was always excellent and speedy. It was fantastic to visit Berlin and to receive such a wonderful trophy! It is a really lovely, friendly team who run the festival and we would thoroughly recommend it.

    December 2021
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    Response from festival:

    Great to have filmmakers back at the festival. It creates an atmosphere and it is always so nice to meet people like yourselves with a passion for filmmaking. Thank you so much for joining us and being a big part of 2021.

  • Andrew McGee

    A wonderful festival, great communication and organisation! I was so pleased I could attend an international festival for my short Venus during difficult times, and meet Antony and the team who are clearly passionate about sci-fi filmmaking.

    December 2021
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    Response from festival:

    It felt so good to be back live and that so many filmmakers like you put the effort into coming. PCR test, track and trace forms, it really is enough to put you off bothering. But you did and it was a joy to meet you.