Berlin Sci-Fi Filmfest was the first genre-specific Sci-Fi film festival in Germany. Berlin is a metropolis that welcomes a better future. 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 SF (Speculative Fiction) oriented, embracing thoughtful and genre-bending films. We are particularly interested in films that reflect the New Weird, as well as animated films of all types. We also enjoy good Hard Sci/Fi.

In 2024, we stumbled across an emerging genre that we have named Psychopunk. Psychopunk uses familiar tropes of Cyberpunk to explore relationships, mental health, self-expression, and human potential in a rapidly changing world of technologies such as artificial intelligence, prescription and designer drugs, and cybernetics. Psychopunk stories tend to be about normal people facing normal problems. If you have a movie or script that fits this description, we are very interested in seeing your film.

Awards & Prizes

You can submit in the following categories:

MAIN CATEGORIES
Best Science Fiction Feature Film
Best Science Fiction Short Film
Best Animated Feature Film
Best Animated Short Film
Best Science FIction or Animated Feature Screenplay
Best Science Fiction or Animated Short Screenplay
Best German SF Film
Stories That Would Make Great SF Movies (There will be a separate process for entries in this category)

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. Screenplays only in English, please.

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

• 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.

Submitted screenplays must conform to the following standards:

• A PDF
• Log-line synopsis (no more than 20 words).
• Correctly formatted screenplay. There is free software that will do this.

4 - All Official Selections will receive a live screening.

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.

10 - All submitters retain ownership rights to their work.

Please review these Terms and Conditions. They stand as of 10.30.2024. You can also email us at info@berlinscifi.com with questions.

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

    A huge thank you to the whole festival team, who showed the utmost care and effort to make sure they had the best possible version of our web series D dot H to share with their audience, as well as tremendous patience while we dealt with technical issues on our end. We were extremely disappointed we were unable to attend this year, but we thank you again, Hal and the entire festival team, for providing such a supportive and appropriate home for genre and sci-fi filmmaking. Miigwetch, Berlin Sci-Fi!

    November 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you , Meegwun, and your talented team for all of your hard work and for this fantastic entry, "D dot H"! Miigwetch!

  • Larry Wade Carrell

    What a treat! I highly recommend this festival!

    October 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you, Larry! We were proud to screen such a brave documentary. An important contribution to the history of science fiction and horror film-making.

  • Mora Carew

    It was an honor for my film Paint to be selected as a Finalist in the 2024 Berlin Sci-fi Filmfest! Communication with the festival was great and always smooth. I attended in person at Urania Berlin and the film screenings and panels were top notch, and everyone at the festival was professional and kind.

    October 2024
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    Response from festival:

    We were happy to have you, Mora. I'm glad that we made a good impression on behalf of Berlin. "PAINT" is a leader in a wave of fresh films exploring old questions in a new light.

  • GLENNA BURMER

    One of the truly great festivals. Professionally run, outstanding movies, wonderful communication, excellent in every way. It was an honor to participate in the festival and to have my short film Bippy the Little Robot appreciated! I hope to submit again in the future!

    October 2024
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    Response from festival:

    We hope you do submit again in the future! "Bippy the Little Robot" is still in my thoughts, encouraging me to reflect on where it is all going, even as we begin preparing for next year's festival.

  • Parker Croft

    Being part of the Berlin Sci-fi Filmfest was an amazing experience. Although we couldn’t attend due to scheduling conflicts, we were really impressed by the festival’s exceptional support and dedication to both the films and filmmakers. Their professionalism truly made a lasting impression.

    October 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you for the kind review, Parker. It is rare to see so much talent gathered to make one film, leading a new wave of science fiction.