2021 is the fifth year for Berlin Sci-fi Filmfest. After a difficult year for everyone in the business, we are continuing to look at ways we can develop and grow. Our aim is always to make our festival as filmmaker and user friendly as possible. Once again we are partnering with the Babylon Cinema, Berlin. After its closure, due to COVID-19, we expect to return this year. We teamed up with XERB.TV in 2020 to keep the festival moving forward. The result was a successful and enjoyable online theatre experience. This year, whatever happens, we intend to bring back panel discussions and workshops. We love sci-fi, and we want to help all filmmakers get the best out of their submissions. Please take a look at the reviews to get a full insight into the festival.

As part of this year submissions, ALL ENTRANTS will receive a complimentary copy of Anthony Straeger's 'Creating Success with your Submissions'. This booklet will assist you in getting the most out of your submissions. By applying the tips you will give yourself the best possible chance of success not only with the Berlin Sci-fi Filmfest but also with other festivals.

Also, we offer in association with Producer/Director Hasraf ‘HaZ’ Dulull a 10% discount code to his Sci-fi Filmmaking masterclass series - Filmmaking 101.

PLUS: Additionally, we expect accessing some exciting SPONSORED PRIZES for our winners (TBC).

Our festival represents the first genre-specific Sci-fi film festival in Germany. We are passionate about filmmaking and all things Sci-fi. Geek interest, documentary, web-series, narrative, animation, music, experimental, fan-films. Berlin Sci-fi celebrates the 'Science Fiction Genre'. We care about its filmmakers those who seek out new life and new civilizations, boldly going where their imagination takes them.

Awards & Prizes

You can submit in the following categories:

Best Feature (Min. 45 minutes)
Best Drama Short (Max. 45 minutes)
Best Action Short (Max. 45 minutes)
Best Comedy Short (Max. 45 minutes)
Best Fan Film (Max. 50 minutes)
Best Experimental/Music (Max. 30 minutes)
Best Documentary/Factual (45 minutes)
Best Animation (any length)

Plus:

Outstanding German Contribution
Outstanding Student Film Award
These two awards are sponsored by RED GIANT and the winners will receive a 1-year subscription to RED GIANT COMPLETE the bundle is worth 600 dollars.

Plus:

Best Director
Best VFX

Additional awards include:

Best Cinematography
Best Editing
Best Original Score
Best Script
Best Actor
Best Actress

Grand Jury Award
Outstanding Film Award

All of the winners will receive the prestigious Berlin Sci-fi Filmfest 3D print award. If you are unable to attend the award it will be sent to you. But, you must meet the shipping costs.

Winners, Semi-finalists and Selected Filmmakers can order a stylish CERTIFICATE from the Berlin Sci-fi website, these are sent as PDF.

Rules & Terms

TThese are the Terms & Conditions of Entry into BerIin Sci-fi Filmfest (known here in as the Festival).

1 - Films submitted must belong to the Sci-fi/fantasy genre. Films not belonging to the Sci-fi/fantasy genre will not be selected.

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

3 - If selected the submitter must provide within 30 days of notification the following:
• 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 role).
• Production year.

4 - We need a high-quality MOV file for selection into the XERB Virtual Theatre. If you selected for the CINEMA, we need a DCP. If you do not have a DCP, we can assist you in getting one made.

5 - If you send a DCP, do so on a USB stick. Make sure you have a return P&P. Don not send it as business send it as a personal gift. For more information, contact us at info@berlinscifi.com.

6 - Regardless of where in the world you are from, under no circumstances do we give A FEE WAIVER. For STUDENTS, there is a student rate included in the submissions panel.

TERMS:

1 - The submitter agrees that they are the owner and the legal representative of the work. You are responsible for all copyright clearances. This including music, model/actor releases, distribution rights etc.

2 - If you have a distribution deal or sales agent, we recommend that you consult them first. Get a 'letter of agreement' allowing 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 - Once your film is selected, you cannot withdraw it from the festival line-up.

8 - FAN FILMS: The festival welcomes and accepts fan films. The filmmaker/submitter must have all permissions from the copyright holder, franchise holder or intellectual property owner.

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

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

11 – We have standard GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) in place. Consult the website for full details. If you have any specific questions about your data or our data protection policy visit: https://www.berlinscifi.com/privacy-policy/ .

Please review these Terms and Conditions. They stand as of 01.01.2021.
You can also email us at info@berlinscifi.com.

PLEASE NOTE:

This Festival is self-funded and currently has no primary financial sponsorship partners. If your film is selected, we DO NOT provide accommodation or flights for you to attend the festival. You will receive A SINGLE FULL FESTIVAL PASSES for the cinema and the virtual theatre. Discounted tickets for cast, crew, family and friends will be available.

If you wish to take part in a Question and Answer or Panel Discussion, contact us within a reasonable time frame before the event.

103 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Harry Kemp

    Unfortunately I was unable to attend this years festival due to Covid-19 travel restrictions, but our film screened at the festival and communication with the festival holders was great! Would be glad to be a part of the festival again in the future!

    January 2021
    Helpful
  • Martin Rasmussen

    Great festival with a very nice vibe even in the year of Corona! Enjoyed it so much as we won a little price with our sci-fi music video Back Off You! - Martin Baltser

    January 2021
    Helpful
    Logo
    Response from festival:

    Networking and the hospitality side this year was difficult and we made a point of keeping connected with the filmmakers. Our aim is to get back to our cinema and feel the live pulse once again. Thanks for being a part of it.

  • Alexander King Chen

    Amazing festival! Every step of the way! So easy. It’s my first film, therefore I had so many questions. Anthony clearly helped out each step of the way, from checking to see if the files were properly received to updates and double-checking with us. Reminding us. Also letting us know the status. Thank you Anthony! They are def super hands on! I also love the rooster of films included in our year. Brilliant selections! We have 2 new films, will def submit this year! LOVE!!!!!

    January 2021
    Helpful
    Logo
    Response from festival:

    Thanks so much Alexander. It is always a joy to feel connected with filmmakers and also be of assistance, we like to think that our experience helps keep young vibrate filmmakers like you going... We hope to see you again. Prost aus Berlin!

  • Miguel Villa

    Berlin Sci-fi Filmfest was a great time with a great set of organizers and filmmakers! I really appreciate that the festival did it's best to connect everyone eventhough the festival was held in a virtual environment due to COVID-19. The festival was awesome! I recommend you submit. Thanks for always staying in touch with us and letting us now that you were trying to make a great festival and experience.

    January 2021
    Helpful
    Logo
    Response from festival:

    We loving our filmmakers and it is making that connection that is vitally important to us. The COVID certainly put a spanner in the works, so we had to fight to keep the sci-fi alive. Thanks for being a part of it.

  • Peter Sundqvist

    Really proud that my film The Bare Lands 1 - The Needle (börjåoła 1 - dårgnå:łen) was chosen to be a part of this line-up. Despite the lockdowns and not meeting the audience, the organizers or being able to see the films screened on the big screen, being part of this years festival was truly great and something I'll remember for a long time. The communication between the organizers was top notch, they genuinely seem like a great bunch of people.

    January 2021
    Helpful
    Logo
    Response from festival:

    I like that you say we are a great bunch of people... We try really hard and I think because we have been filmmakers (Alex is just in post-production) It is important to feel you are part of something bigger. Thank you Peter.