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.

SPONSORS 2021
RED GIANT Software is sponsoring the Outstanding German Contribution and the Outstanding Student Film Awards.

ARC STUDIO PRO is sponsoring the festival with 10 one-year subscriptions to its outstanding screenwriting software.

We are also pleased to announce that the SYDNEY SCIENCE FICTION FILM FESTIVAL is offering an Automatic Acceptance Award for 2021.

PLUS: We are looking for support and partnership for WINNERS PRIZES (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) - Arc Studio Pro Award
Best Drama Short (Max. 45 minutes) - Arc Studio Pro Award
Best Action Short (Max. 45 minutes) - Arc Studio Pro Award
Best Comedy Short (Max. 45 minutes) - Arc Studio Pro Award
Best Fan Film (Max. 50 minutes) - Arc Studio Pro Award
Best Animation (any length) - Arc Studio Pro Award
Best Experimental/Music (Max. 30 minutes) - Arc Studio Pro Award
Best Documentary/Factual (45 minutes) - Arc Studio Pro Award

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 - Arc Studio Pro Award
Best VFX - Arc Studio Pro Award

Additional awards include:

Best Cinematography
Best Editing
Best Original Score
Best Script - Arc Studio Pro Award
Best Actor
Best Actress

Grand Jury Award
Outstanding Film Award

Sydney Science Fiction Festival Automatic Acceptance 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.

106 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
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Networking
  • Mike Hay

    I was delighted that my project ‘Even The Rats’ made the official selection and participated in the 2020 Berlin Sci-Fi Filmfest. My experience was great; I found the festival team to be very helpful and supportive in answering questions and helping making arrangements for participation. Due to COVID-19, the festival was virtual, and I applaud the festival for creating what I thought was a brilliant event under the circumstances. I look forward to the opportunity to participate in the festival again someday!

    March 2021
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    Response from festival:

    I have just seen this review from you Mike and thank you for your kindness. It was a hard year for everyone in the industry and we felt we have travelled so far, not to keep going and building wasn't an option. Cheers.

  • Carl Hansen

    Thank you so much for selecting my short, "I/O." I had a great time (virtually) at the 2020 Berlin Sci Fi Film Fest and really enjoyed watching the other selections. While I don't know what the festival is like in person, the virtual experience was great and was able to get some good networking in during some festival sponsored sessions. So thank you, Berlin Sci-fi Filmfest, and hope to be able to make it to one in person when that's allowed again. Great job pivoting to the virtual format!

    January 2021
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    Response from festival:

    We are hoping... crossing everything we have for 2021 to be live again. We love that experience. But it proved to be a fantastic learning curve and event in the end. It is always hard to gauge what is going to happen, but we worked hard and gained from it. Thanks Carl.

  • Cristina Marx

    It is really a pity that we couldn't attend the festival and meet other filmmakers due to COVID-19. But we are glad anyway that it was possible to showcase our film CYCLE 2217 online. Thanks a lot to the festival's team for such hard work. The communication with the festival was always great and fast. We could get all necessary information in time. It was also an honour to be nominated for the category "Outstanding German Contribution" and be connected to the Sydney Science Fiction Film Festival.

    January 2021
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks Christina, and it was great having so many top-notch German productions like CYCLE 2217. The festival really proved to be a success and we hope to combine it with the live event in 2021. Let's hope things have improved in our dystopian present by November. Prost.

  • 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
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks Harry, I had hoped you'd be joining us in Jit.si meet and greet. Thank you for being a part of the festival.

  • 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
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    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.