Our main purpose is to introduce and reward independent filmmakers around the world and become a brand to open the way in the cinema industry.

We are an IMDB qualifying Film Festival.

The best Istanbul Film and Art Festival takes place twice a year. Our "Judging Team" http://tiyatroartist.com/, consisting of Istanbul's most prestigious theater group, determines the winners for half a year. The venue and ceremony are announced on our official social media accounts and website.

Best Istanbul Film and Art Festival because; Istanbul, the only city in the world with land on two continents, has land in both Europe and Asia. Istanbul, the capital of many civilizations such as Rome, Latin, Eastern Roman, and Ottoman, is one of the oldest cities in the world.

Best Istanbul Film and Art Festival because; It is one of the five most populous cities in the world that embraces the art world and hosts unique works from past to present. However, this situation is not limited to the last century. Istanbul was among the most crowded and creative cities in the world in the 1500s.

The certificate and the laurel, which can be printed online, are sent free of charge to the award winners. Each winner has a right to purchase trophies if they wish.

Main Categories for Feature Film

Best Feature Film
Best Feature Documentary
Best Feature Drama
Best Feature Animation

Main Categories for Short Film

Best Short Film
Best Short Documentary
Best Short Horror/Crime/Thriller Film
Best Short Comedy Film
Best Short Drama Film
Best Short Animation

Sub Categories for Short Film

Best Director
Best Male Performance
Best Female Performance
Best Cinematography
Best Original Music
Best Editor
Best VFX
Best Student Filmmaker

Best Istanbul Film and Art Festival is an IMDB-qualifying film festival and FilmFreeway Gold festival. Best Istanbul Film and Art Festival's mission is to introduce and reward independent filmmakers worldwide and become a tool to open the way in the cinema industry.

All winners will receive the award certificate and laurel via email. The Best Istanbul Film and Art Festival has a solid social media and high-traffic website, the promotion of all winners will be ensured by the festival via social media and website.

1) Scope and General Info

Film types of all genres are accepted. Filmmakers may submit multiple projects.

We do not accept pornography, any non-proper content videos movies with intense propaganda, or radical politics.

The short film and director's name will be shared on social media by Best Istanbul Film and Art Festival. You agree to utilize parts of your film (including trailer/teaser/film poster/stills) for promotional purposes.

2) Language

All foreign-language short films should be submitted with English subtitles.

3) Runtime

Feature films must be under 220 min. Shorts must be under 40 min.

4) Review

We accept and review international short films.
All films are watched by the Best Istanbul Film and Art Festival team.
Best Istanbul Film and Art Festival will make the final decisions and notify filmmakers accordingly.

5) Terms

By submitting, you at this moment agree Best Istanbul Film and Art Festival may utilize your short film & press pack material for promotional purposes.

All films officially selected shall be screened at all functioning venues without a screener fee applied.

You agree to post the photos (selfie with trophy or certificate) you send to us on our social media and website. Screening pays will not be ensured.

The trophy and critique review are paid (not free) services.

6) Copyrights

By submitting Best Istanbul Film and Art Festival, the submitter agrees that you own all copyrights and intellectual properties to your work and agree to hold harmless the Best Istanbul Film and Art Festival from any claims, losses, liabilities, or attorneys' fees that may be stored in connection with the Film entry or the Festival's use thereof.

7) Notification Date and Deadline

The notification date can be changed by the committee.
The committee can extend the deadline for the submissions.

8) Refund

We do not have a refund option.

9) Services

The trophy and critique review are paid (not free) services.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • I'm so grateful that "Like a PowerPoint" won Special Golden Winner for Best Short Film! Thank you for all the communication and great honor.

    December 2022
  • We had a great experience at Best Istanbul Film Festival. And especially we are happy to become a winners of this festival in category Best Music Video with our video "Light Up"!
    The organizers are wonderful, the audience is great, the venue, the hospitality, everything!
    We can't wait to bring more of our works there in the future!!
    Thank you for supporting Ukrainian people in such a difficult time.
    Thank you for helping the LIGHT to win!

    November 2022
  • Galateya G

    Thank you so much! I am so happy to be part of Istanbul Film Festival!

    November 2022
  • Zane ★

    Great festival. Very happy to be part of this and winning an award for my actor. Quick communication and very professional. Highly recommend!!

    November 2022
  • Rooa Samer Alshattle

    Awesome festival !!
    So glade and honoured to have my film "Scribble" received the special golden winner in (best student short film) .

    November 2022