Catalyst International Film Festival

FILMS:
1. Short films must not run longer than 20 minutes including titles and credits.
2. Only films submitted through FilmFreeway can be considered by Catalyst IFF. Applications should include a brief synopsis (20-30 words) and up to 5 high res images (images must be titled "ProjectTitle_01" etc.)
3. All submissions must complete the section indicating which diversity criteria your film has met. See the section below on Gender, Diversity and Inclusion Standards. If films are submitted without this information they will not be considered and the application fee will not be refunded.
4. Catalyst IFF does not pay screening fees for any of the films submitted or selected.
5. Submission Deadline 16th February 2026. All films must be submitted in final form and ready for screening.
6. Submissions EARLY BIRD - until Friday, 17th October 2025.
7. Only films completed after January 2024 can be considered.
8. Student films must be submitted with a valid Student I.D. in order to avail of the reduced submission fee. National Student Short Award Category must be selected when submitting if project is ROI/NI.
9. If the film is not in the English language it must have English subtitles.
10. Music and image rights must be cleared for all films.
11. Selected submissions extracts and images may be included in all Catalyst promotional material and publicity. (Extracts limited to and not exceeding 1 min)
12. Entry fees are non-refundable.
13.By submitting to Catalyst International FF you are accepting all the festival regulations and procedures.
14. Decisions of the Catalyst IFF Jury and Judges is final
15. The festival will liaise with the filmmaker regarding screening formats after final decisions have been taken - all selected films must be sent in DCP format with any subtitles in the requested format. Catalyst is not responsible if a selected film is not screened in the correct screen ratio during the festival as we will have provided filmmakers with the required format in advance.
16. Selected finalists will be individually notified and a list will be on the website and social media platforms We regret we cannot provide individual feedback on your submission.
17. Live action, animation and documentary are all accepted.
18. If you are a First Time Filmmaker you must select this Category.
19. Short Screenplays must be uploaded in PDF format and must be completely "blind" - no identifying watermarks or writer's details on any pages.
20. All short film submissions must include appropriate trigger warnings and a recommended viewing age to ensure suitability for our audience. We understand this is subjective however any detail you can provide is helpful.
21. Shorts should not exceed 20 minutes. In exceptional circumstances the team may make an exception, please contact us directly. info@catalystinternationalfilmfestival.com

CRITERIA:
For inclusion in the Catalyst International Film Festival films will need to satisfy a number of criteria in order to demonstrate how content and personnel contribute to diversity.
Basically, If your film or script reflects gender equality,  diversity and inclusion on screen and/or behind the camera…we want to see it!
Films must demonstrate a commitment to inclusion and meet the criteria in the following areas:

A) On-screen
AND
B) creative leadership.

A) On-screen representation, themes and narratives: if your film has a lead character/s or at least two secondary character/s in the underrepresented group list OR has a storyline or subject matter about an underrepresented character/s or group it qualifies for consideration for the festival.

AND

B) Behind the Camera Representation: If at least one member of your film’s key creative team – writer, director, producer, cinematographer, editor - is on the underrepresented group list OR two or more crew member it qualifies for consideration for the festival.

The festival seeks to address underrepresentation in the following areas:

· Gender
· Social and economic exclusion
· Race
· Disability
· Age
· Sexual Orientation

Please note this is not a definitive list and we would welcome queries about films that address under-representation in areas not mentioned here.

SHORT SCREENPLAY AWARD 2026 - In association with the Writers Guild of Ireland (WGI)

1. All scripts to be submitted via FilmFreeway in the English or Irish language, maximum 10 pages. Longer scripts will be disqualified.
2. The story, themes and/or characters should reflect the ethos of Catalyst International Film Festival which champions under-represented groups and supports gender equality, diversity and inclusion.
3. Scripts that are in production or under option are not eligible. The script must be an original work of the author(s). Only screenplays will be accepted.
4. Works written by another author are not eligible. A script adapted from your own work is eligible if you currently retain the rights.
5. Script revisions must be entered as a new submission and pay a new fee.
6. Screenwriter must be 18 years or older on date of submission.
7. Decisions of the Judges are final and confidential.
8. Winners will be selected from a short list decided by an industry panel. Finalists will be notified and winners will be announced on our website.
9. Unfortunately, the festival is unable to provide individual feedback on your submission.
*10. All Scripts must be submitted COMPLETELY BLIND in PDF format, PLEASE REMOVE ALL IDENTIFYING WATERMARKS +/ NAMES IN YOUR PDF* (If this is not provided you will automatically be disqualified.)

SCREENPLAY AWARD PRIZES:
Winner
- Cash Prize of €1,500
- Membership of Writers Guild of Ireland (WGI) for one year
- Book Voucher – Value €150 (Kindly sponsored by WGI)
- Catalyst Trophy

**Please respect that Catalyst is a relatively small festival and does not issue waivers, please do not email the festival asking for waivers.**
**The festival does not accept late submissions, please do not contact us after the deadline date with a late submission request, it is not fair to other submitters**

Updated May 2025