The Courage Film Festival is aimed at all the filmmakers and screenwriters who use their work to take a stand and fight for what they believe is right! We're now looking for submissions for our the edition in Berlin in Fall 2024.

We welcome films and screenplays that fight for good causes and portray the struggles and adversity that people and groups face when trying to bring about positive change and influence in a world where you sometimes have to shout in order to make yourself heard.

We are looking for stories that spark discussions and debates and are the protagonists for positive change and development in the world. All themes are welcome, covering topics such as women, immigration, the environment, family, equality, mental health, disability, etc.

People face challenges every day. Will your story ignite courage in another human?

We want to hear your stories and give you a platform to share them and to also discuss the issues portrayed in your film with like-minded filmmakers. Our events include screenings and Q&A sessions about the main themes of the festival.

Let the Courage Film Festival be the platform where you grab the world’s attention to champion your cause and raise awareness.

We're now also planting trees with Grow My Tree. Only our award winners receive certificates for the trees planted, but each and every submission contributes. Let's plant a greener world together!

Note: Our website is down at the moment - we are working on getting it back up as fast as possible!

The courageous films and screenplays in our official selection and semifinalists receive digital laurels.
Our awards change every year and are given to films and screenplays in our official selection.
If you win one of our awards, you will receive:

- A digital laurel
- A digital certificate of your award
- A digital certificate of trees planted that edition with Grow My Tree

We do not offer monetary prizes at this time.

All filmmakers or script writers that submit to the Courage Film Festival must agree to the following conditions:

- All films must include English subtitles if they are not in English.

- All films must be submitted to the correct category: Feature films more than 25 minutes; Short films under 25 minutes; Documentary Feature films more than 35 minutes; Documentary Short films under 35 minutes.

- All screenplays must be in English and have under 120 pages (approximately).

- All student films must provide student ID or similar proof.

- All Iranian films may be submitted for free only during the first deadline of each edition.

- The festival reserves the right to check all material is suitable for screening and holds the right to reject material deemed unsuitable without issuing a refund. The judges and screening committee’s decisions are final.

- If you withdraw your film or script from the festival we reserve the right to not issue a refund.

- You agree to allow the Courage Film Festival to use the materials submitted and relevant press information for promotion and other media activities if the film is selected to be screened.

- Unfortunately, the Courage Film Festival does not pay screening fees. We do not provide invitation letters for visa purposes either.

- Filmmakers and scriptwriters are solely responsible and accountable for obtaining the correct permission to use any materials they do not already own the rights to, including but not limited to, music, logos, trademarks and all intellectual property rights. The Courage Film Festival will not be held responsible for failure to do so.

- By submitting to us, you give consent to receive occasional emails (~4 per year) with tips and discount codes for submissions to us and partner festivals. Reach out to us on info@couragefilmfestival.com if you don't want to be on this list or, alternatively, unsubscribe as soon as you receive the first email in a link there. We'll never spam - we just want to support your festival tour!

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  • It was so wonderful to be selected for the 2024 Courage Film Festival - everyone was incredibly welcoming and friendly in all communications. I love the mission and values of this festival, and it was a honour to be included alongside other filmmakers who feel the same way <3

    March 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Olivia, thank you so, so much for this kind review! We're thrilled that you enjoyed your experience with us. The honour is ours to have you as part of the family. All the best for you and your team! ❤️

  • Mehmet Sarica

    We thank you for your interest in our film.

    March 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you for submitting it to us and congrats on being a semifinalist!

  • Thank you for selecting our documentary “In the Streets of Berlin”. It was an amazing evening, the communication was really good…I love what you guys are doing!

    March 2024
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    Response from festival:

    It was such a great evening! Thank you for sharing your film with us and bringing the team along for the screening. May you continue creating disruptive art!

  • Loli Sanam

    Hi! Initially I was notified about my film Dream of Anora that it was going to be projected at some place in Berlin, afterwards, I did not receive anything about my film projection. So, I don't know what to say about the Courage Film Festival (

    March 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Hi, Loli. We are so sorry about this situation. Unfortunately, we had to reschedule your film's screening for reasons beyond our control, which we mentioned to you. We screened it a week later and the audience loved it. With all the rush, we didn't email you back with the new date. Thank you so much for trusting us with your work and sorry for the lack of communication on our side. Please email us if you have any further questions. We wish you all the success you're looking for! ❤️

  • Simone Wagner

    Danke für die lobende Erwähnung, dass hat uns viel bedeutet.

    February 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you for trusting us with your work. The honour is ours!