Croatian International Film Festival CIFF is celebrating its’ 2nd year in Sibenik Croatia AUGUST 8-11, 2025! A festival open to all, highlighting and celebration of women in media.

CIFF focuses on International films, and highlights works of WOMEN, and gardens distribution.

CIFF is not just a celebration of cinema; it is a vehicle for positive change. Through the art of film, we strive to make a lasting impact on society and elevate Croatia's standing in the international film landscape. By attracting the industry's finest talents and showcasing the best of global cinema, CIFF aims to position Croatia as a premier destination for culture and art, through the power of film. 


We want to thank the Los Angeles Times for being our media sponsor!

Awards & Prizes

Grand Jury Prizes :

Best International Film
The highest award for international films, the World Cinema Grand Jury Prize recognizes the best dramatic and documentary work in international filmmaking this inaugural year.

Best Domestic Film
The highest award for international films, the World Cinema Grand Jury Prize recognizes the best domestic film, meaning filmed in Croatia or by a Croatian female director, producer.

Directing Award (International Film)
The Directing Award honors best female director for best International Film.

Directing Award ( Domestic film)
The Directing Award honors best female for best Domestic Film.

Best Screenplay Award

Best Music Score Award

Best Student Film Award

Best Pitch

Best Breakthrough Film
This award recognizes the most innovative and forward-thinking film screened in the NEXT category. The prize is awarded by an iconic figure regarded as an important innovator in their respective field. This single juror will choose one film that they believe to be the most innovative.

Audience Awards
Audience Awards are chosen by Festivalgoers themselves through ballots cast at the theaters after screenings.

Jury Prizes and Awards in Short Filmmaking
The following prizes and awards are bestowed on short films in the Festival that exemplify outstanding vision and creativity in their respective categories:

Short Film Grand Jury Prize:
Domestic
Best Student Films Award (short or feature)
Short Film Jury Award: International Fiction
Screenplay for Pitch Session during CIFF (features only)

Rules & Terms

1. All films should have either a fair amount of female characters, directed or produced by women or include women equally on crew production side. (this said we welcome everyone).

2. Second Time Directors are highlighted and most welcome, especially in comedy genre.

3. CIFF defines a short film as any film with a running time of 40 minutes or less. (This includes the final version with credits.) Any film longer than 40 minutes will not be considered as short.

4. Films that have had private, unpublicized screenings are eligible for submission to CIFF.

5. All applicants must complete the official festival submission form located on FilmFreeway.

6. The applicant holds the sole responsibility of copyright clearance of any copyrighted material in the film. Films including unauthorized copyrighted material are ineligible.

7. Films that have shown theatrically in Croatia or virtually, have been broadcast on television prior to CIFF or are available on home entertainment formats (including Blu-Ray/DVD/TVOD/VOD) will be deemed ineligible.

TERMS

1. Films submitted by mail will not be returned. Films submitted by email will not be considered.

2. Multiple versions of the same film will not be considered. Only the first submitted version of a film will be considered for CIFF.

3. If the submitted film link does not play, the password does not work, or the film is otherwise not viewable, CIFF reserves the right to disqualify the film without refunding the submission fees. It is the responsibility of the person submitting the film to update any changed passwords or links.

4. CIFF will attempt, but is under no obligation, to view a submission that arrives after the designated deadline without refund of the submission fee.

5. By submitting to CIFF you accept, agree and acknowledge, that photographs and press footage will be taken throughout. These will be used by CIFF for marketing and publicity in publications, on our website and in social media.

6. Submitted films that qualify based on the regulations and eligibility requirements stated here will be seen by CIFF programming staff and be considered equally with all other submissions.

7. Films not in English must be subtitled in English unless dialogue is minimal and not necessary for the comprehension of the Film.

Questions regarding submissions may be directed to:
info@CroatianInternationalFilmFestival.com

3 Reviews
Overall Rating
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  • Bernie Garcia

    This entire film festival was literally a magical experience from start to finish! Ella Mische, Collen Doyle and Zoran Dragelj curated absolutely incredible/artistically stunning films from around the world and made this a top notch world class event. Being able to bring my film “Ariel” to the legendary Dalmatian coast was a true honor and winning the beautiful “Oko Didino” award was so humbling and surreal. Can’t say enough great things about this incredible festival which brought Hollywood to Croatia! Hvala!!

    October 2024
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  • Evelyn Lorena

    Very supportive and fantastic festival. Great selection of films and dedication to emerging filmmakers. Thank you for having us!

    September 2024
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  • Andrej Kozina

    I found a producer for my first feature film, it was a warm & nurturing atmosphere with great program - it’s nice to see that festivals like Ella’s are giving a chance to different films to find their place in this world. I couldn’t stay all the time but the time we were there - opening & a day after, were great.

    September 2024
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