Female Characters Film Fest (Filmski festival Ženski likovi) is an international film festival in Belgrade, Serbia, founded in 2024. 

The goal of the festival is overcoming narrative stereotypes of female characters in Ex Yugoslav countries and further by showing the content that does not oblige to patriarchal norms.

The festival is first and foremost dedicated to changing the perspective of female characters in films and series from someone’s “wives, mothers, lovers” into authentic heroines.

The festival contains three parts:

1)    Discussion Panels about female characters in the local and world cinema

2)    Films Screenings – 15 short films lead by authentic heroines

3)    Flip The Stereotype Workshops

"We hope that by putting focus on female perspectives in front and behind the camera we’ll make a step towards a better tomorrow with this festival and inspire the creation of more films that girls and women can identify with, feel supported and be inspired to express themselves." Festival director Mimi Vlaović

Festival Trailer 2024: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H407GmVAG4g
Festival Trailer 2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zMEwhaTVSc

Awards & Prizes

- MOST AUTHENTIC FEMALE CHARACTER
- Best Writing
- Best Directing
- Best Acting
- Best Camera
- Special Costume Award
- Friends of the festival Award

Rules & Terms

1. Main Female Character(s)
2. Short films up to 30 minutes
3. Live Action or Animated Films
4. Max Three Years Old
5. All Copyright Sorted
6. ProRes File or DCP Required if selected
5 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Anastasia Savinova

    I decided to visit the festival in person and had an absolute blast! If you are lucky enough to get selected, I would absolutely recommend going there.
    I truly appreciate the selection of films, which is very well-curated, though-provoking discussions, great networking drinks and dinners, and overall a lovely atmosphere honouring female filmmakers. I also enjoyed watching the features shown out of competition and the amazing hospitality from the festival team - you can tell they are putting a lot of heart and soul into this festival. It is just starting out and I with it all the best, wish all small festivals would be like this one!

    October 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you, dear Anastasia! We are excited to see what you make next!

  • Florian Kasperski

    What a great festival! Mimi is such a dedicated organiser and film lover. I felt supported from beginning to end.

    September 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much Florian! Keep up with the amazing films!

  • Sara Grguric

    Although I couldn't attend in person, it's clear that the festival was run with great care and professionalism. The communication and organization from the team were outstanding. I truly admire the passion and effort behind it all. Wishing the whole team continued success and many exciting editions to come!

    July 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much Sara. Your film was a truly unique addition to our selection!

  • Neta Benyamini

    I had the honor of presenting my short film, Paradise Express, at the Ženski Likovi Film Festival. These were a few days of genuine female solidarity and inspiring creative exchange — a true celebration of femininity in all its forms. The venue was beautiful, and the screening quality was excellent. The hospitality was impeccable, and everything was very well-organized. I’m truly grateful to the festival for selecting Paradise Express and for creating such a warm, empowering space for filmmakers.

    June 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much Neta! Please update us on your future works!

  • Festival Formula

    For a first year festival, the team behind it all set out a very clear objective - focusing on female narratives. With panel discussions and a carefully curated programme we hope they continue to thrive and keep the conversation going. In their inaugural edition we were proud to have the following clients screen:

    🎬 Afterschool
    🎬 Celyna
    🎬 Chivalry
    🎬 Homemaker

    May 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much for your brilliant submissions!