1.The Filmgarten Berlin Festival is open to short films from any country which are over 3 and under 20 minutes in length. There is no premiere status needed.
2. All film preview copy submissions must be made digitally, not via DVD’s in the post.
3. If selected to be showcased during the event, all screening copies must be received by given delivery date in 2026. All screening copies must be delivered as DCP (24 or 25 frs/sec).
4. All picture material provided must be clearly identified. This material may be used for any festival promotions.
5. Filmgarten Berlin reserves the right to screen a pool of films out of competition in addition to the submissions. For every selected and screened film Filmgarten Berlin pays a screening fee of US $35.
6. Non-English language and/or non German language produced films must have English or German subtitles or be dubbed in English or German. All submitters certify that they have been given full rights to use any and all music in their films.
7. In the case that it has been agreed that the screening copy is to be delivered on a physical medium, Film Producers are responsible for insurance and shipment costs of films to Filmgarten Berlin. The title of the work and name of entrant must be on all mailing containers, labels, can reels and film leaders.
8. Selected film entries will be notified by given notify date in March 2026. Award winners will be announced on all possible platforms and venues. An awards certificate will be handed and/or sent to all winners.
9. Filmmakers or screenwriters accepted and are attending the festival are responsible for travel, lodging, and all other expenses.
10. Filmmakers or screenwriters accepted into Filmgarten Berlin will receive two (2) festival passes to see all the festival films.
12. Film prints and other film material will be handled with utmost care. However, neither the Filmgarten Berlin staff nor supporting theatre organisations staff can assume responsibility for damage or loss of the print and other film materials, en route or otherwise, during the course of the festival’s possession of the print.
13. All fees are non-refundable.
14. This festival is financed solely on private basis, only through donations, voluntary work, submission fees and cinema ticket sales. Therefore, giving away free weavers is, unfortunately, not possible.
15. All stated information, eligibility and submission guidelines, terms and conditions of entry, and entry information is subject to change by Filmgarten Berlin, without notice.
