The Finno-Ugric Film Festival (FUFF) is held annually in Estonia, and in 2026 the festival will take place in Karelia, Finland. FUFF celebrates films by and about the Finno-Ugric peoples—an ethnolinguistic group that includes Finns, Estonians, Hungarians, and smaller Indigenous communities such as the Sámi and Mari. Founded in 2015, the festival provides a platform for filmmakers from these communities to share their stories, preserve their unique cultures, and address shared social, environmental, and political issues.

Since 2025, FUFF has expanded its program to include a dedicated section for Indigenous films from around the world.

FUFF presents a diverse selection of short and feature-length films, including documentaries and experimental works, highlighting Finno-Ugric languages, traditions, and perspectives. The festival also hosts workshops, panel discussions, and cultural events that bring together audiences and creators, fostering intercultural dialogue and collaboration.

In addition to promoting Finno-Ugric cultures, FUFF supports emerging filmmakers through networking and training opportunities, emphasizing the importance of Indigenous and minority-language cinema on the international stage.

Awards & Prizes

This year, the festival will present only an Audience Award. Audience members will be able to vote for their favorite film during the screenings.

Rules & Terms


Festival Rules
General Conditions (apply to all sections)

There is no limit to the number of films a filmmaker or producer may submit.

The maximum duration for short films is 30 minutes, including credits.

Accepted formats include fiction, documentary, and experimental films, depending on the section.

Music videos, commercial works, and political propaganda are not accepted.

Films must be submitted with English subtitles or a Russian dialogue list, to be sent to the festival by April 30, 2026.

Once a film has been submitted, it cannot be withdrawn.

All shipping expenses of submitted works, from their place of origin to the festival address, must be covered by the participant. The Festival is not responsible for the costs of additional materials.

The Festival does not pay screening fees.

Selected films may be included in the Festival’s travelling showcase, presented internationally.

The Festival invites selected filmmakers and provides accommodation and meals for the duration of the festival.

Section Rules
Finno-Ugric Short Film

(Fiction & Experimental)

This section is open to films made by filmmakers of Finno-Ugric origin, as well as films dealing with Finno-Ugric topics made by non–Finno-Ugric directors.

Films should reflect Finno-Ugric cultures, languages, histories, or contemporary realities.

Indigenous Section

(Short Film Fiction, Documentary & Experimental)

This section is open to films made by Indigenous filmmakers or films that focus on Indigenous peoples, cultures, languages, or worldviews.

How to submit?
When submitting your film, please also provide an Electronic Press Kit including the following information:

• A still photo from the film (colour at 300 dpi, jpg or tiff format);

• A film synopsis (in English);

• A brief biography of the director (in English);

• A photograph of the director (colour at 300 dpi, jpg or tiff format);

• Film credits.