First Film | International Festival

The next First Film International Festival will take place on October 24 th, 2026. Film submission is open.

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In an era of longevity, global shifts, and technological innovations, the international film festival «First Film» in Tallinn opens its doors to all those who aspire to express themselves through the world of cinema. In this new realm where audio-visual tools are becoming increasingly accessible, the festival invites individuals of varying ages and experiences to share their stories using the visual language of cinematography.

The «First Film» festival welcomes short animated, artistic, and documentary films created in any technique, spanning any genre and exploring any theme. What matters most is that your debut film reflects your convictions and conveys what you deem important to share with the world.

Uniqueness of the festival:
The emphasis on inclusivity, providing equal opportunities for participation to individuals with diverse experiences, ages, professions, and social backgrounds from Estonia and around the world. This will enable the support of new talents who may not have access to traditional platforms within the film industry.

Key Principles of the Festival:
«First Film» welcomes non-professionals who are venturing into filmmaking for the first time. The festival is open to individuals from all professions who, either independently or through educational courses, have decided to bring their ideas to life. The festival is not constrained by genres or techniques, be it fiction, documentary, or animation. What matters most is a passion for cinematography and a desire to tell a story that resonates with the creator. Participation categories include films by teachers and educators, debut works by adults and teenagers, as well as films created using new technologies, including AI.

Festival Objectives:
- Encouraging new talents in cinematography, regardless of their age and professional experience.
- Creating a platform for the exchange of experiences and ideas between emerging filmmakers and industry professionals.
- Promoting the use of new technologies in cinema, including artificial intelligence.
- Stimulating cultural exchange.

Categories:
- First International Short Film
- First Estonia Short Film
- International Short Film: Teachers as Authors | For films created by teachers of kindergartens, schools, colleges, and universities, where the teacher is the author of the film
- Estonia Short Film: Teachers as Authors | For films created by teachers of kindergartens, schools, colleges, and universities, where the teacher is the author of the film
- International Short Film: Teachers as Producers | For films created by children from kindergartens, schools, and colleges under the guidance of a teacher from that institution, where the teacher serves as the film’s producer
- Estonia Short Film: Teachers as Producers | For films created by children from kindergartens, schools, and colleges under the guidance of a teacher from that institution, where the teacher serves as the film’s producer
- International Short Film submissions by teenage filmmakers aged 14-18
- Estonia Short Film submissions by teenage filmmakers aged 14-18
- International & Estonia Short Film Incorporating AI Technology
- Estonia Short Film Incorporating AI Technology

Venue:
Screening of competition films will be held at the Artist cinema.