Greek mythology Gelos is the divine personification of laughter, the most welcome of the gods, always owes its success to some novel subterfuge. This deity favourably and affectionately accompany everywhere the person who arouses and enacts his laughter, and he will never allow you to grieve in mind, but will implant continual joy on your countenance with his sunny elegance.

Gelos Comedy Film Festival is a brand new festival. We hope you will join us in a days full of fun and endless laughs! We will highlight comedy short and feature films, web series, TV episodic, filmed sketch comedy, Dark Comedy, music video and animation with the goal of screening the best comedic content from around the world for a wide audience! Our dual emphasis is on “discovering” great comedic talent with the purpose of promoting it to both the entertainment industry and public, as well as, showcasing the works of seasoned professionals and well-known stars. We are proud to showcase, connect and promote talented comedy filmmakers from all over the world.

All officially selected films will be shown on the big screen during the solemn final ceremony on April 04 - 05, 2026 in Moscow, Russia, and will be able to struggle for the main prize and the title of the “Best Comedy Film”. As well as for the prizes in the standalone nominations.

Best Feature Comedy Film

Best Feature Dark Comedy Film

Best Comedy Short Film

Best Dark Comedy Short Film

Best Alternative Comedy Short

Best Animated Comedy Short

Best Comedy TV Pilot / Web Series Episode

Best Student Comedy Short

Best Funny Music Video

Best Fake Commercials

Best Mockumentary

Best Funny Mobile New Media

Best Comedy Feature Film Screenplay

Best Comedy Short Film Screenplay

Best Comedy Actor

Best Comedy Actress

Best Comedy Director

Best Cinematography

Gelos Comedy Film Festival is an open, accessible film festival dedicated to fostering a community of filmmakers and film fans.

Please read these rules & regulations for submission very carefully PRIOR to submitting your film for consideration. By submitting your film to Gelos Comedy Film Festival, you acknowledge that you have read and understand these conditions.

1. All Films must be in the genre of COMEDY. If there is no hummor (not even 1 second), the films will not be taken into consideration.

2. All entries must be in English or Russian (official languages of festival) or — SUBTITLED, DUBBED, regardless of the country of production, unless special arrangements have been made with festival.

3. We accept films only from authors or their authorized representatives who have the written permission from the author. All video, soundtrack, texts and music used in the film should not violate the copyright law. You may be asked to supply documentation supporting your claim. Violation of copyright is a sufficient justification for exclusion of the film from participation in the festival.

4. Multiple entries are permissible, but each entry must be accompanied by a separate Entry and fee. – There is no limit as to how many films you can submit. However, each film can only be submitted once in one single category. If your film is suiting in more than one category, then please choose the one you find most suiting.

5. There are no premiere requirements. Your film may have screened before.

6. Films that have distribution are still eligible for submission.

7. Films that have been broadcast on television, and/or are available to view in full online, are still eligible for submission.

8. All documentary, animation, fiction films, created by professionals and enthusiasts not earlier than January 1, 2015 are welcome to participate in the contest.

9. Submissions will not be returned. All fees are nonrefundable.

01. Submitting is not a guarantee of being programmed. Our jury screens the films PRIVATELY (meaning: it’s not a public screening!). Only officially selected films we’ll screen at our annual event.

11. No inquiries or arguments will be entertained regarding non selected films. The decision off festival selection committee will be final.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Огромное спасибо фестивалю «GELOS Comedy Film Festival»! Мы были очень рады поучаствовать в нём и получить награду за лучший веб-эпизод! Наш представитель посетил этот фестиваль и восторженно рассказывал нам о том, как там было интересно и весело! Мы очень рады, что подобные креативные мероприятия проходят в России! Удачи Вашему фестивалю!

    May 2025
  • Pieter De Vos

    Unfortunately, we weren’t able to attend the event in person, but this appears to be a fantastic festival run by a competent and welcoming team. Communication was excellent throughout, and their social-media engagement was outstanding. This is a genuine festival, not merely an online laurel vendor.

    April 2025
  • Кинофестиваль Comedy Film Festival Gelos стал настоящим открытием для меня! Программа была потрясающей, с множеством интересных фильмов, которые оставили глубокий след в душе. Атмосфера дружелюбия и творчества наполняла каждый уголок фестиваля, а возможность пообщаться с талантливыми режиссерами сделала этот опыт еще более ценным. Я был особенно впечатлен тем, как фестиваль поддерживает молодых кинематографистов, давая им платформу для демонстрации своих работ. Это событие действительно важно для киноиндустрии, и я с нетерпением жду следующего года!

    April 2025
  • Dennis Markin

    Unfortunately, I wasn’t at the event. But I was online. I really liked the life of the festival in social networks: intro words from authors, posters and trailers with movies.

    It's 100% not a fake festival!

    April 2024
  • Rhys Davies

    An excellent festival! Really good communication throughout the process from submission to notification of an award. Social media promotion a particular strength of the GELOS team. A big thank you to the festival from the From Leicester To Hollywood feature film team.

    April 2024