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.

Awards & Prizes

All officially selected films will be shown on the big screen during the solemn final ceremony on October 07 - 08, 2023 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 Actor

Best Comedy Actress

Best Comedy Director

Best Cinematography

Rules & Terms

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.
16 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Nicolas Neuhold

    It was an absolute pleasure to have our Russian premiere at GELOS Comedy Film Festival. Communication with the festival was friendly, quick and efficient and we were very happy to have been chosen by the festival to show our short film FALEMINDERIT.

    April 2021
    Helpful
  • Adam William Cahill

    Though we were unable to physically attend the festival due to COVID restrictions here in Ireland, we were delighted to have been a part of the GELOS Comedy Film Festival's second year. We had great enjoyment watching the proceedings as things were posted on social media, the festival kept in touch with us when we requested updates about the event, and we were thrilled to have been recognised with a Best Dark Comedy nomination, and a win for Best Director. Thank you GELOS for your hard work. Top festival!

    April 2021
    Helpful
  • Meg Rickards

    Thank you to the Gelos Comedy Film Festival! I was so sad not to be able to attend because of Covid - but from afar it seemed fabulous and the communications were excellent. Our team in South Africa was thrilled to be declared Winner in the Comedy Feature Film category for "Kaalgat Karel". I hope to join in person in the future!

    April 2021
    Helpful
  • Didier Wirickx

    Thank you for the selection "Big Nonsense" at your festival.

    April 2021
    Helpful
  • Sherwin Lau

    We had the privilege of screening our films at the GELOS film festival. Good communication and great team of people behind the festival. Unfortunately we could not attend but we hope to if we ever get a chance to play here in the future!

    April 2021
    Helpful