GIFF.Docu is a standalone contest of the GIFF festival. It accepts entries from documentary filmmakers from all over the world. The main task of the festival is to tell stories about people from different parts of the world and combine them into a common picture of the world.

Our goal is to create a community of documentary filmmakers from different countries, to collaborate and share experiences.
To promote talented authors, we connect them with film screening platforms, streaming services and TV channels. We invite the best participants to the festival jury to create a logical continuity between seasons of the festival, as well as to develop and promote the festival on the world stage.

GIFF.Docu is more than just a competition. It is also a platform for learning, networking and inspiration. We organize workshops, masterclasses, panel discussions and Q&A sessions with renowned documentary filmmakers and experts. We also showcase some of the most acclaimed and innovative documentaries from around the world at our screenings and online events.

We believe that documentary films have the power to inform, educate and entertain audiences, as well as to challenge stereotypes, raise awareness and spark social change. We are looking for films that explore diverse topics, perspectives and styles, that reflect the complexity and richness of human experience. We welcome films that are creative, original and courageous in their approach and expression.

If you are a documentary filmmaker who wants to share your vision with the world, join us at GIFF.Docu. You will have the opportunity to present your work to an international audience of film lovers, industry professionals and media representatives. You will also have the chance to win awards and prizes, as well as to receive valuable feedback and recognition for your work.

GIFF.Docu is also a global showcase of the best documentary films of the year. We select the most outstanding films from our submissions and screen them multiple times in different locations (countries) around the world. Our screenings are attended by film enthusiasts, critics, journalists and industry professionals who appreciate the quality and diversity of our program.

Awards & Prizes

Winners will receive laurels, customized statuette or other prizes (depending on the nomination). This season's partners have already become ScreenReaders and Story Architect.

▸ The main task of the festival is to tell stories about people from different parts of the world and combine them into a common picture of the world.

▸ Categories, documentary films:
🏆 A Hero of Our Time:
"portrait films" based on the biographies of people who have made a significant contribution to the development of culture, or stories about people who shape modern society.
🏆 Man with a Movie Camera:
experimental documentary films focused on the evolution of modern cinematic language.
🏆 Mirror:
author's documentary works with elements of self-portrait, created for blogs and social media.
🏆 One day in the life:
documentaries limited to the events of one or two days.
🏆 Own among strangers:
stories about travelers and people exploring the world.

▸ SEPARATE CONTESTS
🥇 GIFF.SHORTS: films and scripts from active directors
If you have a lot of experience in filmmaking, please submit your work here: https://filmfreeway.com/GenesisFestival

🎓 GIFF.DEBUTS: Debuts and students
If you are a student or a debutant in filmmaking, please enter your work here: https://filmfreeway.com/GenesisFestivalDebuts

Rules & Terms

▸ Eligibility
- All films must be submitted in English or with English subtitles.
- All producers and/or directors who own the rights to the film they are submitting are eligible for competition.
- Each filmmaker or producer may submit as many films as desired.
- An entry form for each work must be submitted on FilmFreeway.

▸ Entry fee
- There is an entry fee required for each submission.
- Festival participation fees are non-refundable.

▸ Duration
- Films must meet the following duration criteria:
- Short films must be no longer than 30 minutes;
- Documentaries must be no longer than 100 minutes;
- Scripts must be no longer than 100 pages.

▸ Format
- Films must be submitted in a high-resolution file format.
- Accepted formats for visual artwork are: .mp4 files, Vimeo/YouTube links, Dropbox links or any cloud storage link.
- To submit films for consideration to the Film Selection Committee, fill out the online entry form on FilmFreeway.
- If the film is not in English, it is highly recommended to provide SRT subtitles in English for screening.

▸ Selection
- Films will be selected by a committee of experts appointed by the GIFF festival.
- Selected films will be notified via email in order to continue in the competition.
- Not all nominated films will be screened.
- The festival reserves the right to decide on the section and programme in which the selected films will be presented.

▸ Restrictions
- The festival does not accept films with political or religious themes (without artistic value), films promoting drugs, violence or hate speech.

▸ Rights
- By submitting an application, the participant grants the festival the right to show the film online and in front of a live audience during the festival period and for promotional purposes afterwards.
- The participant also warrants that they are authorized to commit the film for screening and that they have obtained all necessary rights and permissions for the film and its content.

▸ Acceptance
- Participation in the festival implies acceptance of these rules and terms.
- The festival reserves the right to amend or modify these rules and terms at any time without prior notice.
- Any dispute arising will be settled by the festival directorate in accordance with current rules and terms.