The Ghent International Film Week is a one-of-a-kind film event that brings bold and original cinema to the heart of Ghent. Taking place during Ghent Art Week, it offers a full week of challenging, innovative films from around the world—ranging from underground gems and experimental shorts to striking documentaries and daring feature films.

Formerly known as Obskuur, the festival has always focused on films that push boundaries. We believe cinema should not just entertain, but also provoke, inspire, and spark conversation.

Our screenings take place in the Velvet Room, a two story eclectic art space where film meets contemporary art, surrounded by works from artists like Nobuyoshi Araki, Larry Clark, and Shepard Fairey. It’s an intimate setting that brings audiences and filmmakers closer together.

We welcome adventurous viewers looking for something different. If you’re tired of predictable blockbusters and want to discover new voices and fresh perspectives, this is the place to be.

Join us from September 28 to October 4, 2026 for a week of unforgettable cinema—right in the middle of one of Belgium’s most exciting art events.
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A LAMB THAT CRIES, A CITY THAT WATCHES
Our logo features a lamb, a nod to one of Ghent’s most iconic and powerful images: the Mystic Lamb depicted in the central panel of the Ghent Altarpiece by the Van Eyck brothers.
In the altarpiece, the lamb stands on an altar, bleeding into a golden chalice—a symbol of sacrifice, purity, and spiritual transformation. For centuries, this image has captivated viewers in St. Bavo’s Cathedral, inviting reflection, awe, and even discomfort.
We embrace this symbol for its emotional and visual power.
The crying lamb in our logo represents the very heart of our festival:
Vulnerability, truth, and the courage to be seen.
Just like the films we show, it dares you to look, to feel, to question.
It is an invitation—and a challenge.

ALL SELECTED FILMS RECEIVE A $500 WORTH RETURN
Although the festival has a rather underground feel, it offers great exposure and influence in the film festival industry. All the selected films will receive a film submission fee waiver package worth at least $500. This will allow you to enter your film free of charge in a dozen of other film festivals (Brussels Independent Film Festival, Venice Film Week, Boston Short Film Festival, Super Shorts, …)

Ghent International Film Week is
- A Cannes Film Week© qualifying film festival
- An IMDB qualifying film festival
- Named as one of the Top 50 Emerging Film Festivals worldwide by Final Cut Magazine.
- A 'Climate Neutral Film Event', powered by TreePlan.org.
- Part of Ghent Art Week

PROUD PARTNER OF THE BIGGER SCREEN
Ghent International Film Week is supported by The Bigger Screen, an organization that aims to make film as an art form more accessible and more inclusive. A short overview of their projects:

- SUPPORTING FILM FESTIVALS: Film festivals are not only a place to share films, but they are a safe haven for film makers to connect, share, and learn. The Bigger Screens supports and engages with over 25 respected international film festivals from mainstays like the 61st Ann Arbor Film Festival and the Brussels Independent Film Festival to emerging events such as the Venice Film Week and The Producer’s Night Los Angeles. These events bring filmmakers and filmgoers together, providing that place to connect and engage in a comfortable setting, away from Hollywood glitz and glamour.

- CONNECTING CULTURES PROGRAM: Each year, The Bigger Screen selects at least ten countries and grants filmmakers from those areas the ability to submit their work free of charge to partner festivals all over the world. This opens the door of film exposure to those who may not otherwise be able to enter. As we support inclusivity and shareable films, this program exemplifies our mission. Check out https://www.connectingculturesprogram.com to see if your country is included in this year’s program and submit your work for free.

- LOCAL FILMMAKERS PROGRAM: To encourage rising talent, we lowered the festival submission fee to local talent and even made it for free when submitted before the Extreme Early Bird Deadline. This provides a great opportunity for local filmmakers to enter the international film scene. Think global, act local, right?

- INCLUSIVE AUDIENCE PROGRAM: Our screenings are always low or even free of charge to provide opportunity for interested film goers to view up and coming, challenging, and inspiring pieces of art, encouraging students, seniors, and those in underprivileged environments to share the experience of film and cinema. We welcome film goers, regardless of income and financial status.

- THE TARKOVSKI GRANT: Read more on this in the 'Awards & Prizes' section below.

Awards & Prizes

Each edition, the festival will also give out awards in the following categories:
Best Experimental Film
Best Underground Film
Best Documentary Film
Best Narrative Film
Best Animated Film
Best Music Video
Best Belgian Film

THE TARKOVSKI GRANT
All selected filmmakers will receive The Tarkovski Grant, a film festival submission fee waiver package with an average value of about $500. This not only saves you a lot of money, but it also recognizes your work as something to watch for during the selection procedure, making a selection with another partner film festival more likely - but of course, never guaranteed. The Tarkovski Grant supports hundreds of filmmakers each year in their challenging journeys as independent filmmakers, by promoting existing films, no matter the genre, style or length. The Tarkovski Grant is supported by film festivals from all over the world. Find out more here: www.thetarkovskigrant.org.​
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DISTRIBUTION OPPORTUNITY
You'll have the opportunity to have your film included in the main collection of our streaming partner www.whush.com for a period of one year. Whush.com is available worldwide, on desktop, mobile, tablet and smart TV. There’s no rights fee provided, but in return you’ll receive a free subscription to the service for the period of one year. You keep the right to cancel the agreement at any time. As it’s a non-exclusive deal you keep all the rights to your film and are able to make similar distribution agreements with other companies. As an added bonus, every month Whush.com gives away 500 USD to the filmmaker whose film was the most popular!
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FREE SUBSCRIPTION TO WHUSH.COM
All selected filmmakers will receive a free subscription to Whush.com for 3 months. Whush.com is a streaming service that has teamed up with over 20 film festivals worldwide, exclusively streaming official selections during the festival period. More information: www.whush.com.​
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EXPOSURE
One of the biggest hurdles in an independent filmmaker's journey, is getting noticed. With thousands of filmmakers out there trying to get exposure it's hard to stand out. Share your story with Final Cut Magazine, whether it be a press release on a new selection, project, winning an award, a one-on-one interview, ...

Rules & Terms

SUBMISSIONS
The Ghent International Film Week accept all forms and genres. All non-English language films must be subtitled in English. Entry does not guarantee acceptance into the festival. Submissions WILL NOT be returned. We also accept submissions that have premiered elsewhere and that may have distribution agreements already in place. Rough cuts and incomplete projects are not accepted. Multiple entries are allowed, however a separate entry form must be submitted for each. The festival has the capability to screen MP4.
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EXHIBITION & SCREENING
Screenings are scheduled during the festival at the discretion of the Ghent International Film Week. Whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the published schedule, Ghent International Film Week reserves the right to make changes at any time for any reason. Ghent International Film Week will not be liable for any costs claimed as a result of a change in scheduling. No film may be withdrawn from the festival program after its selection. If chosen as an official selection, Ghent International Film Week is granted the permission to exhibit the film at the Ghent International Film Week and all associated screenings. Location and timing of any screenings of the film shall be the sole decision of the organizers of the Ghent International Film Week. Filmmakers will be solely responsible for all costs resulting from the submission of the film to the Festival including but not limited to postage or insurance of the film, and expenses of your staff or any representatives of the film. Producer will indemnify the organisers of the Festival against all claims, demands, costs, damages, expenses (including legal fees), proceedings and losses resulting from the screening of the film at the Festival or from claims by any third parties.
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LOSS OR DAMAGE
Although every precaution will be taken to prevent loss or damage to materials while in the possession of the festival, The Ghent International Film Week is not responsible should any materials be damaged while in transit to or from, or while in the possession of the festival.
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ENTRY LIABILITY
The filmmaker holds the Ghent International Film Week, its management, juries, subsidiaries, agents, sponsors, affiliates, and etc. harmless from any and all claims of liability resulting from entry. The filmmaker certifies to have full rights. Producer will indemnify the organisers of the Festival against all claims, demands, costs, damages, expenses (including legal fees), proceedings and losses resulting from the screening of the film at the Festival or from claims by any third parties.
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SCREENING FEE
The Festival does not offer screening fees for its films. By submitting through FilmFreeway you are agreeing to NOT request a screening fee as a requirement for your film's participation in the Festival, should your film get selected for the program.
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WAIVER REQUESTS
Since the Festival only requires a nominal entry fee, we will NOT accept requests for other entry fee waivers.
34 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Mike Davis

    A beautifully run and curated festival in one of the coolest cities in the world. I highly recommend being a part of it and honored that DEAD, WHITE AND BLUE was selected. Thank you, GIFF!

    November 2025
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  • Annelien Nijland

    Amazing to see our film among so many beautiful artworks and art lovers. We received such a warm welcome from the hosts, and had inspiring conversations with the audience afterwards. IN MY BODY was thoughtfully paired by the curator with another amazing film THE ACCIDENT by Giuseppe Garau. Very different in style, yet the two complemented each other beautifully. Thank you!

    October 2025
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  • Hanne Schillemans

    We had a nice experience with clear communication and good vibes at the live screenings. Thank you!

    October 2025
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  • Timothy Benjamin Slessor

    A really great experience. I was unable to attend in person but the communication was great - and they really go the extra mile to support you and your work. Highly recommended!

    October 2025
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  • Maya Wuytack

    Dear Kris and Organising Team,

    Thank you so much for creating this amazing Film Festival in the most intimate cinema of Ghent. We are honoured having been part of the official selection with our film OMENS.

    Warmly,

    Maya

    Director OMENS

    March 2025
    Helpful