Motto: Where Stories Take Root
Annual Theme: Artists in Dialogue
For our sophomore event, our theme pushes students to analyze how throughout generations, art, especially film, has been used to propel discussions and reflect the mindset of communities. By exploring what it means it means to be an artist through our responsibilities, goals, and perspectives, we hope to convey the gravity of art in contributing to global change.

We celebrate the talents and creativity of student filmmakers across two grade categories:
1. SS: Secondary Students (Ages 10 – 19)
2. CS: College Students: (Ages 18+)

*Eligibility is solely determined by the education of the director(s), writer(s), camera operator(s), and editor(s) as of the start of the year (2026); other members of the production may be of any education level. Students between the ages 18 – 19 may submit to any of the two categories, due to consideration that there may be overlap between the age demographics of college and secondary school students.

Awards & Prizes

Ginkgo Awards 🏆
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🏆Ginkgo Award (Best Narrative Film)  
🏆 Ginkgo Award (Best Documentary)
🏆 Ginkgo Award (Best Animation)

The Ginkgo Award celebrates teams of young filmmakers who achieve outstanding performance across all creative aspects, including creativity, innovation, and storytelling. The Ginkgo Award is considered the most prestigious award of the festival and will be handed to the film crew of the team who has achieved the highest total marks in the Short Film Rubric out of in the distinctions SS, CS.
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Achievement Awards:
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🥇Best Screenplay  (SS, CS)
The Best Screenplay Award is presented to writer(s) whose script stands out for its outstanding pacing, compelling and consistent storyline, and effective structure and dialogue. This award will be presented to the writing team of the film which achieves the highest total mark in the Screenplay criteria of the Short Film Rubric out of 5, with special consideration of memorable and unique attributes.
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🥇Best Performance  (SS, CS)
The Best Performance Award is presented to young actors who deliver an excellent portrayal of character, highlighting emotional depth, authenticity, and dynamic relationships. Five students will be nominated by the judges to be graded individually for their performance. This award recognizes the individual actor who achieves the highest total marks in the Best Performance rubric, which will encompass participants of all ages and performances from the genres, narrative and animation.
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🥇Best Editing (SS, CS)
The Best Editing Award recognizes the editors of a film who demonstrate outstanding skills in pacing, continuity, and seamless integration of scenes, shaping the film’s thematic message and emotional impact. This award will be presented to the editing team of the film which achieves the highest total mark in the Editing criteria of the Short Film Rubric out of 5, with special consideration of memorable and unique attributes.
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Special Awards: 

🏅 Viewers’ Choice Award:
- The result is determined by audience voting and recognizes the film most popular amongst fellow filmmakers and the local community. The award allows the viewers to engage directly in the festival and celebrate their favorite films. 

Rules & Terms

Submission Requirements:
1. Films submitted in previous years cannot be resubmitted to this year's film festival.
2. Films must be under 25:00 minutes in length (excluding end credits).
3. All submissions must have English subtitles burnt into the video file.
4. The file format of the submission must be MP4, MPEG-4, AVI, AVCHD, M4V, or MOV.
5. The director(s), writer(s), camera operator(s), and editor(s) must be within the designated age group as of the submission date; other members of the production may be of any age.
6. If any members of the production team exceed the age limit of their designated group, their role must be clearly labelled and accompany the submission.
7. All participants of the film must have informed consent for their inclusion in the project.
8. All films must be submitted with the following minimum quality requirements:
--> Video: 720p (HD) resolution.
--> Audio: 128 kbps bitrate, mono

Submission Guidelines:
1. Films must avoid excessive profanity, including language which may target specific groups (e.g.: based on ethnicity, religion, gender identity, race, or sexual orientation) and suggestive language.
2. Films must avoid excessive violence or related graphic content (e.g.: excessive depictions of physical conflict, weapons, and blood).
3. Films must avoid any depictions of licentious nudity.
4. Films must avoid excessive depictions of tobacco, alcohol, and recreational drug use.
5. Films must avoid any demonstrations of a cast member consuming real tobacco, alcohol or recreational drugs.
6. Films must not include harmful representations to intentionally target specific groups.
7. Films must adhere to any relevant laws and regulations regarding content creation and distribution both in Beijing and the film’s production region.

4 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Gilberto Ramiconi

    I am very grateful that my film The Widow was recognized as a Winner at the Ginkgo Film Festival 2025. Even if I could not attend in person, it means a lot to see independent and experimental cinema supported in this way. Thank you for the recognition.

    September 2025
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  • Bianca Alvim

    This festival was wonderful . Congratulations

    September 2025
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  • Angelo Bottone

    We were truly honored to receive a nomination at the Ginkgo Film Festival — a prestigious event that welcomed us with professionalism and genuine care, even from afar. The festival team was incredibly supportive, guiding us through every step, from technical details like English subtitles to the film’s presentation. My son’s short film reached China, and the Ginkgo Film Festival gave it thoughtful and respectful recognition. An unforgettable experience. Heartfelt thanks.

    September 2025
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  • Vittorio Caratozzolo

    We are always honored for your generous and encouraging consideration. Thanks so much!
    prof. Vittorio Caratozzolo & the fabulous Class 3 A (2023-24)

    September 2025
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