Update: GLOW is now IMDB approved! 🌟 GLOW 2027: SUBMISSIONS NOW OPEN 🌟

Join us for our next edition: February 5th & 6th, 2027

Congratulations to the winners of GLOW international Film Festival 2026!

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL

GLOW is an IMDb-approved festival and Cape Town’s premier boutique rooftop film festival. Founded by international actor and filmmaker Natasha Mayet, GLOW is a bold intersection of diverse storytelling, cutting-edge technology, and raw human connection.

We are one of the only festivals on the African continent championing the convergence of traditional cinema, vertical storytelling, and the AI revolution. We celebrate the bold, the intimate, and the visionary. Whether you are a first-time student filmmaker, a veteran director, or an AI artist, GLOW is your home.

WHY GLOW? (The Filmmaker’s Advantage)
1. A Unique Cinematic Experience Screen your work under the stars on the rooftop of the iconic Grand Daddy Boutique Hotel in Cape Town, South Africa. We trade cinema seats for an electric, open-air atmosphere that fosters genuine connection between creators, audiences, and industry leaders.

2. Global Pathways (Beyond Africa) We are a launchpad. Winning at GLOW means being seen globally. We are proud partners with international festivals to offer our winners extended reach: ÉCU - The European Independent Film Festival (Paris): Europe’s premier indie festival.

3. Diversity as DNA: Founded by a woman of color, we actively prioritize voices from the Global South, women, LGBTQIA+, non-binary, and neurodiverse storytellers.

4. The AI & Vertical Cinema Frontier: We are leaders in the emerging cinema space, providing a professional platform for the ethical use of generative tools and the burgeoning art of vertical (9:16) filmmaking.

4. Industry-Leading Jury & Access Your work will be reviewed by active industry leaders.

Our 2026 Jury & Partners represent the top tier of talent:

Donovan Marsh: Award-winning Director (Hunter Killer, Spud).

Scott Hillier: Oscar-Winning Filmmaker & Founder of ÉCU.

Mizo Maclean: Acclaimed Editor (Spinners).

Monique Murray: Casting Director & Owner, Zest Casting.

Manuel Puro: Casting Director (Moon, Muse) via The Acting Habit.

Tamryn Speirs: Acclaimed Actress, Acting Coach, Director

Cine Media (Stephan Hambsch, SaSc & Amy-Jane Louw): South Africa's leading Black female-owned rental & production house.

AIVA: The global leader in AI music composition.

AWARDS & CAREER IMPACT
We don't just give laurels; we provide career-building steps and industry access.

Best Film: Screening opportunities with our international festival partners in Paris and the USA.

Best AI Film: Recognition and software prizes from leading tech partners.

Best Actor: Digital career prizes sponsored by The Acting Habit with UK Casting Director Manuel Puro.

Industry Access: Networking with top South African and international casting directors, producers, and distributors.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
We welcome short films (under 20 minutes) that provoke, inspire, and reflect our complex world. We are looking for boldness across four key pillars:

Narrative: Stories that confront truth and celebrate our shared humanity.

AI Films: Work that pushes the boundaries of what film can be using generative tools.

Vertical Vision (9:16): We are seeking works originally conceived and composed for the vertical frame. This is a dedicated space for those mastering the unique intimacy and perspective of 9:16 cinema.

Sci-Fi: Visions of the future, rooted in character.

GLOW is accessible, inclusive, and forward-thinking. Whether you shot your film on a RED camera, an iPhone, or generated it with the latest neural networks—if it moves us, we want to show it.

Awards & Prizes

🏆 AWARDS & CAREER IMPACT We don't just give laurels; we provide career-building steps, tech prizes, and industry access. Winners who attend in person will receive a bespoke festival trophy and certificate.

🏆 SPECIAL AWARDS & PRIZES
Best Emerging Filmmaker (The Cine Media Prize): Sponsored by Cine Media. This award specifically seeks to empower women of color and emerging voices from underrepresented backgrounds.

Best AI Film & Best Score: Powered by AIVA.

Best Acting: Digital career prizes via The Acting Habit (UK).

Software Prizes: Sponsored by Topaz Labs & Celtx.

2026 AWARD CATEGORIES & SPONSORS:

Best Film | Juror: Scott Hillier (Oscar-Winning Filmmaker)| Prize: Sponsored by Topaz Labs

Best Directing | Juror: Koketso Matabane (Carbon Films) | Prize: Sponsored by Topaz Labs

Best Acting | Juror: Tamryn Spiers |Prize: Digital career prizes sponsored by The Acting Habit & Casting Director Manuel Puro.

Best Emerging Filmmaker | Juror: Amy-Jane Louw |Prize: Sponsored by Cine Media

Best AI Film | Juror" Donovan March | Prize: Sponsored by AIVA (AI Music Composition)

Best Original Score | Juror: Lodi Paul Inga | Prize: Sponsored by AIVA

Best Brand Film | Juror: Monique Murray (Zest Casting) |Prize: Sponsored by Topaz Labs

Best Screenplay | Prize Judged and Awarded by Celtx

Best Editing | Juror: Mizo Maclean | Prize: Sponsored by Topaz Labs

Best Cinematography | Juror: Stephan Hambsch, SASC. | Prize: Sponsored by Topaz Labs

Note: If you're unable to attend in person, you'll receive a digital certificate and social media spotlight. Select winning films may be invited to submit to partner festivals or spotlighted in post-festival showcases.

Rules & Terms

GLOW FILM FESTIVAL SUBMISSION TERMS (2026)
Thank you for considering the GLOW Film Festival (GFF). We celebrate bold storytelling, diversity, and a global creative community. We do things differently, but always fairly and sustainably. By submitting, you agree to the following terms. Please read carefully before submitting.

ELIGIBILITY
Films must have been completed on or after October 1, 2026. Short films only. Maximum length is 20 minutes (except for the Vertical category, which is 30 seconds to 4 minutes).

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS: VERTICAL VISION

Aspect Ratio: Mandatory 9:16 (minimum resolution 1080x1920).

Composition: Films must be originally shot or specifically composed for vertical viewing. Traditional horizontal films that have simply been cropped without regard for the new frame will not be considered.

Duration: 30 seconds to 4 minutes.

SUBMISSION FORMAT
We only watch screeners submitted directly through FilmFreeway. Do not email links or send downloadable files via WeTransfer, Dropbox, or Google Drive. If your screener link is broken, expired, requires download, or lacks English subtitles (if needed), and is not corrected by the final deadline, your film will be disqualified. The version uploaded to FilmFreeway will be used for screening if selected.

LANGUAGE
All films must be in English or include hardcoded English subtitles that are easy to read. Non-dialogue films are welcome.

FEE WAIVERS AND SCREENING FEES
We do not offer fee waivers. This keeps the process equitable for all filmmakers. We do not pay screening fees. By submitting, you grant GFF the right to screen your film without financial compensation.

THE "SA CATEGORY":
To qualify for the South African category, at least one key creative (Director or Producer) must be a South African citizen or permanent resident.

SCREENING RIGHTS
By submitting, you grant GFF the non-exclusive right to screen your film at the 2026 festival and at potential future GFF-related events, in-person or online. If selected, we may use short clips, stills, or your trailer for festival promotion. Your full film will never be shared without permission.

FESTIVAL ATTENDANCE
If your film wins an award and you are not in attendance, you will receive a digital certificate only. Physical awards are not shipped. Travel and accommodation are the responsibility of participants. All guests must purchase a ticket to attend, unless listed as the official submitter.

COPYRIGHT & MUSIC RIGHTS
You must hold the rights to all content in your film, including music, footage, images, logos, and likenesses. No exceptions. You are legally responsible for any copyright violations or usage disputes. GFF accepts no liability for such matters.

CATEGORIES
Submit your film to the correct category. Student films are $5 less than general categories. If you submit to the wrong category, we can usually help you correct it, but you must pay any difference. No refunds for incorrect submissions. You may submit to multiple categories, but each requires a separate fee.

ENTRY FEES
All fees are non-refundable, including if your film is not selected, is disqualified, is submitted in error, or is withdrawn after submission.

DISQUALIFICATION
Reasons for disqualification include: incomplete screeners, missing subtitles, links requiring downloads, broken or expired links, submission to the wrong category without correction, or changes made to screener links or passwords after the final deadline. We reserve the right to reject any film without explanation.

LEGAL AGREEMENT
By submitting, you confirm that you hold all legal rights to your film, accept the terms listed above, and agree to hold GFF, its organizers, judges, and sponsors harmless from any legal claims arising from your submission.

QUESTIONS?
Please email natasha@glowfilmfestival.com. We look forward to seeing your work.
11 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Gavin Werner

    I loved being part of the GLOW Film Festival in Cape Town. It was an honour to have my film selected and screened, and the whole experience felt smooth and welcoming from the start. The team communicated clearly and were genuinely friendly, which made a big difference.

    The event itself was beautifully put together. Watching films on the rooftop of the Grand Daddy Hotel in Cape Town, surrounded by those iconic mountain views, gave it a really special atmosphere.

    Huge credit to Natasha Mayet for creating something that feels fresh and meaningful. It’s exactly the kind of festival the Cape Town film industry needs.

    April 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much for the wonderful words, and for allowing us to celebrate your beautiful film and give it some more visibility. It means a lot that filmmakers got value out of the festival. Our festival loves innovation and creativity, which your film stood out for. Excited to see more of your work in the future and thank you as well for your contribution to the industry as a fellow creative. Natasha

  • Carling Ernstzen

    Glow International Film Festival was incredible!
    Winning Best Emerging Filmmaker at the inaugural GLOW l has been one of the most meaningful moments of my festival journey. To present The Last Rehearsal in my hometown of Cape Town, in such an incredibly beautiful and intimate rooftop cinema setting, was deeply special for both myself and our team.

    The award itself is truly stunning, and the recognition from an industry panel of respected professionals made the honour even more significant. Their thoughtful engagement and commitment to supporting emerging filmmakers was evident throughout the experience.

    Festival Director Natasha Mayet and her team delivered a world class film festival from beginning to end. Their professionalism, warmth, and genuine care for filmmakers set an exceptional standard and I felt incredibly well supported throughout the festival.

    What makes GLOW particularly remarkable is its commitment to the future of filmmakers. As part of this award, I have been given the opportunity to receive mentorship and collaborate with industry professionals through Cine Media on my next film. It is an extraordinary investment in emerging talent. I am thrilled that my next short film will be shot in South Africa, and I cannot wait to work with them.

    This festival is clearly on its way up. It already feels world class in its vision, execution, and dedication to filmmakers. If you are lucky enough to be selected, it is a huge honour to be part of this experience. Without question, one of my favourite festivals I have ever submitted to.

    March 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much for these incredibly kind words, Carling. Having The Last Rehearsal as part of our inaugural lineup was a true highlight for us. Your film’s emotional depth and craftsmanship resonated with both our judges and our audience deeply.

    We designed GLOW to be a launchpad, so hearing that the mentorship with Cine Media is something you’re excited about means the world to us. We are honored to play a small part in your journey and can’t wait to see your next vision come to life right here in South Africa. Congratulations again on a well-deserved win!

  • Cameron Hadlow

    It was an honour to be a part of Glow's Inaugural Festival this year. The communication was amazing, and although I was unable to attend in person, it is always amazing to hear how filmmaker centric the festival is in prizes and networking. A wonderful doorway to new opportunities and collaboration in the SA Film Industry

    February 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much for this wonderful review Cameron, it was such an honour having Wormwood as a part of GLOW this year. We can't wait to see what you do next and congratulations again on your win for Best Screenplay, it's so well deserved.

  • Sesona Mbovane

    As a young filmmaker, I had such a great time at this festival. I met wonderful people, and there was such great energy carried throughout the festival

    February 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Well done with your film Sesona, and looking forward to seeing what you do next. Thank you for submitting to GLOW. Natasha

  • Mark Wachholz

    A great first edition of GLOW, with a dedicated team and excellent communication before, during, and after the festival. I couldn't attend in person, but my film, Céremony, was nominated for "Best AI Film." In the end, it received a "Special Jury Mention" at the request of renowned juror Donovan Marsh (director of "Hunter Killer"), which just shows to me the passion for cinema that everyone has at this festival! Thank you for creating a space like this and for supporting our films!

    February 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Really groundbreaking work Mark with your films and really excited to see what you create next. The Special Jury Mention is well deserved. Warmly, Natasha.