Imagine is THE festival for fantastic film in the Netherlands.
Now in its 42nd year, Imagine presents the best in fantasy, science fiction, horror, anime, martial arts and cult.
Besides a film programme, Imagine offers an extensive Expanded programme, exploring the fantastic universe in a digital form. Imagine Industry consists of three talent development programmes, while our education takes care of future audiences.

Awards & Prizes

The festival has three competitions:
The Sea Devil Award is the award for the best fantastic feature film.
The Silver Méliès is the award for the best European fantastic film. There is a Silver Méliès for both features and shorts.
Apart from these competitions, all feature films and shorts that are premieres for the Netherlands are eligible for the Silver Scream Award from our audience.

Rules & Terms

Feature films:
- Production years 2025 or 2026
- Minimum length 60 minutes
- Deadline for submission: 14 August 2026.
- Rough cuts and works in progress are accepted
Short films:
- Production years 2025 or 2026
- Maximum length 59 minutes
- Deadline for submission: 18 June (regular ) and 30 July (late) 2026.
- Rough cuts and works in progress are accepted
All films:
- Screeners have to be in the English or Dutch language or need to be submitted with English or Dutch subtitles.
- Not eligible are films that have screened or will be screened prior to Imagine in other festivals in the Netherlands, films that have been broadcast or will be broadcast before the end of this year's festival, and films that are publicly available online.
- The festival has the sole right of selection and in no way can submission provide any right of selection. Decisions by the event organizers are final.
- Submission fees are non-refundable.

26 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Thomas Pierce

    Thank you for having "The Cauldron" screening in such an Amazing Festival.

    March 2026
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  • Gerardo Oñate

    One of the best horror and fantasy film fests out there, one we are deeply thankful with for having our Mexican-horror cumbia short film (more like dark comedy + fantasy), "El Vocho del Averno," one we did with the hopes of it traveling far and reaching a wide range of audiences and juries, and imagine our surprise and honor when Imagine chose us.
    We really do hope you guys enjoyed it for we certainly did when writing, funding, producing and eventually sharing it.
    Thanks for the selection, and we hope to see you guys soon!

    November 2025
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  • Stefano Pennisi

    A great festival all around! You can tell they truly care about the films and the filmmakers. Highly recommend!

    November 2025
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  • Nanna Gunnars

    Such a great festival! They've really managed to make a community festival where you're made to feel welcome, both from the staff and from the audiences. Really great selection of films, in 2D and in the immersive section, ranging from dreamlike fantasy to horror and suspense. And the whole look of the festival was amazing, with a gorgeous logo and tentacles galore! Highly recommended to participate in, and just join as an audience.

    November 2025
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  • Rebekah Louisa Smith

    One of the best genre festivals - Chris and his team put on a wonderful event. Thank you for awarding THE PEARL COMB your Audience Choice award this year - so thrilled your audience loved the film

    November 2025
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