The Independent Days International Filmfestival (IDIF) is one of Europe's most important festivals for independent filmmakers and part of the European Festivals Association.

Proud owner of the EFFE label (Europe for festivals - festivals for Europe) by the EU.
IDIF is an IMDb Award-listing qualifying festival!

The Festival is screening films of every length and genre from all over the world.

Awards & Prizes

Film Award of the Cultural Foundation Sparkasse Karlsruhe, prize money 2,500 Euro
Film Award of The City of Karlsruhe, prize money 1,500 Euro and Award Trophy KARLINA
Best Short Shortfilm Award (shorts up to 5 minutes) 500 Euro and Award Trophy KARLINA
Indie Award for Best Feature Film 1,000 Euro and Award Trophy KARLINA
Newbie Award for Best First Time Movie 1,000 Euro and Award Trophy KARLINA
Female Award for Best Female Director 1,000 Euro and Award Trophy KARLINA
Film Award of Karlsruhe Press Club: 1,000 Euro
Best Independent Actor Award: 500 Euro and Award Trophy by Vollack Group
Best Independent Actress Award: 500 Euro and Award Trophy by Vollack Group
Best Film Composer Award: 500 Euro and Award Trophy KARLINA
UNESCO Creative City of Media Art - Film Award for the Best Experimental Shortfilm: Award Trophy KARLINA
Best Medium Length Film: Award Trophy KARLINA

Rules & Terms

Films should be produced within the years 2022 to 2026. Short films as well as feature films can be submitted. We also accept medi length films.

All contents and genres are acceptable (except for advertisements, image films) as long as they do not imply any illegal exposures according to German StGB law (e.g. pornography, excessive violence or sedition etc.).

Low Budget production costs have to be below 2,500 Euro per minute run-time, feature films (60 minutes and longer) shall not have more than approx. 250,000 Euro total costs and short films up to 30 minutes not more than approx. 50,000 Euro. No Budget production costs have to be below 100 Euro per minute run-time, feature films (60 minutes and longer) shall not have more than approx. 10,000 Euro total costs and short films up to 30 minutes not more than approx. 2,500 Euro. Besides the actual production costs, other indications like production facilities or infrastructure (company or film academy) are considered as well for classification.

Screening copies (e. g. USB-Storage, harddisk), which you have sent to the festival will be delivered back to your official adress (or to the next festival) with a postal service of our choice. Please note that cannot influence the speed of delivery.

Films that have been formally submitted to us and selected by our program committee can not be withdrawn.
69 Reviews
Overall Rating
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  • Gargantua Film Distribution

    Thank you for featuring our films!

    April 2025
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  • Nicola Bläs

    Independent Days is a great festival in a really beautiful cinema in Karlsruhe and I am happy that my film "Artur kämpft" got nominated for best actor. It's easy to get in touch with other indie filmmakers and several workshops are offered. The audience is willing to ask questions after the screenings. I definetely recommend to submit.

    April 2025
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  • Sina Guntermann

    The festival had a wonderful, warm and familiar atmosphere. The workshops were interesting and well organized, and overall it was a great space to connect with other filmmakers. Thank you so much for screening our film "Fish And Cheese". It was truly an honor!
    Hopefully see you again next time!

    April 2025
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  • Chiho Yatomi

    Thank you so much for selecting my directorial debut film “SOMETHING…”! During the festival, many filmmakers and audience members attended, creating a lively and vibrant atmosphere. The festival also provided numerous opportunities for participants to connect and get to know one another.
    I traveled from Japan to Germany to attend the festival, and I’m truly glad I did—it was an incredible experience! I sincerely thank the festival director, the team, the jury, and all the audience members. INDEPENDENT DAYS | 24th International Filmfestival is a truly wonderful festival.

    April 2025
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  • Steffen Holzkamp

    We are really happy to have been part of this cool festival with our short film. Thanks for the selection and all the best for the next years.

    April 2025
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