The Ink & Light Awards is an independent international film festival based in Madrid, Spain, dedicated to celebrating imagination, emotion, and the art of storytelling through film and screenwriting.

Our mission is to recognize emerging talents, independent voices, and stories that illuminate the human experience. We believe that cinema begins on the page and that every story deserves light.

Since its first edition, the festival has welcomed filmmakers and screenwriters from around the world, creating a space where creativity, originality, and artistic vision can be recognized and celebrated.

📍 THE EVENT

The 2027 edition of The Ink & Light Awards will culminate in a live event in Madrid, Spain, bringing together filmmakers, screenwriters, and cinema lovers for an evening dedicated to storytelling.

The event will include the Official Awards Ceremony, where the winners will be announced and celebrated in person. Selected nominated projects may also be showcased during the event. Professional photography coverage and a dedicated photo wall will be available throughout the evening.

🏆 AWARDS & PRIZES

The festival offers a total cash prize of €600, divided between two Grand Prize winners:

• Festival Grand Prize: €300 Cash Prize and Official Trophy

• Grand Prize in Screenwriting: €300 Cash Prize and Official Trophy

Both Grand Prize winners will also receive an exclusive interview feature, social media promotion, official festival recognition, and an official certificate.

All winners and nominees receive official laurels, an official certificate, and promotion through the festival's social media channels.

🎬 INTERNATIONAL JURY

All submissions are reviewed by an international jury composed of filmmakers, actors, and screenwriters, including award-winning artists whose work has been recognized by Oscar-qualifying festivals.

Beyond competition, The Ink & Light Awards aims to create a welcoming space where storytellers from different countries can connect, share their work, and celebrate independent cinema together.

Join us in celebrating bold, emotional, and cinematic storytelling, where words and images meet light.

Awards & Prizes

🏆 GRAND PRIZE AWARDS

The Ink & Light Awards offers a total cash prize of €600.

Festival Grand Prize

• €300 Cash Prize
• Official Trophy
• Exclusive Interview Feature
• Social Media Promotion
• Official Certificate
• Featured Recognition during the live ceremony

Grand Prize in Screenwriting

• €300 Cash Prize
• Official Trophy
• Exclusive Interview Feature
• Social Media Promotion
• Official Certificate
• Featured Recognition during the live ceremony

🏅 CATEGORY WINNERS

• Official Certificate
• Festival Laurels
• Exclusive Interview Feature
• Social Media Promotion
• Featured Recognition during the live ceremony

🎖️ OFFICIAL NOMINEES

• Official Nominee Certificate
• Festival Laurels
• Social Media Announcement
• Project Showcase during the live event

Rules & Terms

1. GENERAL INFORMATION

The Ink & Light Awards is an international film festival based in Madrid, Spain, open to filmmakers and screenwriters worldwide.

2. ELIGIBILITY

• Short films, feature films, screenplays, TV pilots, documentaries, animations, experimental films, and music videos are eligible.
• Multiple submissions are permitted.
• Each submission requires a separate entry fee.
• Films in languages other than English must include English subtitles.
• Screenplays must be submitted in English.

3. RIGHTS

• The submitter must hold all necessary rights to the submitted work.
• All intellectual property rights remain with the original copyright holder.
• By submitting, participants confirm that they have obtained all required permissions.

4. SELECTION PROCESS

• All projects are reviewed by the festival team and jury.
• Nominees and winners will be notified through FilmFreeway.
• Jury decisions are final and not subject to appeal.
• The festival reserves the right to reassign submissions to a more appropriate category when necessary.

5. LIVE EVENT

• The festival will culminate in a live awards ceremony in Madrid.
• A selection of nominated projects may be presented during the event.
• Attendance at the ceremony is optional and not required to win.

6. PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS

• By submitting, participants grant the festival permission to use trailers, posters, stills, project descriptions, and promotional materials for festival marketing purposes.
• The festival may feature selected projects on its website and social media channels.

7. FEES

• Submission fees are non-refundable under any circumstances.

8. AGREEMENT

• By submitting to The Ink & Light Awards, participants acknowledge and accept all festival rules and regulations.
• The festival reserves the right to update these rules when necessary.
9 Reviews
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  • mark petrasso

    Well done to the organisers and staff for having pulled off a great event. Thank you for having selected and nominated my short film in the Best Original Concept Category. Punctual and friendly communication, social media updates along with a live event are exactly what indie filmmakers are looking for. I really recommend this festival.

    June 2026
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  • Anton Svantesson-Helkiö

    I was very happy to have my short film "See me" selected for their first edition, and even happier when it was awarded Best Acting. The communication was clear, and even though I wasn't able to participate at the live event, I'm highly appreciative of the love that they bestowed upon "See me", and that my excellent cast was recognized for their amazing work!

    Will submit again in the future!

    June 2026
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  • Latrice Curry (Quintana)

    Thank you so much for the amazing opportunity to be a part of your festival. Great films and Great festival, happy to be part of your film family!

    June 2026
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  • Mervyn McCracken

    Deepest gratitude to Simoné & Dada and the crew. A festival that will grow and grow. To be part of the first outing is a great honour!

    June 2026
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  • Brian Spatz

    Thanks for nominating my script "Parlay" for "Best Thriller Screenplay". I am honored and hope to enter again for next year.

    June 2026
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