The International Shibari Film Festival (ISFF) is the first cultural event in Europe dedicated to shibari through the medium of cinema. It offers a fresh and inclusive perspective, presenting shibari as a fully-fledged artistic language at the crossroads of film, performance and visual arts. With its programme of screenings and shared moments, the ISFF invites audiences to discover shibari from a new cinematic angle, far from the reductive or exclusively erotic representations that often limit its perception.

Based in Brussels, the festival also serves as the opening night of Graines de Cordes III (July 2026), a four-day event in Namur featuring workshops, jams and exchanges around rope practice. By linking both events, the ISFF strengthens the visibility of contemporary shibari within the cultural landscape.

Awards & Prizes

Cash prize (TBA).

Rules & Terms


Specifications – Call for Film Submissions
The International Shibari Film Festival (ISFF), organized by Atelier Mae, invites filmmakers from
around the world to submit works for the 2026 edition.
The festival aims to:
• Highlight contemporary cinematic creation centered on shibari
• Support emerging and established artists
• Promote cultural diversity and inclusive representation
• Encourage cross-cultural perspectives and artistic dialogue
• Affirm shibari as an artistic language within cinema, performance, and visual arts
• Contribute to the recognition of shibari within international cultural spaces

1. Eligible Applicants
Submissions are open to:
• Directors, producers, collectives, film students, associations, and independent creators
• Participants aged 18 or older
• Applicants holding full rights to their films and performers’ image rights
Conditions:
• International submissions welcome in all languages (English subtitles required)
• All genres accepted: fiction, documentary, animation, experimental, hybrid forms
• Up to two films may be submitted per applicant (one may be selected)
• Works must respect principles of consent, safety, and ethical representation

2. Ethical Framework – Consent & Respect
The ISFF places informed consent, respect, and safety at the core of its selection.
Each applicant must guarantee:
• Free and informed consent from all performers and collaborators
• Ethical working conditions during production
• Respectful and non-exploitative representation of bodies and identities
The festival reserves the right to refuse any submission if serious concerns arise regarding consent
or ethical integrity.

3. Eligible Film Categories
Submitted films must fall into one of the following categories:
1. Live & Performances
Works capturing the live, performative dimension of shibari. Examples: public performance
recordings, staged creations, live improvisations.

2. Cinema & Narration
Films integrating shibari within a narrative, aesthetic, or documentary approach.

3. Singular Perspectives
Experimental formats, music videos, private session recordings, hybrid or atypical artistic proposals.
Technical requirements:
• Duration: 1–15 minutes (excerpt required if longer)
• Production date: after January 1, 2010
• Accepted formats: DCP, MP4 (H264). No ProRes or MOV
• Normalized audio
• English subtitles required for all non-English works

4. Submission Requirements
Applicants must complete the online submission form and provide a private viewing link (Vimeo,
unlisted YouTube, or download link without expiration).
Required materials:
• Technical information (title, duration, year, format, country)
• Synopsis (max. 500 characters)
• Director biography & filmography (max. 1,000 characters)
• Performer biographies (max. 300 characters)
• HD stills from the film
• HD photos of the director and performers
• Authorization for promotional use (up to 1 minute)
• Legal clearances if applicable

5. Selection Process
Evaluation criteria:
• Artistic originality and vision
• Technical and narrative quality
• Alignment with the festival’s artistic direction
• Ethical integrity and clarity of consent
• Diversity and representativeness
Selection steps:
• Verification of submission eligibility
• Viewing by the pre-selection committee
• Final deliberation by the festival team
• Notification to applicants
• Official publication of the selection
Key dates:
• Opening of submissions: December 15, 2025
• Deadline: May 15, 2026 — 23:59 (Brussels, UTC+2)
• Notifications: May 15–30, 2026
• Official announcement: June 1, 2026
• ISFF Opening Evening: July 2, 2026 — 19:00

6. Participant Commitments
Participants confirm:
• Holding all copyright and image rights
• All contributors were adults at the time of filming
• Selected films cannot be withdrawn after official results
• Screening copies must be delivered by June 1, 2026
Participants authorize:
• Screening within the official ISFF program
• Limited promotional use of excerpts (max. 1 minute)

7. Organizer Commitments
ISFF guarantees:
• A transparent and professional selection process
• Optimal technical conditions for screenings
• Promotion of selected films through official channels
• Visibility among audiences, media, and cultural professionals
The festival may withdraw a film if ethical concerns arise after submission.

8. Awards and Prizes
Awards are determined through a combined vote of the public and the selection committee.
Category winners receive prizes offered by partners and local businesses.
The Audience Grand Prize awards between €500 and €1,000, depending on partnerships and
funding, confirmed in Spring 2026.

9. Contact
Email: contact@intshibarifilmfestival.com
Website: www.intshibarifilmfestival.com