The festival is organized by the Association of Women Photographers and Film Directors. Our main goal is to find talented female film directors from around the world who have something to say and can communicate through art and to help them promote their work.

Our festival team and jury have many years of festival experience. After you submit your film, our team will watch and review your project. The films with the highest scores will become finalists. A selection of these films will be shown at our annual live event once the film's director gives approval.

All films in the Official Selection will receive the Certificate of Achievement.

It's important to read the application requirements carefully and then apply. By applying to the festival, you agree to the rules and conditions.

We wish you luck.

Awards & Prizes

International Istanbul Women's Film Festival Jury will select the films of the year on a category basis and the films will be screened at our event.
All Annual Award Winners will receive official certificates (digital format). Directors and producers who participate in the live event will be given a printed certificate of achievement.
The names of the winners will be published on our website and all our social networks.

Rules & Terms

1- Only films by female directors are accepted to the festival. If male directors apply, they will be disqualified and no refund will be made.
2- In order to send a movie, you must own the rights or get permission from the owner.
3- Movies must have English subtitles. If your film is included in the screening selection, you will be asked to add Turkish subtitles.
4- The festival relationship will only be related to the person sending the film.
5- International Istanbul Film Festival will not be responsible for damaged copies.
6- The Live Event will be held every year, and a copy of the film in a suitable format may be required for the event.
7-Our jury members are free to make their choices and their decisions are final.
8- International Istanbul Women's Film Festival may disqualify films that are not suitable for the festival content. If you have questions about this decision, you can contact us at bayanfilmsfestival@gmail.com.
9- Application fees paid during application to the festival are not refundable under any circumstances.
10- Those who apply to the student category must send their student documents.
11- Dialogues must be sent as English or Turkish text in pdf format.
12- By submitting your film, you give the International Istanbul Women's Film Festival the right to use, distribute and share the film's poster, trailer, summary and film photos on social media.
13- Copyright issues arising from third parties during the screening of the film are the responsibility of the author.
14- The maximum duration of short films should be 30 minutes, and the minimum duration of long films should be 60 minutes.
15- If there are not enough applications for the relevant category, evaluation will not be made.
16- We kindly request you to activate the Turkish subtitle option on the platform where your movies are uploaded.
17- The shooting of the films must be completed between 2024-2026.
18- Films that have previously applied to the festival cannot apply again. If these films are re-applied, they will be disqualified and no refund will be given.
19- First degree relatives of the Board members of the Women Photographers and Film Directors Association cannot participate in the competition.
20- When candidates apply, they accept the International Istanbul Women's Film Festival Conditions.
23 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Marziye Feyli

    Amazing festival. We were honored to be a part of it in 2026. Thanks.

    May 2026
    Helpful
  • mehtap şamiloğlu

    şahane bir festivaldi teşekkür ederim.

    May 2026
    Helpful
  • Zhumur Asma Jui

    The submission process for the International Istanbul Women Films Festival was smooth and easy to complete online.
    The festival platform was user-friendly and provided clear instructions for filmmakers.
    Communication regarding submission requirements was professional and timely.
    I appreciate the festival’s effort to support and promote women in cinema internationally.
    Even though my project was not selected, I value the opportunity to submit my work.
    The festival appears committed to showcasing diverse and meaningful stories.
    I found the overall submission experience organized and transparent.
    It is encouraging to see festivals creating space for independent filmmakers worldwide.
    I hope to submit future projects again.
    Wishing the festival continued success in the coming years.

    May 2026
    Helpful
  • Kim Noce

    Amazing ethos and festival celebrating Women

    May 2026
    Helpful
  • Bahr Films Company

    Thanks to all of festival team from IRAN🦋

    May 2026
    Helpful