Regular deadline: June 30, 2026.
1. ORGANIZER
The International Film Festival for Children and Youth JUNIORFEST (hereinafter referred to as IFF JUNIORFEST) is organized by the registered association:
JUNIORFEST, z. s.
Registered office:
Hlávkova 1379
334 01 Přeštice
Czech Republic
The President of IFF JUNIORFEST is Markéta Mlnařík, M.A.
2. DATE AND VENUE
The 19th IFF JUNIORFEST will take place in Pilsen, Domažlice, Klatovy, Horšovský Týn,
Dobřany, and Přeštice from November 4 to November 9, 2026.
3. FESTIVAL PROGRAM
a) International Competition of Feature and Animated Films for Children in the category of 6-9 years of age
b) International Competition of Feature and Animated Films for Youth in the category of 10-13 years of age
c) International Competition of Feature and Animated Films for Youth in the category of 14-16 years of age
d) International Competition of Short Films for Children and Young Audience
e) Non-competitive Informative Sections
● Feature and animated films for children aged 3-6 years
● New Czech Film and Television Productions – section dedicated to Czech film and television production
● Special Screenings
f) Accompanying events for the whole family, workshops, professional seminars, education in film and media literacy
4. CONDITIONS FOR FILM INCLUSION IN THE FESTIVAL COMPETITION
a) Only films premiered after January 1, 2026, can be included in the festival competition sections.
b) A five-member program board decides on participation in IFF JUNIORFEST.
c) Accepted formats: DCP, H264, Blu-ray, or DVD. In special cases, the festival may grant an exception, and the film may be screened in 35mm format.
d) All selected competition films are screened in their original version with English subtitles. The applicant is required to cover the costs of film subtitling. All competition films are provided with either simultaneous translation into Czech or Czech subtitles during cinema screening.
e) The applicant must submit the film through the online form at
https://filmfreeway.com/festival/Juniorfest.
f) Other requirements include submitting a film synopsis, director's biography and photograph, five high-resolution film stills (300 dpi), English subtitle list with timing in SRT format, trailer, digital poster, and an online screener with English subtitles.
g) The application deadline, including fulfilment of all conditions, is July 31, 2026.
h) The organizer will inform applicants about participation in IFF JUNIORFEST in writing by August 31, 2026.
5. DELEGATIONS FOR COMPETITION FILMS
For each competition film, typically up to a three-member delegation is invited for 2 nights. The organizer covers delegation members' accommodation. The organizer does not cover transportation. In special cases, the festival president may grant an exception. In such cases, the organizer decides on the choice of transport provider.
6. JURY AND FESTIVAL AWARDS
The International Expert Jury awards the following prizes:
• Festival Flap – Best Feature or Animated Film in Children category (6-9 years of age)
• Festival Flap – Best Feature or Animated Film in Young Audience category (10-13 years of age)
• Festival Flap – Best Feature or Animated Film in Young Audience category (14-16 years of age)
• Festival Flap – Best Short Film for Children and Young Audience
Award given by JUNIORFEST registered association:
• Golden Clock Hand – Lifetime achievement award for creative contribution to film production for children and young audience
7. CONCLUSION
The IFF JUNIORFEST organizer commits to screening films only during the festival. By submitting an application to the competition, the applicant agrees that film excerpts and promotional materials may be used for festival presentation on radio, television, or the internet. We kindly request high-quality materials, which will be used solely for promotional, translation, and educational purposes.
