The KATZE Film Festival proudly returns for its fourth edition in 2026, continuing its uncompromising journey to the edges of society, the human experience, and cinematic innovation.

The 2026 edition will once again take place at Beit Tami in Tel Aviv, in collaboration with the Tel Aviv Municipality. This partnership anchors the festival at the heart of the city’s cultural landscape.

At KATZE, we explore the unfamiliar, embrace the unconventional, and champion filmmakers who dare to push boundaries, question norms, and reinvent cinematic language.

From raw human dramas to radical experimental visions, KATZE 2026 will present a bold selection of films that captivate, unsettle, and illuminate new creative frontiers. We invite filmmakers worldwide to submit their work and join this expanding community of boundary-defying creators.

Take a moment to explore images from previous editions of the festival to get a broader sense of the atmosphere, energy, and spirit that define KATZE.

Last year’s official trailer offers a first glimpse into the 2025 edition:
Video Trailer 25 – https://youtu.be/R-OVMM9OdLs

You can also revisit the trailers from earlier years:
Video Trailer 24 – https://youtu.be/9hCT6q_TkXI?si=xTLmlhZWFbt-pSdS
Video Trailer 23 – https://youtu.be/m73bqSX1JCg?si=xWdbFbVzOjDknyCy

Under the IIFF initiative, we continue to build connections across continents, expanding the reach of creators on the periphery and cultivating a thriving global network.

At KATZE, we shine a light on new voices, urgent perspectives, and hidden cinematic gems that often go unseen.

Unleash your creativity. Explore the unknown. Embrace the edge.

INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION

Best Film (Short Film)
Best Film (Feature Film)
Best Documentary Film (Feature Film)
Best Documentary Film (Short Film) (up to 25min)
Best Animation Short film (up to 25min)
Best Experimental video (up to 10min)

LOCAL COMPETITION

Feature Films:
Best Film (Feature Film)
Best Documentary Film (Feature Film)

Short Films:
Best Film (Short Film)
Best Documentary Film (Short Film)
Best Animation Film (Short Film)
Best Leading Actress
Best Leading Actor
Best Supporting Actress
Best Supporting Actor
Best Film Editing
Best Cinematography
Best Original music
Best Screenplay
Best Director

All films must be in VIMEO format
All films must be in quality of at least 1080P
No limitations on release dates but preference will be given to film premieres
English or Hebrew subtitles are required for foreign language films.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Katie Green

    We were delighted that three of our student films were accepted to the festival. The location was perfect, and there was a lovely atmosphere. Raphael, thank you for your dedication and professionalism.

    September 2025
  • Lev Brodinsky

    I LOVED everything about this festival! A beautiful hidden gem that celebrates filmmakers and films from around the world. It had a great lineup of beautiful films, and the communication throughout was perfect. I had a wonderful experience and would definitely submit again! Thank you for everything!

    September 2025
  • Thank you very much for selecting and nominating my film. It was a pleasure to participate and enjoy also many other great films.

    September 2025
  • Tomer Abend

    KATZE is a boutique, unique and very well curated festival that I highly recommend for every indie filmmaker to be a part of. I had a great experience screening my first film in the 2024 KATZE and felt that my work was valued and celebrated with joy and care. I’m thankful and excited for the future of this great initiative to become an ongoing cultural event for cinema art!

    December 2024
  • Dan Elswick

    It was really fantastic being accepted and opening the 2024 KATZE Film Festival! Rafi was very communicative and really made the experience great despite us now being able to be at the screening in person. Highly recommend this fest.

    July 2024