Kobani International Film Festival

Participation Terms

The Kobani International Film Festival invites filmmakers from around the world to submit short films to its official competition. Submission of a film constitutes full acceptance of these regulations.

Article 1: Participating Films
The festival accepts short fiction, documentary, and animated films with a maximum duration of 30 minutes, including credits.
Participants may submit more than one film, provided each submission meets all requirements.
Films produced in 2024, 2025, and 2026 are eligible.
Films must be in their original language with English subtitles (unless the original language is English).
Submitted films must be of adequate screening quality in image and sound.
Officially selected films must provide a DCP copy or high-quality digital screening file.
The film must be a standalone work and not an excerpt from a feature film or TV series.
Films previously submitted to previous editions of the festival are not eligible.
Submissions must include: trailer, poster, and three high-resolution still images.
The submission deadline is June 1, 2026. Late entries will not be considered.
By submitting, participants grant the festival the right to screen the film in its official program.
Participants may opt in or opt out of online screening. If accepted, online screening will not exceed 7 days.
The festival reserves the right to reject any submission without providing reasons.
Films cannot be withdrawn after official selection announcement.
Animation films are defined as works primarily using animation techniques.
Documentary films are defined as non-fiction works presenting a creative treatment of reality.
Article 2: Rights and Ownership
The participant confirms they hold all rights to the submitted film.
The festival retains an archival copy for non-commercial purposes only.
The festival may use excerpts and promotional materials for publicity.
Award winners receive the "Free Woman" statue as the official prize. If transferred or sold, the festival retains the right to reclaim it for one USD.
Article 3: Acceptance
Submission implies acceptance of all rules.
The festival is not liable for technical or material issues.
The festival reserves the right to reject any submission.
These terms form part of the submission agreement.
Article 4: Festival Policy
The festival selects films for its official program.
Films may be shared with selection and jury committees.
Selected films may be screened publicly during the festival.
Films may be screened more than once.
Excerpts may be used for promotional purposes.
Subtitles may be added for screening purposes only.
Selection decisions are final.
The official program will be announced mid-August.
Screening schedules may be modified by the festival.
Article 5: Registration

Submissions must be completed through the official entry form within the submission period.

Article 6: Provisions

The festival reserves the right to disqualify any film violating these regulations.

Article 7: Censorship

The festival will not edit or modify any film without written permission from the rights holder.
Article 8: Notification Policy

Due to the high volume of submissions received by the Kobani International Film Festival, notification emails are not sent for preliminary stages such as Initial Selection, Quarter-Finalist, or similar internal nomination stages.

For these stages, film status updates are reflected directly on the FilmFreeway platform and can be followed through the submitter’s FilmFreeway account.

Direct emails are sent only for Official Selection, finalists, award nominees, winners, or when additional screening materials are required.