Welcome to the Oslo Independent Film Festival, a cutting-edge celebration of cinema's contemporary spirit. As an online event, we embrace the evolving landscape of film consumption, recognizing the growing preference for online platforms among audiences worldwide. Through our virtual showcase, we aim to bridge the gap between filmmakers and viewers, offering a dynamic platform for cinematic exploration and connection.

Set against the backdrop of Oslo's dynamic cultural scene, our festival honors the city's legacy as a beacon of creativity and innovation in the film industry. From the comfort of your own screen, immerse yourself in a diverse array of short and feature films that push boundaries, challenge conventions, and captivate audiences with their compelling narratives.

Join us online at the Oslo Independent Film Festival and experience the power of cinema in the digital age, where storytelling knows no bounds and creativity thrives in the virtual realm.

Categories

Narrative Feature Film: Full-length fictional films with a strong narrative focus.

Documentary Feature Film: Non-fiction films that explore real-life subjects, issues, or events.

Short Film (Narrative): Fictional films with a runtime typically under 40 minutes, focusing on storytelling and character development.

Short Film (Documentary): Non-fiction films with a runtime typically under 40 minutes, exploring real-world subjects or issues.

Animation: Animated films of various styles and techniques, including traditional, CGI, stop-motion, and experimental animation.

Experimental: Films that push the boundaries of traditional filmmaking, exploring unconventional storytelling techniques and visual styles.

Student Film: Films created by student filmmakers as part of their academic coursework or independent projects.

International: Films from around the world, showcasing diverse cultures, perspectives, and storytelling traditions.

Local Focus: Films with a focus on Oslo or Norway, exploring local stories, culture, or landscapes.

Emerging Filmmakers: Films by up-and-coming filmmakers who are making their mark in the industry with innovative and original work.

Environmental/Sustainability: Films that address environmental issues, sustainability, and the relationship between humanity and the natural world.

Human Rights/Social Justice: Films that explore themes of human rights, social justice, equality, and activism.

Women in Film: Films that highlight the experiences, perspectives, and contributions of women in front of and behind the camera

Oslo Independent Film Festival

-Submission Guidelines:
Films must be submitted through FilmFreeway following the specified guidelines regarding format, length, and submission deadlines.

-Eligibility:
The festival welcomes submissions from filmmakers of all backgrounds, nationalities, and experience levels. Both short and feature-length films are eligible for consideration.

-Originality:
Submitted films must be original works created by the filmmaker(s) or with proper authorization for use of copyrighted material.

-Content:
Films may explore any theme or genre, but must adhere to legal and ethical standards. Content that promotes hate speech, violence, or discrimination will not be accepted.

-Language and Subtitles:
Non-English films must include English subtitles for consideration. Submissions in English should have clear audio and/or subtitles if necessary.

-Rights and Permissions:
Filmmakers are responsible for obtaining all necessary rights, licenses, and permissions for their submitted work, including music rights and actor releases.

-Online Screening:
All accepted films will be showcased online during the festival. Filmmakers must ensure their films are available for streaming during the specified festival dates.

-Judging and Awards:
A panel of industry professionals will evaluate submissions based on criteria such as storytelling, creativity, technical quality, and overall impact. Awards may include Best Short Film, Best Feature Film, Audience Choice, and more.

-Notification:
Filmmakers will be notified of their film's acceptance status prior to the festival dates. Selected filmmakers may be required to provide additional materials for promotional purposes.

-Publicity and Promotion:
By submitting their film, filmmakers grant the festival the right to use excerpts, trailers, and promotional materials for marketing and publicity purposes.

-Disqualification:
The festival reserves the right to disqualify any film that violates the regulations or fails to meet the specified criteria.

-Decision Authority:
The festival organizers have the final decision on all matters related to film selection, programming, and awards.

* These regulations aim to ensure a fair and respectful environment for filmmakers and audiences alike, fostering creativity, diversity, and innovation in the world of independent cinema.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Olivia N'Ganga

    Oslo Independent Film Festival is amazing !

    May 2026
  • Sara Kochen

    Thank you to the festival for recognizing “Now the women play!” as a Semi-Finalist.
    This achievement fills me with gratitude and excitement.
    I truly value your appreciation of the project.

    May 2026
  • Ken Stewart

    Thank you for helping my film get seen!

    May 2026
  • Konstantia Makri

    Smooth submission process and a well-organized experience through FilmFreeway. Thank you for supporting independent filmmakers and creating opportunities for diverse projects.

    May 2026
  • Pepi ROMAGNOLI

    Thank you very much for the semi-finalist nomination for my documentary film ‘The Blue Above and the Gold Within’, which also thrilled Valeria Garvrylyk, the Ukrainian refugee featured in the film.

    May 2026