Phenomena Festival is a competitive international film festival. Focused in fantasy, sci-fi, horror, thriller and other gender bender experiences, we are in search of the most uncanny film makers.

Our mission is to find the most surreal, unique and amazing genre films of the globe and bring then into the spotlight to be seen by the largest number of cinema aficcionados possible! 

The greatest genre films for us are the ones that on the surface are excellent fantasy or scary movies, but if you start digging, you get a sense of another layer that speaks about a truth of a kind. Simply put, films we do not forget so fast. Films that we get sucked into and go for a voyage with. Genre films or films with genre elements are one of the few last resorts where one can make both art and entertainment and still have that special layer hidden within, and we really love that.

The event takes place in the megalopolis of São Paulo, Brazil, with 4 days of screenings, panels and workshops. The winners will be awarded with an high quality metal statue award designed by the english artist David Van Gough and cash prizes.

São Paulo is one of the biggest and busiest cities of world and a huge unexplored market for indie films. Few festival hits reach our screens so there is an unexplored market to be considered.

We promise a rollicking good time and a slate packed with great films. We can't do that without the filmmakers and artists, so submit now! Diversity and originality are not only welcome, but also encouraged. Absolutely no ratings restrictions, ever.

Awards & Prizes

For each category, the winners will be awarded cash prizes and our metal statue designed by the artist David Van Gough.

Best Feature Film - USD$2000 + Phenomena Award
Best Short Film - USD$1000 + Phenomena Award
Best Short Animation - Phenomena Award
Best Brazilian Short - Phenomena Award
Audience Choice - Phenomena Award

Rules & Terms

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:

GENERAL
By entering the Phenomena Festival the participants recognize the elements they fill are true and they are the original authors of their works and holders of the copyright. The participants agree that the organizing committee has the right to refuse to receive works which may be considered offensive morally, political or religiously. Submission of entries acknowledges the right of the organizers to use them for the publication of the catalog/book of the event (including digital publication), for promotion of the event purposes (including posting in social media and adds) and for an eventual exhibition regarding the Phenomena Festival event. Any different use of the entries needs the participant's approval.

FILM
Eligibility Requirements for the feature film and short film competition (jury award):
- Running time for all feature films must be 70 minutes or more
- Running time for all shorts must be less than 30 minutes.
- Selected films must be made available in a 35mm composite print, Blu-ray, or DCP.
- All films must be at least a São Paulo premiere and cannot be made available publicly online at any time before the fest.
- Preview screening format is an online screener ONLY - No DVD screeners.
- If submitting more than one film, a separate completed entry is required for each title.
- The submitted films must have a portuguese or at least english subtitles.

ENTRY FEES, DEADLINE, NOTIFICATION, AND SCHEDULING
Entries are scheduled at the discretion of Phenomena Festival. Phenomena Festival retains the right to make changes to the published schedule at any time and for any reason. Films may be screened more than once.

AWARDS
Phenomena Festival cash awards payments will be made till the deadline of July 2019 at the latest. Metal statue will be delivered at February 2019 the latest.
4 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Clodoaldo Lino

    Unfortunately I could not attend this year's event, but I followed everything through social networks and I would like to highlight high-level programming, both in feature films and in short films. Festival that has everything to establish itself as a major in the genre.

    November 2018
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  • Pablo Olmos_Arrayales

    Phenome is going to become a great festival. The way they treat me was really good and they always give me the right information. Too bad I couldn´t travel, but the next time I will.

    November 2018
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks a lot Pablo!

  • alberto rondalli


    Enthusiastic, friendly and great future ...

    November 2018
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much Alberto!

  • Dante Vescio

    On its first ever edition, Phenomena Festival has already proven that they're not messing around. Great movies, great awards, a great host/creator. Look out, a promising, huge LatAm genre festival has emerged!

    November 2018
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks Dante! You guys rock!