Our goal is to feature works by artists from across the globe and a wide variety of different industries.
Humanitarian and environmental issues will play a central role at our festival and our goal is to promote international cultural exchange. We are inspired by the transcendental nature of art, and the special role it plays in creating new perspectives and innovations. The festival is going back to the past and searching for the fundamental questions that everyone used to ask. This way, we can delve a bit deeper and rediscover how everything began, and determine our goals on this planet.
A special characteristic of the festival is that we will focus on questions rather than themes. The answers will emerge from the works of the artists.

Festival’s Question 2023:
humanity, if yes, why?

Awards & Prizes

Short film:

Best Short Film/Feature
Best Documentary
Best Animation
Audience prices

All winners receive a free certificate (pdf/jpg file)

Rules & Terms

"HUMANITY, if yes, why?"

The question is truly broad, encompassing aspects of humanity, nature, and more. We're eager to see your perspective.

****** Note:
The filmmakers who have problems paying in EU countries, please contact us via info@returniaf.de so we can give you a code for uploading.******

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

Short films, in the form of narrative (fiction), documentary (non-fiction), animated film up to 30 minutes, including all credits. (The films should be completed from 2021 onward)

By submitting your film you agree to the following:

- Parts of your film - including a trailer, teaser, film poster, extracts, and stills - will be used for promotional purposes.
- Entry fees are non-refundable.
- Multiple entries are allowed for each filmmaker and each entry may be entered in multiple categories.
- The films must include English subtitles even if the spoken language is English.
- All films submitted must be free from any legal disputes and the filmmaker must have cleared all rights for music and exhibition.
- All ages are eligible, and you can submit from any country.
- All entries must be uploaded in PDF/FDX format. Contact details or names are allowed to be on the title page.
-All filmmakers will be notified of their status by 15th of August 2024 via the submission contact email address. Please keep us informed of any changes regarding your contact information by emailing Info@returniaf.de.

We do not accept:
1. Extremist or propaganda content from religious or political organisations
2. Films involving politics/films promoting political agenda
3. Films with a poor production standard (bad sound, lack of subtitles/captions for non-English films, video resolution less than 720p HD
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12 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Giuliana Racco

    Happy to have taken part in Return IAF. I appreciate the depth, seriousness, care and vision of the festival. Wish I could have been there in person.

    December 2023
    Helpful
  • Natalie MacMahon

    Fantastic festival experience and I'm happy that I got to attend and won an award this year! Thank you very much!

    November 2023
    Helpful
  • Thaller Louise

    Amazing festival! We were selected and could not join in person but the communication was amazing

    November 2023
    Helpful
  • ali masoumi

    the best festival and best experiences

    November 2022
    Helpful
  • Daniela Lucato

    Honoured to be in the selection with the German Premiere of my film The things you don't know about me, mum.
    Sadly I could't join the festival physically but I found the program very interesting!

    November 2022
    Helpful