SHAPESHIFT is a series of events exploring the relationship between humanity and innovation. From art, through science, all the way to politics, curiosity and forward-thinking shape and reshape the world we live in.

After the first two single-day editions of the initiative, SHAPESHIFT Talks, we are expanding the SHAPESHIFT universe into a three-day festival themed The Unknown as a Creative Force.

Innovation isn’t born from knowing. It’s born from not knowing. Because the unknown holds the key to the questions with no answers.

Join us for a weekend as dynamic as the times we live in and dive into exciting lectures by guest speakers, movie screenings, exhibitions, workshops, parties, live music performances, and good food.

SHAPESHIFT is for you, for your neighbor, for every student, for artists, and engineers. SHAPESHIFT is for no one and anyone. For the forward-thinkers, multifaceted individuals, and curious shapeshifters who are excited by the unknown.

Rules & Terms


1. Submission formats

Films must be submitted via online screener or by DVD. The tracking number, film title, film category and running time must be clearly labeled on the DVD. Submitted copies will not be returned.
2. Submission Eligibility 

All submitted films have to be completed after 1 January 2020. 

- SHAPESHIFT FESTIVAL requires at least a Bulgarian premiere for the feature films, documentaries and VR content. 

- There is no premiere policy for short films. 

- Works-in-progress and films with distribution are accepted.
3. Submission Fee 

All FilmFreeway submissions for SHAPESHIFT FESTIVAL are free.
4. Submission and posting requirements

Your submission DVD should be sent to:
Festival Submissions/ 
"SHAPESHIFT FESTIVAL" - 
Address: 27 “Tsar Osvoboditel”, Sofia 1000, Bulgaria
All shipping and postage costs for the submission package and, if the film is selected for the Festival. SHAPESHIFT FESTIVAL will not absorb any customs’ fees. All charges must be pre-paid. SHAPESHIFT FESTIVAL will not accept submissions if customs and delivery fees are not paid by the submitting party.
International submission packages must be labeled 'Trade Sample' on any customs label and, for customs purposes, must be given a value of no more than US$10.
5. Formats and print traffic requirements:
Selected films must provide a Digital Cinema Package (DCP), as well as a back-up Blu-ray. The film title have to be clearly labeled on the DCP and Blu-ray.
A selected DCP must be received at SHAPESHIFT FESTIVAL no later than three weeks prior to its scheduled screening date.