GENERAL PROVISIONS
“SIFF” is a prestigious global film festival open to filmmakers from all over the world. Officially known as "Serbest International Film Festival", this annual event will take place from August 25 - 31, 2025.
Dedicated to cinematic innovation, SIFF serves as a creative springboard for both established and emerging filmmakers. The Official Selection presents exceptional works across all formats: narrative features, short films, documentaries, animation, student films and experimental cinema.
PROGRAM
Official Selection: The festival’s competitive centerpiece, featuring visionary films that push cinematic boundaries. Open to all genres and formats, with special attention to innovative storytelling.
Non-Competitive Sections: Global Lens ▸ Contemporary world cinema, Balkan Focus ▸ New waves from Southeast Europe, Tribute ▸ Celebrating film legends.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
All submissions for the Official Selection must comply with the following:
Runtime Guidelines
▸ Feature Films & Documentaries: 50+ minutes (exceptions granted)
▸ Short Films & Documentaries: Under 30 minutes (exceptions considered)
▸ Experimental/Animation/Student Films: No length restrictions
Additional Policies
✓ No premiere status requirements
✓ All production years eligible
✓ Multiple submissions allowed
FESTIVAL JURY
The festival jury is international and consists of 4-5 outstanding representatives of the film industry. A country may appoint no more than one representative to the jury. Jury verdicts are made by voting, where a majority decides.
FILM SUBMISSIONS
Submissions are now open for the Serbest International Film Festival!
How to Submit:
▸ Full guidelines: Terms & Conditions on our Website
▸ Deadline: June 30, 2025
▸ Platforms: FilmFreeway, Festhome or official SIFF portal
▸ Fee discounts: Available upon official request via email:
siff@serbestfestival.com
serbestfestival@gmail.com
"We welcome bold cinematic voices — don’t miss your chance!"
FILM SELECTION & SCREENING
Selected filmmakers/producers will receive official notification via email. Final confirmations will be announced no later than 30 days before the festival opening.
Screening Privileges:
▸ Festival Premiere status with curated showcase
▸ Strategic Visibility through our hybrid distribution network
▸ Screening Format tailored to each film's needs
Exclusive Platform Benefits (for all Official Selections):
✓ Career growth potential: Connect with our elite network of festival directors, distributors, and producers.
✓ Distribution Access: Winning films may opt to join our platform's curated catalog, reaching both industry professionals and engaged audiences.
✓ Dual-Access Exposure
✓ Beyond the festival, our platform becomes your film's strategic partner — unlocking global opportunities for both winners and official selections.
✓ Award-winning films get priority promotion to our network of 500+ industry partners.
FILM COPY SUBMISSION
The selected films for any festival program must be provided to the festival for screening. In addition to the film copy, the following materials are required: a dialogue list in English, three (3) film stills, and a photo of the director. While not mandatory, submitting a trailer, posters, and additional promotional materials is encouraged.
The festival reserves the right to reject technically defective or low-quality copies that might obstruct the screening. The festival takes responsibility to protect and guard the screening copy from the moment it enters the festival center. The festival appoints a three-member technical committee to evaluate the technical correctness of the film copies and their format.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, LEGAL CLAIMS, AND INDEMNITIES
By submitting your film to SIFF, you confirm that you own all necessary rights to the film and its content. You promise the film doesn’t contain anything illegal, defamatory, or that violates someone’s privacy. If there are any legal issues with the film, you’ll be responsible for handling them – not SIFF.
We take film security seriously. Your film will be stored securely with limited access only to our programming team. We don’t allow copying or sharing films outside the festival. While we do our best to protect your work, we can’t guarantee against all possible risks like hacking or theft, so you understand we’re not liable for incidents beyond our control.
These terms cover everything about your submission. By submitting, you agree you’ve actually read these terms (we know, boring but important!).
FINAL REMARKS
SIFF reserves the right to make final decisions on any matters not covered by these Terms, guided by our commitment to fairness and artistic excellence. The Festival Council's rulings under this clause are conclusive.
