The Serbest International Film Festival was created to showcase bold cinematic voices from around the world. We aim to discover both emerging and experienced new directors and screenwriters, providing a platform to present their work while offering meaningful support and career development opportunities.

We champion filmmakers who push boundaries - those daring enough to explore the human experience through innovative storytelling and fresh perspectives. SIFF is a cultural organization whose mission is to transform the way people see the world through film.

Our festival was born from the urgent need to create space for talented filmmakers globally. Each year, we bring together the most original storytellers and adventurous audiences through programs featuring narrative films, documentaries, shorts, experimental works and animations.

In 2024, we launched Serbest Film Distribution (serbestdistribution.com) - a groundbreaking platform helping our filmmakers connect with distributors, producers and festivals worldwide. This new initiative opens doors to distribution deals, funding opportunities and invaluable industry relationships.

At SIFF you'll find:
▸ A home for daring, human-centered stories
▸ Active promotion of your work to industry leaders
▸ Professional development through masterclasses
▸ Networking with like-minded creators
▸ Awards that open doors: distribution deals, funding introductions, and media coverage

We're committed to evolving - creating better opportunities, stronger industry pathways and greater visibility for independent filmmakers everywhere. Your unique vision deserves to be seen. It's a place where filmmakers can showcase new stories and offer a fresh perspective on humanity and the world we live in.


▸ Best Feature Film 

▸ Best Short Film 

▸ Best Documentary Film

▸ Best Documentary Short

▸ Best Animation Film

▸ Best Experimental Film

▸ Best Student Film

▸ Under 5 min Film

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.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Thanks for championing stories that matter. A festival with purpose.

    April 2025
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    Response from festival:

    Dear Héctor Almeida,

    Thank you for your thoughtful words. It means a lot to us that you recognize the purpose behind SIFF — supporting stories that matter and empowering independent voices. We’re honored to have had you as part of our festival and hope to continue building this creative journey together!

    Warm regards,
    The Serbest International Film Festival (SIFF) Team

  • Fedele Aula

    We participated with a beautiful short film and the festival understood and appreciated our work! No inconvenience, therefore, splendid communication and excellent preparation and an option to register on the platform, unexpected. It was a beautiful edition (2024).

    April 2025
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    Response from festival:

    Dear Fedele Aula,

    Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled that your beautiful short film was appreciated and that you had such a positive experience with us at SIFF 2024. It's wonderful to hear that our communication and preparation met your expectations.

    We're especially pleased that you found the option to register on our platform helpful. Our goal is to provide filmmakers like you with opportunities for further distribution and exposure, and it’s great to know that this was a pleasant surprise.

    Thank you for being part of this year's edition, and we look forward to seeing more of your work in the future!

    Warm regards,
    The Serbest International Film Festival (SIFF) Team

  • It was a pleasure to be part of this festival. I highly recommend it! :)

    March 2025
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    Response from festival:

    Dear Jacek Nastal,

    Thank you so much for your kind words! It was a pleasure to have your film as part of SIFF — your creativity truly enriched the 2024 edition. We're glad to hear you enjoyed the experience and truly appreciate your recommendation.

    If you’re interested in continuing your film’s journey, feel free to reach out — we’d be happy to discuss how our distribution platform might help share your work with wider audiences.

    Warm regards,
    The Serbest International Film Festival (SIFF) Team

  • It was a great festival! I came from Japan and it was a very valuable experience. The staff's response was also very prompt.

    December 2024
  • Thank you to the festival team and the esteemed jury for shining a spotlight on Arjun Chakravarthy: Journey of an Unsung Champion. Winning these prestigious awards reinforces our belief in the universal appeal of storytelling and the impact of perseverance

    November 2024