Sevil International Women’s Documentary Film Festival is the independent documentary film festival in Azerbaijan, operating since 2020.

The Sevilfest is a festival primarily focused on gender issues. Its main objective is to raise awareness of gender-related issues through art and documentary films. Additionally, Sevilfest aims to promote women and queer filmmakers in Azerbaijan, where stereotypes regarding their participation in the industry persist.

The festival brings a selection of critically acclaimed films from all around the world to Azerbaijani audiences and encourages public discussions around various gender-based issues. In addition to offering a diverse international line-up, the festival promotes local filmmaking by arranging a short and full-length film competition open to submissions from local and international artists. Moreover, the festival is uniquely organized in three cities simultaneously: Baki, Shaki, Lankaran.

The festival is actively working towards creating a safe and inclusive space for women and underrepresented groups, fostering their participation and contribution to the documentary film industry in the country. Through screenings, discussions, and other activities, Sevilfest aims to encourage the improvement and development of the documentary film sector, particularly by supporting and amplifying the voices of marginalized filmmakers.

The festival is named by the play of Jafar Jabbarli called Sevil which focused on the theme of the role of women, their oppression, struggle, and ultimately, victory over dated patriarchal tradition in 1928. After watching the play many women discarded their veils in Azerbaijan back in the time. Therefore, our name symbolically refuses the patriarchal traditions and encourages society to be open to different perspectives.

The project includes regional development and raising activity.

Awards & Prizes

INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION:

Best International Short Documentary

LOCAL COMPETITION:
Best Local Short Documentary

Awards:

The Jury members select the winners in 3 categories.
* Best International Short Documentary;
* Best Local Documentary;

In addition, there is an “Audience Award”. This award is chosen by the audience via voting.

III Sevil IWDFF does not intend to establish cash prizes. The Organizing Committee and founders retain a right to change this decision during the festival. Furthermore, the Organizing Committee may provide the right to sponsors to establish their own awards. Winners are announced by the Jury or Organizing Committee at the Closing Ceremony.

Rules & Terms

Rules and terms:

Films fit at least one of the following requirements are welcomed to participate in Sevilfest 2023:

- Independent films that are directed or co-directed by women identified filmmakers.
- The main character of the film is a woman
- The content of the film is about women and the issues that affect their lives.
- Film highlights any gender-related topic, including women’s success stories, femicides, domestic violence, abortion, gender equality, role of the women in society, etc.

We highly encourage LGBTQI, differently abled, and older women to submit.

Good luck to all, and thank you for sharing your work with us.

CERTIFICATION OF ENTRANT: I, the contact person for the film submitted with this application, agree to the following:

I have read, understood, and completed all eligibility requirements for which I would like this film to be considered.

* To the best of my knowledge, all of the statements in this application are true.
* The Sevil International Women Documentary Film Festival DOES NOT PAY SCREENING FEES. By submitting my film to this festival, I am giving consent to allow Sevil International Women Documentary Film Festival to screen it in the territory of Azerbaijan if selected.
* If selected for the festival, I agree to pay for print shipping costs. The Women's Film Festival will pay for return shipping. (DVD/Blu-ray screeners will not be returned.)
* All final works must be completed and shipped 3 weeks before the screening date. This contract is binding and will be held responsible for the information in my submission.
* I agree to allow The Women's Film Festival to screen my film at post-festival events.
* The Sevil International Women Documentary Film Festival will only accept films which subject matter relates to women's issues.

Note: Authors of the selected films can participate voluntarily in the festival. Therefore, she/he/them can contact the embassy of the exact country in Baku for assistance to participate or additional information.

Please take into account that the festival is not intended to make a profit.

Audience:
Sevil IWDFF is a festival aimed at the general public. The IV edition of the festival will be held in Baku and in 2 other cities of Azerbaijan.

See You at Sevil IWDFF 2025!