Solaris Film Festival is an international film festival with live screening .
Our first issue took place successfully in Hotel Campanile, Nice France on the dates 1.6 - 3.6 2017.
In 2023 we decided to organize this event in Helsinki, Finland due to the dire sanitary situation in France.

Our festival promotes independent filmmaking and we support auteur cinema.

The SOLARIS FILM FESTIVAL was founded to bring the most original filmmakers together with diverse audiences for its annual program of feature and short films, experimental films, and student work. All genres are welcome.

The Festival’s name is an homage to the Andrei Tarkovsky iconic film Solaris. The film by Tarkovsky is not only a science fiction film but also a philosophical and poetical narrative.

We are looking for the most profound and original films and prefer to see films made primarily for aesthetic and philosophical reasons rather than political purposes or commercial profit.

The Festival is dedicated to the discovery of the independent international artists and also welcomes established filmmakers. We do not require Premiere status, you can submit any film completed within 3 years.

Awards & Prizes

Feature Film
Golden Victory Statue and certificate is awarded to the Best Feature Film

Short Film
Golden Victory Statue and certificate is awarded to the Best Short Film
Documentary
Best Documentary - Golden Victory Statue and certificate.

Animated Film
Golden Victory Statue and certificate is awarded to the Best Animated Film

Music Video
Best Music Video - Golden Victory Statue and certificate

Andrei Tarkovsky Award
Golden Victory Statue and certificate is awarded to the film which continues the traditions of Andrei Tarkovsky

There will also be the following awards for:

Best Actor (Male) - certificate.
Best Actor (Female) – certificate.
Best Director – certificate.
Best Screenplay – certificate.
Best Cinematography – certificate.
Best Original Music Score – certificate.

Rules & Terms

We encourage the submission of international film or video entries, but all entries must be in English or have English dubbing or subtitles.
All entries must be available for screening during the festival. We welcome Feature Films and Short Films.
You may submit as many entries as you like. Each entry requires its own entry fee. Fees are not refundable.
We accept online submissions.
Please submit films using FilmFreeway.
All films should have been completed within 3 years.
All awards are based on the overall merit of the entry. Decisions by the judges are final.
Finalists will be notified a month before if their entry will be screened at the Solaris Film Festival and considered with the other finalists for the top awards.
Festival does not deal with any copyright issues. All copyright issues should be resolved by the film authors.
Filmmakers and screenwriters retain 100% all of the rights to their projects and materials that they submit to the Solaris Film Festival.
You agree to indemnify and hold harmless us, our officers, affiliates, employees, and partners from any and all claims and liability arising out of entering or transmitting your film to the Solaris Film Festival.
Filmmakers are not paid for screening at the Festival and Solaris Film Festival does not provide submission fee waivers.
At least one representative of the team should be present at the award ceremony.

34 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • susan lyles

    What an honor to receive "Best Original Screen Play" for How Ariel Got her Muse Back". Great communication, and very welcoming staff. Their support for indie filmmakers is wonderful!

    October 2024
    Helpful
  • OLIVIER CHANTREAU

    What an honor to win the best short movie, in this beautiful festival, Solaris F.F support independant films, and perpetuates the memory of Tarkovski. Thanks to them and more than that. Solaris as sunny, long live the light!

    October 2024
    Helpful
  • Stuart Ginsberg

    Fantastic film festival where they value the independent filmmaker. Excellent communication and friendly staff who care about your work.

    October 2024
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  • Diane Thomassin

    What an honor to have my screenplay, “Single Girl’s Guide to Narcissists” chosen as award winner! Thank you Solaris Film Festival! I am very grateful!

    October 2024
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  • Maury K. Downs

    We could not be happier to be awarded from this festival named after one of the most classic sci-fi psychological films of all time! Thank you, Solaris Film Festival! -- MKD

    November 2023
    Helpful
    Solaris square
    Response from festival:

    Thank you!