The Travel Film Awards (TFA) is an international film festival dedicated entirely to the intersection of cinema and travel—anchored each year around UN Tourism’s World Tourism Day theme. Join us in Barcelona, a city celebrated for its culture and creativity.

Here’s why you don’t want to miss it:

• Barcelona as Your Set
Barcelona, the cultural heart of the Mediterranean, hosts the third edition of the Travel Film Awards from 26 September to 2 October. With its Modernist architecture, urban beaches, and vibrant film scene, the city provides the perfect backdrop to celebrate cinema’s power. From the iconic Eixample district to the lively Gothic Quarter, every corner inspires new travel stories. Join us in Barcelona to discover fresh narratives, connect with creators from around the world, and raise a toast to a future where film and tourism transform destinations.

• Showcase Your Vision
Whether you craft fiction, documentary, animation, experimental, or AI work, TFA gives you a global stage. Our distinguished jury will be on the hunt for the most powerful travel stories and will honor outstanding storytellers, offering both recognition and career-boosting exposure.

• Engage with the Industry
Dive deep into the art and business of travel filmmaking and participate in expert-led panel discussions, talks, and masterclasses on screen tourism, AI and digitalization in travel filmmaking, and creative storytelling; join in-person screenings and interactive Q&As and discussions and mingle during meet-and-greets with fellow filmmakers. All events are free for anyone who submits a film—whether selected for competition or not—and are designed to foster collaboration, spark inspiration, and deepen your connection to the world of travel cinema.

• Awards, Recognition and Beyond
Win awards, gain press coverage, and boost your festival credits. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned traveler of film festivals, TFA offers the career lift you’ve been looking for.

submit your film now! and join us for a full week of film and fun.

Awards & Prizes

1. The Golden Carry-on Trophy (TFA’s highest honor)

2. Grand Jury Award Plaque (TFA's second highest honor)

3. AI Award Plaque

4. Screen Tourism Award Plaque

5. TFA Micro Award Plaque

6. Audience Award Plaque

7. Festival sponsors may offer additional awards.

In previous editions, prizes have included travel experiences such as trips and stays in Malta, Iran, and Spain.

Every award winner will be also presented with a certificate of awards.
Every selected film will be presented with a certificate of participation.

Rules & Terms

1. Eligibility
• Open to filmmakers worldwide.
• All short films up to 60 minutes in any genre and category (fiction, documentary, experimental, animation, AI) exploring travel and tourism are accepted.
• Premieres are encouraged but not required.

2. Rights & Fees
• Submitter must own all rights or have permission from the rights holder.
• All submission fees are non-refundable.
• The festival’s relationship is exclusively with the submitter.

3. Submission Requirements
• Maximum running time: 60 minutes.
• Provide English subtitles for any non-English dialogue.
• For English-language films, subtitles are not mandatory but English or Spanish subtitles are preferred.
• Upload a one-page synopsis in English or Spanish.

4. Technical Delivery
• Films must be free of unlicensed music or imagery.
• A DCP will be required for in-person screenings:
o English-language DCP must include Spanish subtitles.
o Spanish-language DCP must include English subtitles.
o Other languages must include both English and Spanish subtitles.
o DCPs in any language must include subtitles in at least English or Spanish.
• TFA is not responsible for damaged copies.

5. Selection & Notification
• A qualified programming committee will review all eligible entries.
• Decisions are final and confidential.
• Notification of selection by 20 July 2026.

6. Screening & Rights
• Screenings run 26 September to 2 October 2026 in Barcelona.
• Entrants grant TFA a non-exclusive right to screen their film and use excerpts of their film for promotion.

7. Travel Expenses
• The festival may provide accommodation to selected filmmakers when possible. Travel expenses are the responsibility of the filmmaker, unless otherwise agreed with the festival.

8. Disqualification
• Films not selected for competition will receive no individual feedback.
• TFA reserves the right to disqualify any entry deemed inappropriate.

9. Privacy & Data
• Personal data used solely for festival administration and marketing.
• Entrants may opt out of promotional mailings; critical submission updates will still be sent.

10. Cancellation & Force Majeure
• If the festival is canceled or postponed (e.g., due to public health), screening rights revert to the filmmaker; TFA will explore alternatives where possible.

11. Amendments
• The Organizer may, in its sole discretion, amend, suspend, or cancel these Rules, categories, dates, procedures, or policies at any time to address operational needs, legal or safety requirements, or circumstances beyond its control. Material changes will be announced on this FilmFreeway page and the Festival website; continued participation constitutes acceptance. The Organizer’s interpretation of these Rules is final.

12. Agreement
By submitting, you confirm that you have read, understood and agree to all these Rules & Terms.
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For questions or clarifications, please contact: support@travelfilmawards.com