For our second edition in 2025, TIFF is opening its doors to filmmakers who want their work seen in one of Norway’s most vibrant cultural hubs. Nestled between steep mountains and deep fjords, Trondheim offers more than just screenings—it’s a place to connect, learn, and leave inspired. We’re looking for bold stories, whether you’re a first-time director or a seasoned pro, and we’re here to put your film in front of audiences who crave something real.

Filmmakers at TIFF get hands-on. Imagine pitching your next project to industry mentors over steaming cups of Norwegian coffee, or joining a workshop where local Sami filmmakers teach you how to capture stories in extreme weather. Swap business cards with producers during a boat tour of the fjords, or test your documentary’s impact by screening it to a crowd of fishermen and university students. Every film selected gets a prime slot in our historic cinemas (yes, we’ve got heated seats) and a chance to compete for our “Midnight Sun Award”—a cash prize funded by the city’s passionate film-loving community.

Come for the films, stay for the people. After-hours, we’ll turn a 100-year-old warehouse into a dance floor where you’ll two-step with cinematographers, debate screenwriting with Nordic Netflix scouts, and eat reindeer sausages grilled by a director who won last year’s audience prize. Need a breather? Grab a borrowed bicycle and pedal along the river to clear your head—just be back by dawn for the “Polar Cinema Breakfast,” where we screen short films while passing around waffles and insider tips on surviving the festival circuit. TIFF isn’t about red carpets; it’s about rolling up your sleeves and remembering why you started making films in the first place.

Awards & Prizes

Best Narrative Feature
Best Narrative Short
Best Documentary Feature
Best Documentary Short
Best Experimental Film
Best Animated Film
Best Cinematography
Best Sound and Music
Best Norwegian-Language Film
Jury Special Prize
Audience Choice Award
Best Screenplay

Rules & Terms

1. Submission Requirements

[Eligibility of Works]:
Films submitted must be completed within the last three years (2022-2025). This ensures that all works are fresh and relevant to current cinematic trends.

[Language Requirements]:
Films in languages other than English must be submitted with English subtitles. Norwegian-language films are highly encouraged.

[Formats]:
Films must be submitted in digital format (MP4 or MOV) with a resolution of at least 720p. High-resolution files (1080p or 4K) are preferred but not mandatory.

2. Submission Eligibility

[World Premieres]:
TIFF encourages films that have not been publicly screened in any format (theatrical, online, or festival) prior to the festival. However, films that have screened in their country of origin are still eligible.

[Distribution Status]:
Films that have been released on streaming platforms, cable television, or in commercial theaters are not eligible for competition. However, they may be considered for special screening opportunities.

[Multiple Submissions]:
Filmmakers may submit multiple works, provided each submission meets the eligibility criteria.

3. Selection Process

[Submission Review]:
All submitted films will be reviewed by a panel of industry professionals, including filmmakers, critics, and festival programmers. The review process will focus on creativity, technical execution, and narrative impact.

[Shortlisting]:
A shortlist of films will be selected for further consideration. Finalists will be notified via email.

[Final Selection]:
The final selection of films for the festival will be made by an independent jury. The jury’s decision is final and cannot be appealed.

4. Festival Participation

[Screening Requirements]:
Selected films must be available for screening during the festival. TIFF reserves the right to screen films in any format deemed appropriate for the venue.

[Promotional Materials]:
Accepted films may be featured in the festival’s promotional materials, including the program booklet, website, and social media channels.

[Attendance]:
While not mandatory, TIFF encourages filmmakers to attend the festival for networking opportunities and to participate in Q&A sessions following their screenings.

5. General Terms

[Copyright and Usage]:
By submitting a film to TIFF, the filmmaker grants the festival the right to screen the film and use excerpts for promotional purposes. All rights not explicitly granted remain with the filmmaker.

[Responsibility]:
TIFF is not responsible for any damage, loss, or theft of submitted materials. It is recommended that filmmakers submit copies rather than original master files.

[Dispute Resolution]:
In the event of any disputes, the festival organizers reserve the right to make the final decision in accordance with the festival’s best interests.