We are delighted to announce the 28th UNAFF (United Nations Association Film Festival), which was founded in 1998 by Stanford educator and film critic Jasmina Bojic in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The 28th UNAFF will be held from October 16-26, 2025 in Palo Alto, Stanford University, East Palo Alto and San Francisco. This year’s theme, MESSAGES FOR THE FUTURE, continues our devotion to human rights with an emphasis on our concerns of what lies ahead and the imprint that we will leave behind.

Over the years UNAFF has screened some of the most awarded and talked about documentaries in the industry, including eight that went on to win Academy Awards and thirty eight that were nominated.

AWARDS include a CASH prize

• UNAFF Grand Jury Award for Best Documentary $2000
• UNAFF Grand Jury Award for Best Short Documentary $1000
• UNAFF Award for Best Cinematography $500
• UNAFF Award for Best Editing $500
• UNAFF Youth Vision Award $500

UNAFF provides filmmakers with pass credentials, guest festival passes, and some assistance with lodging and airfare. In addition to screenings UNAFF provides filmmakers the opportunity to present their work through panel discussions and Q&As and to meet distributors and leaders of community organizations.

28th UNAFF CALL FOR ENTRIES

SUBMISSIONS ARE OPEN for the 28th UNAFF, which will run from October 16-26, 2025 in Palo Alto, East Palo Alto, San Francisco and Stanford University.

In its enduring advocacy for the Universal Declaration of Human Rights UNAFF celebrates the power of international documentary films dealing with the environment, refugees, famine, homelessness, racism, disease control, women's issues, children, universal education, war and peace and other topics mentioned in the UDHR.

This year’s theme, MESSAGES FOR THE FUTURE, continues our devotion to human rights with an emphasis on our concerns of what lies ahead and the imprint that we will leave behind.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:

• Documentaries only and absolutely no films that are available online for free before the end of the festival (10/26/2025)
• No production year limit
• No runtime limit – UNAFF accepts both shorts and longs
• Rough-cuts or works-in-progress accepted, but please submit as close to the final cut as possible. UNAFF cannot accept updated versions of a film less than 10 days before the start of the festival
• Submission formats:
o Download-enabled online link with a password valid until June 30, 2025. Please email online link and password with attached signed submission form to linksubmit2025@unaff.org
o Blu-ray region 0 or 1 (see mailing address below)
o USB flash drive
• The language of the festival jury and audience is English, so if your film is in a different language, please translate the title and submit an English subtitled version, or send us an English SRT file.

SUBMISSION PROCESS:
• Submit online via FilmFreeway
or
• Email us a downloadable link directly to linksubmit2025@unaff.org, or send in your disc/flash drive to our mailing address below. Visit www.unaff.org for the downloadable Entry Form, which must be filled out, signed and sent with all direct submissions, either printed and included in your package, or as an attachment with your downloadable link.

SHIPPING

The entrant is responsible for the cost of shipping the entries to our office. Due to the volume of entries we CANNOT return preview copies. Unless otherwise requested, all submissions will become part of the UNAFF archive available for research and educational purposes only. Works submitted will be returned only if accompanied by insured self-addressed return packaging.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE:

• Early Deadline – May 5, 2025*
• Regular Deadline – May 15, 2025*
• Late deadline – May 25, 2025*
(*Postmarked)

Filmmakers will be notified about the status of their submission by August 5.

WAIVER

Entries will be handled with the utmost care, but UNAFF cannot assume responsibility for damage or loss of any film submitted to the festival.

AUTHORIZATION

As the producer's authorized representative, I accept the conditions described on this entry form. If this film is selected, I grant UNAFF the rights to publicly display it during UNAFF 2025 and in the UNAFF Traveling Film Festival and its programs internationally and in the US, as well as the permission to use any footage from the film and its publicity materials for UNAFF promotional purposes. UNAFF will not accept new versions of a selected film less than 10 days before the festival unless requested by the programming staff.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Fran Guijarro

    With twenty seven editions under their belt, UNAFF is one of the most respected and impressive international documentary film festivals I've ever experienced. The film selection is exceptional, and the team treats filmmakers with the utmost care and kindness. They even generously assist with some expenses related to festival attendance. Our screening was a dream come true. Moses drew a sold-out crowd, and the high-quality screening in a stunning San Francisco theater was the perfect setting for our DCP 5.1 presentation. It was a truly unforgettable experience that we will cherish forever.

    December 2024
  • Audrey Daniel

    This Film Festival was outstanding. The communication was more thorough then any festival I know. The PR person was really on it for reaching out to Press, radio etc. The in person 10 day screenings in Palo Alto, Stanford and San Francisco was phenomenal. There were opportunities to connect with the other film makers at the wonderful opening and closing nights as well as a filmmaker luncheon. The films were powerful and very well curated. I felt honored to have my film screened with these social justice films from around the world. This festival is the real deal!

    November 2024
  • Nada Miljkovic

    Attending the UNAFF film festival for the U.S. premiere of our documentary, Joymakers, was a truly wonderful experience. From the moment we arrived, we were met with kindness and generosity from both the festival staff and fellow filmmakers. The opportunity to engage with other filmmakers, each sharing their unique perspectives and creative visions, was both inspiring and humbling.

    It was an absolute privilege and an honor to be a part of UNAFF. We’re grateful for the platform they provide for impactful storytelling and for the chance to share our work with such a receptive and supportive audience. Thank you, UNAFF, for an unforgettable experience.

    November 2024
  • Although we were not able to attend in person, Jasmina and the UNAFF team were great communicators and the zoom press event was great to be a part of. Thank you UNAFF for selecting our film and the work you do!

    November 2024
  • Sean Fleck

    Thank you to all the staff at the UNAFF. This festival was a wonderful experience. I got to view some very insightful films. Congratulations on another successful year, and we hope to see you again soon - Sean F.

    November 2024