The Universal Kids Film Festival in Istanbul Turkey (UKFF), is an annual event that is slowly but surely making an indelible mark among Turkish kids not because of its size or great fanfares, but for its tenacity in advocating peace. Accordingly, films which are appropriate for children and youth are chosen and all corollary activities are planned within this advocacy
One very unique feature of the festival is the ‘Peace Carpet’ which is spread out every year to drum up awareness and involvement of everyone in the advocacy for Peace. The Peace Carpet is composed of two long strips of cloth, one white and the other black. These are usually spread out at the entrance of the festival’s main venue. Visitors are encouraged to sign on the white cloth to affirm their support for Peace and walk on the black cloth to protest against war.
Contrary to the usual red carpet that welcomes luminaries and dignitaries to film festivals, the UKFF welcomes its visitors with its black and white carpets that engages everyone in an interactive performance for Peace. The founder of the festival, Rowena Martinez Ulayan, a Filipino artist based in Turkey who strongly advocates Peace says: We create to inspire, we inspire to create Peace for an inspired society will never create war. With this guiding principle, the festival brings a torchlight of hope to an otherwise war-torn region.

Awards & Prizes

Children and Youth Film Awards for:
Best Full-Length Feature Film
Best Full-Length Documentary Film
Best Short Film
Best Short Documentary Film
Best Student Film

Rules & Terms

The Universal Kids Film Festival invites all filmmakers, Producers and Distribution Companies to submit their films for our festival within the Rules and Regulations.
Films may be submitted in the following categories:
a. Feature-length films (animation and Live Action)
b. Feature Length Documentary
c. Short animation and live-action
d. Short Documentary Film
e. Student Film
Films with dialogues, which are not in English should be subtitled in English.
MP 4, Pro Res or DCP format
24 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Tatiana Skorlupkina

    Thank you so much for the warm and unforgettable memories of my week at the Universal Kids Film Festival. Special thanks to the director of the festival, Rowena Tuzcuoglu ! Receiving an award for my animated film "Bo and Trash" inspires me to continue my creative work.

    December 2025
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  • Rajesh PK

    We are delighted that Blus has been selected for Universal Kids Film Festival. As an independent animation studio from Kerala, India this selection means a lot to us — especially at a festival that values peace, hope, and stories that resonate with young hearts and minds.

    Thank you, UKFF, for welcoming our film and giving it a chance to connect with children, families, and global audiences. We’re honoured to be part of your festival’s celebration of imagination and meaningful cinema

    December 2025
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  • Anna Kadykova

    I was very happy that my film was a part of this amazing Festival, unfortunately I didn't have a chance to visit myself. The communication was perfect and once again - thank you and I am very happy to be a part of UKFF!

    November 2025
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  • Francesco Faralli

    This is one of the best festivals I’ve ever attended. Great hospitality, a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, a thoughtful selection of films, and above all, a genuine effort to build a network among filmmakers from all over the world. A wonderful festival — I can’t wait for the chance to come back.

    November 2025
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    Response from festival:

    Dear Francesco,
    Thank you for your kind thoughts. We love your film, we love your company and we look forward to more cooperation with you in the years ahead. We are happy to have you as part of the UKFF family.
    Best regards,
    UKFF 2025

  • Festival Formula

    We were so excited when our client MOUNTAIN BOY got selected here, a children's focused festival who knows how to put together a programme for their audience. We salute the work you're doing!

    November 2024
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