Welcome to the very first edition of the WIGU Festival, a three-day celebration of all things film, held in the charming city of České Budějovice! This isn’t just another festival—it’s a passion project born from the hearts of film fans and seasoned filmmakers alike.

From Friday to Sunday, bio Kotva, a cozy yet impressive venue with 215 seats, will transform into a hub for creativity, connection, and cinematic magic. Over 80 movies will light up the screen, spanning all genres—from pulse-pounding horror to experimental gems, and everything in between. We’ll be capping it all off by presenting 20 awards to the most outstanding entries, including the coveted Audience Award.

But we’re not just about screenings. Dive deeper into the world of filmmaking through panel discussions, Q&As with creators, and much more. Also, when the credits roll, the fun doesn’t stop—join us for an epic afterparty on Saturday night, or swing by our additional small club scene for a more laid-back, informal vibe.

Whether you’re a filmmaker, a movie buff, or just curious, WIGU is your chance to experience a festival made by people who live and breathe cinema. Come for the films, stay for the community, and leave with memories (and maybe even a little inspiration) that last long after the weekend ends.

Let’s make this first year unforgettable—see you in České Budějovice!

IMPORTANT DATES

Submissions Open: January 15th
Submissions Close: July 31st
Full List of Jury Members Revealed: June 1st
Tickets on Sale: Late spring (exact date TBA)
Full Festival Program Announced: August 1st

AWARDS:

BEST SHORT MOVIE - INTERNATIONAL
BEST SHORT MOVIE - DOMESTIC
BEST MICRO SHORT - UNDER 5 MIN
BEST STUDENT MOVIE
BEST B&W MOVIE
BEST LOW BUDGET MOVIE - UNDER 1000 EUR
BEST FIRST TIME FILMAKER MOVIE
BEST HORROR MOVIE
BEST EXPERIMENTAL MOVIE
BEST DARK COMEDY MOVIE
BEST INDIE/UNDERGROUND MOVIE
BEST ACTRESS
BEST ACTOR
BEST DIRECTOR
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
BEST EDITING
BEST SCREENPLAY
BEST SOUND
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE
AUDIENCE AWARD - BEST MOVIE 2025

• We will be updating our FilmFreeway page with the full list of jury members on June 1st, 2025.

• Once your film is submitted, our selection jury will review and evaluate it. The highest-scoring films will be named finalists, automatically included in the Official Selection, and screened at our live event.

• All films in the Official Selection will receive the festival laurel. During the closing ceremony of the live event, we will announce the winners of the Main Competitions and Additional Categories, as determined by our jury. The Audience Award, however, will be chosen by WIGU attendees.

• Winners will receive a Certificate of Achievement and the corresponding laurel.

• Winners will also be granted the opportunity to submit their film to the festival for free in the following year.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR ENTRY SUBMISSION

• Films must be submitted via an online screener on FilmFreeway.

• Only films completed after October 2020 are eligible for submission. Notifications of official selection will be sent by August 17, 2025. Please ensure your contact information is accurate. Submissions must be received no later than July 31, 2025.

• Films that have already been publicly released online are accepted.

• Films may have been screened at other festivals.

• While we focus on pulp, horror, and experimental films, we welcome submissions from all genres.

• All short films competing in the festival must have a runtime of 20 minutes or less, including credits. Films competing in the Micro Short category must have a runtime of 5 minutes or less, including credits.

• International films not in English must include English subtitles. Domestic films must include either Czech or English subtitles.

• Multiple entries from the same submitter are allowed. However, each entry must be accompanied by a separate submission and entry fee.

• If selected, you grant WIGU Festival the right to use footage from your screener and trailer (if available) for promotional purposes. You also grant WIGU Festival the right to screen your film at the event and use all other materials related to their project for the event program, WIGU Festival website, WIGU Festival trailer, and for any promotional purposes which WIGU Festival deems appropriate.

• Selected films must provide a high-resolution digital file for screening at the festival (mov, mp4, etc.). The file must be delivered digitally via an online file transfer service.

• Physical screeners (e.g., DCP, DVD, or Blu-ray) will not be accepted.

• The final screening copy must be received by WIGU Festival no later than September 1, 2025.

GENERAL TERMS & CONDITIONS

• All FilmFreeway submissions to WIGU Festival require payment via FilmFreeway. All entry fees are non-refundable.

• WIGU Festival does not pay screening fees.

• WIGU Festival does not cover travel expenses.

• WIGU Festival does not provide subtitling services.

• Students must provide proof of current enrollment or a valid student ID via FilmFreeway or email. Eligibility includes students who are currently studying or who have graduated within the past year.

• Submissions that do not meet eligibility requirements may be disqualified.

We understand the challenges of festival submissions. If you have concerns about eligibility or rules, please don’t hesitate to contact us—we may be able to work something out.