About the Festival
Following the governmental murder of Mahsa (Zhina) Amini and inspired by its progressive ideals of the Iranian people’s uprising, the Association of Iranian Film and Theatre Artists Abroad has begun its activities to extend these ideals within the international film and theatre community. The “Woman, Life, Freedom” Festival aims to showcase creative works that highlight women’s struggles and achievements, promote freedom of expression, support gender equality, and emphasize liberation. Inspired by the recent Iranian women’s movement against oppression, the Association of Iranian Film and Theatre Artists Abroad (AIFTAA) is hosting this festival to amplify the voice of this struggle beyond the border of Iran.

Who We Are
We are a global community of film and theater artists who originally hailed from Iran. Due to restrictions on creative expression in our homeland, we now live and work around the world. Our experiences have strengthened our resolve to support artists and individuals whose freedoms and rights have been compromised. United by the powerful principles of "Woman, Life, Freedom," we are dedicated to advocating for those who face challenges in expressing their artistry and pursuing equality.

Our Goals
1. We aim to build greater support among global film artists for the movement of ‘Woman, Life, Freedom’ (Persian: Zan, Zendegi, Azadi; Kurdish: Jin, Jiyan, Azadi).
2. Our goal is to amplify the voices of the marginalized until our shared values of freedom and equality are realized.

Awards & Prizes

Awards will be given for the best works in each category, including:

Special Jury Award for the best film (Festival Honorary Award, and cash prize)
Best narrative Film (Festival Honorary Award)
Best Documentary (Festival Honorary Award)
Best Animation (Festival Honorary Award)
Best Experimental (Festival Honorary Award)

Selected films by our esteemed jury will be screened at different locations around the world.

Rules & Terms

Eligibility Criteria for the 2nd “Woman, Life, Freedom” Film Festival:

1. Theme:

Submissions must address one or more of the following themes:

• Gender discrimination

• Freedom of expression

• Resistance against oppression and injustice

• Cultural, social, political, or human rights issues related to women and LGBTQ+ communities

2. Maximum Duration:

• Narrative & Experimental: up to 15 minutes

• Documentary: up to 20 minutes

• Animation: up to 10 minutes

***All filmmakers from inside Iran should send another document to the festival: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeEEhrtEd8_3i8tQWwOh1SmCuK690NjnfijB31vyBKyxq4NPA/viewform
The purpose of the above document are receiving a code for free submission and also signing a statement indicating that the submitted film is not supported by the Iranian government.***

Films must be submitted via FilmFreeway and include a working screener accessible via FilmFreeway to be considered.

We accept films in the following genres: , animation, experimental, documentary, and narrative.

Films must have been completed after September 16, 2023.

Submissions should revolve around themes of women's struggles, empowerment, liberation, appreciation of life, and freedom around the globe
.
Films in languages other than English must include English subtitles.

Filmmakers may submit multiple projects, but an individual entry must be submitted for each project.

There are no festival premiere eligibility requirements.

Stills and trailers of selected films may be shown on the festival website and in publicity/promo material, including press releases, festival brochures, and other materials.

If you change your screener link or the password connected to it, make sure to update this in your FilmFreeway entry and notify us by sending an email.

Submitted films are considered the final finished versions of those films by the Festival (no “in progress” projects).

All selected films will be screened during the festival in different cities around the world.
18 Reviews
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  • María Fernanda Vallejos

    Very powerful festival! I am grateful for the first prize for "LOS SUEÑOS" and the opportunity to be in several countries simultaneously. We look forward to more editions of this important and necessary festival. Greetings from Argentina.

    February 2025
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  • Claudia Ruiz

    I like so much the festival! for more editions!

    October 2024
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  • Grace Gill

    Thank you for selecting my Film for Semi Final. I didn’t make it to attend the Film Festival this year but sure for next time.

    October 2024
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  • Meera Chaudhary

    Thank you for selecting my work and awarding me a quarter finalist laurel..It means a lot. wishing you the best for the coming years

    October 2024
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  • Didem T.

    Thank you very much for choosing our documentary, Sınırdaki Kanatlar! We were happy that our documentary became a semi-finalist in such a meaningful festival. Our respects to the entire team.

    October 2024
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