Welcome the XXI World Festival of Animated Film in Varna!

Varna is not just Bulgaria’s maritime capital—it’s also a vibrant hub for the art of animation. This year, the festival returns to bring together an inspiring lineup of international jury members, renowned directors, talented artists, and passionate lecturers.
Set against the stunning waves of the Black Sea, the festival offers more than just breathtaking views. Dive into a dynamic program featuring exclusive screenings, masterclasses, animation workshops, and captivating exhibitions showcasing talent from around the globe. Whether you're an industry professional eager to exchange ideas or an animation enthusiast looking to connect with like-minded creatives, this is the place to be!
Join us from September 3rd to 7th at the Varna Festival and Congress Center to explore the boundless world of animation—both on screen and behind the scenes.
Make sure you read the regulations (especially Point 4 and Point 9 in Rules & Terms) and provide all needed information regarding your film before submitting it!

For additional information and inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact varnafest@gmail.com

Best wishes,
WFAF Varna team

🌊 🌊 🌊

*The Festival is organized by the World Festival of Animated Film Association, The Festival and Congress Center Varna with the support of the Bulgarian Ministry of Culture, Bulgarian National Film Center, and the Municipality of Varna.*

🏆 Grand Prix
(award for Best film is dropped in the category that takes the Grand Prix)

🏆Best Short film
🥇 Special mention in Short films (if applicable)

🏆Best Feature film
🥇 Special mention in Feature films (if applicable)

🏆Best Student film
🥇 Special mention in Student films (if applicable)

🏆Best Children's film
🥇 Special mention in Children’s films (if applicable)

🏆Best Bulgarian film
🥇 Special mention in Bulgarian films (if applicable)

🏆Best Horror film
🥇 Special mention in Horror films (if applicable)

🏆 Best Erotic film
🥇 Special mention in Erotic films (if applicable)

The official languages of WFAF Varna are Bulgarian and English.

1. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF PARTICIPATION

Any animated film, meeting the following requirements, will be considered eligible for the Festival:
• Projects in any animation techniques (digital 2D/3D, hand-drawn 2D, cut-outs, puppets, etc.) are accepted, including combinations with live action, with the condition that at least 50% of the total length is animated.
• The film must have been completed after January 1st, 2023, and must not have participated in any competition program of previous editions of WFAF Varna.
• All necessary information, as required in the entry form on our page in FilmFreeway, must be filled in.
• Submitters with selected projects must send a link to a high-quality screening copy of the selected films by June 12th, 2025. Acceptable formats: DCP, H264, HEVC/H265 with a constant bitrate no less than 15 Mbps.
• English subtitles must be submitted if the film includes dialogue or narration in languages other than English or Bulgarian.
• The duration of the project must fit the category it is submitted to: 1 - 25 minutes for Short films, Student films, Children’s films, Bulgarian films, Horror films, Erotic films, and over 45 minutes for Feature films.
• By signing the entry form, the participant takes responsibility for using only materials (including sound and music) covered by appropriate copyright permissions.

2. THE FILMS WILL COMPETE IN THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES:

• Short films – from 1 to 25 minutes
• Feature films – over 45 minutes
• Children’s films – from 1 to 25 minutes
• Students’ films – from 1 to 25 minutes
• Bulgarian films – from 1 to 25 minutes
• Horror films – from 1 to 25 minutes
• Erotic films – from 1 to 25 minutes

3. PARTICIPATION

The deadline for submitting projects for selection is MAY 21st, 2025. No entry forms will be accepted after this date.
• All entry forms must be submitted only through our page on FilmFreeway until MAY 21st, 2025.
• After filling out and sending the application, every participant will receive a confirmation email.
• The copies for the official selection are to be uploaded only via a non-temporary download link.
• The selection copy must be in the formats H264 or HEVC/H265.
• The preview copy of the film can only be in these formats: H264 or HEVC/H265.
• The file name should be the same as the title of the film.
• All materials for participation in the selection will remain in the festival’s archive.
• Only one participation form may be submitted per film.

4. REQUIRED INFORMATION FOR THE ONLINE ENTRY FORM

Every filmmaker has to have this information filled in in FilmFreeway regarding the film:

• Three static frames from the film (resolution of 300 dpi, 1920×1080 in JPEG format);
• A high-resolution poster is mandatory for feature films (minimum format A4, 300 dpi);
• A logline for the film (up to 150 words);
• A digital copy of the film;
• If the film has text and/or dialogue in a language different from the official languages of the festival, English subtitles in .srt format along with an Edit Decision List in one of the two official languages must be provided;
• Additional commercial materials for showcasing the film (e.g., poster, flyer).

5. SELECTION COMMITTEE

• The selection committee selects the films that will take part in the competition program.
• The members are professionals, who are in touch with the Art of Animation.
• The films in each category will be evaluated based on their conceptual, aesthetic, and technical qualities.
• The decisions of the Selection Committee will be final and CANNOT be appealed.

6. OFFICIAL SELECTION

• The decisions of the Selection Committee will be announced on June 5th, informing the submitters via email.
• Screening copies of selected films must be submitted via a non-temporary download link no later than June 12th, 2025.
• The Festival does not pay screening fees for the works selected.
• Children’s films: All projects for the Children's films category are also automatically submitted for the children mini-edition of the event - WFAF Kids Burgas festival 2025.

7. JURY

• The jury will consist of 5 members who are prominent names in the world of animated films and cinema.
• Their names will be announced on the official website and social media of the festival.
• The decisions of the International Jury members will be final and CANNOT be appealed.
• After the official closing ceremony of the festival there will be a screening of the winner films.

8. ACCOMMODATION AND ACCREDITATION

• WFAF’s organizers will cover hotel expenses for 2 nights, full accreditation, and food expenses (breakfast and lunch) for the director in the official competition program for 2 days during the Festival.
• Contestants cover their own travel expenses.
• Individuals wishing to attend the Festival as guests can apply for accreditation at varnafest@gmail.com. All directors with films in the competition program and official guests will receive free accreditation for screenings and events.

9. RIGHTS

• If a film is selected, the director or producer must provide a copy of the film in the specified format.
• Applicants to the Children’s films category authorise the festival to dub the films to Bulgarian.
• Participants grant the festival the non-exclusive right for a maximum of 5 screenings and one on a national TV broadcast. The Festival reserves the right to use the selected films for strictly non-commercial, educational purposes. Any additional screenings or promotional efforts will require explicit permission from the rights holder.
• The entrant grants the Organization Committee the right to use short clips (up to 30 seconds) and still images from the film for promotional purposes on social media, websites, and in marketing materials.
• All selected films will remain in the Festival’s archive for record-keeping and may be showcased in future editions of the Festival under the same non-commercial terms. Any other future use of archived films will require additional permission from the rights holder.
• The festival reserves the right to change the category of any selected film, modify the Festival program without prior notice, and remove delayed or poor-quality submissions from the competition.
• The International Jury may withhold an award in any category if none of the entries meet their quality criteria.
• The entrant is responsible for securing all literary, dramatic and musical rights for their film. WFAF assumes no responsibility for any copyright violations related to audio or visual materials.
• By submitting the entry form, the participant agrees to all terms and conditions outlined in these regulations.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Carolyn Gair

    I was absolutely delighted to have my film “Forage” selected for the animation short category! The festival offered great hospitality and accommodation that I was unable to take advantage of, but I will be submitting next year with my fingers crossed that I can appreciate the gorgeous venue in beautiful Varna! (I love Bulgaria!)

    September 2024
  • Crystal Tai

    We are truly grateful our film "Monkey on My Back" was included in the new horror category! Sad we couldn't make it in person but the communication was really smooth since the moment we were notified about the result! The program was well-designed so there was not only screenings but also workshops, sharing. We really hope to make it in person next time!!

    October 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Dear Crystal,
    'Monkey on my back' was a film to remember! We are deeply gretuful for the nice words :) Looking forward to meeting you! Best wishes!

  • Lucía Bayardo

    It was fantastic, I really enjoyed being in Varna!

    September 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Lucia, thank you so much for coming to Varna! WFAF Team wishes you great success in the animation field! Amazing start 👏

  • A great film festival! I was delighted my short animated film "Clowning Around" was selected here!

    September 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Wish you and “Clowning around” all the luck and success in the fantastic world of animation!

  • Gisela Chicolino

    A festival on this topic is really a necessary one. Please keep working on generating this exquisite programming for the audiences.

    September 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Dear Gisela, thank you for sharing with us! Best regards from the whole team 🦌