1. Theme & Eligibility
1.1 Films submitted must relate to BDSM, kink, or fetish. Thematic areas may include, but are not limited to: sexuality, pornography, gender, feminism, sex work, sex activism, education, intimacy, or historical perspectives.
1.2 According to FilmFreeway’s policies, we do not accept mainstream pornography. Submissions must show something beyond: a clear narrative, an artistic approach, documentary, or personal connection to BDSM, kink, or fetish practices.
1.3 All participants must be adults (18+ or older in their country of residence). By submitting, you confirm that all performers in your film are consenting adults.
1.4 Films of any production budget, country of origin, and artistic style are welcome.
2. Formats & Technical Requirements
2.1 Accepted formats for screening copies are:
.mp4 (H.264 codec)
.mov (Apple ProRes preferred)
2.2 Minimum recommended resolution: Full HD (1920x1080). Lower resolutions will be accepted but may impact selection quality.
2.3 Frame rates: 24, 25, or 30 fps.
2.4 All films containing dialogue must include an English .SRT subtitle file. Spanish subtitles are highly encouraged but not mandatory.
2.5 Screening copies of selected films must arrive no later than 1 February 2026.
3. Duration
3.1 Micro Shorts: films under 2 minutes.
3.2 Short Films: films from 2 minutes up to a maximum length of 20 minutes. Edited shorter versions of longer works are accepted and encouraged.
3.3 Documentaries and feature-length films: no strict maximum runtime.
3.4 Please consider whether your work functions effectively as a feature film for theatrical screening or a short film within a program screening. Extremely long play session-based films and short films may not be suitable for cinema or festival programming. Consider a “Festival Edit” of your work if that’s the case.
4. Year of Production
4.1 All short films competing for official selection must have been produced after 1 January 2024.
4.2 Older works of significant relevance may be considered for special screenings or honorary mentions, even if they fall outside the competition timeframe.
4.3 The curation team may select films outside the open call for screening and/or competition.
5. Submission Process
5.1 All submissions for the Open Call must be made exclusively via FilmFreeway.
5.2 Submission fees:
Early Bird Deadline: until 6 October 2025 → Free
Regular Deadline: until 27 October 2025 → €1
Late Deadline: until 17 November 2025 → €15
Extension Deadline: until 7 December 2025 → €30
5.3 Regular Submission deadline: 27 October 2025. Last deadline 7 December 2025.
5.4 For technical issues during submission, please contact:
📧 program@bdsmfilmfest.com
6. Categories
6.1 Categories will be developed by the curation team during the festival’s pre-production.
6.2 To facilitate the process, submission categories are initially divided by:
Micro Short
Short
Feature
Vertical
6.3 Projection Modes:
BDSM Film Fest reserves the right to screen works in various contexts, including silent screenings, visual backdrops, or installations. Participants must indicate during submission if they consent to their film being screened in such formats, which may differ from conventional cinema projection.
7. Promo Materials
7.1 Upon selection, filmmakers are required to provide:
High-resolution stills (suitable for social media and subject to censorship guidelines)
Press kit if available
Trailer or film excerpts for promotional purposes
7.2 BDSM Film Fest reserves the right to edit and adapt promotional materials to fit:
The festival’s visual identity
The content policies and censorship requirements of social media platforms
8. Screenings & Rights
8.1 Selected works may be screened:
During the festival in Barcelona
In pre- and post-festival events
As part of the BDSM Film Fest’s online extension one week after the festival (optional)
As part of the Multilocation Live Streaming (mandatory for participation)
8.2 Multilocation Live Streaming:
The festival may also be streamed live in various cities globally, including screenings in cinemas, dungeons, or other specially prepared spaces where attendees will enjoy the live streamed screenings. Participants agree to permit such screenings, although specific locations and logistics are still to be confirmed.
8.3 Online Public Extension:
BDSM Film Fest will organize an online edition available to the general public during the week following the physical festival. Participation in the online extension is voluntary. Refusal to participate does not affect eligibility for in-person screenings and Worldwide Streaming.
8.4 Season Duration:
The festival season is considered active until the next edition of the BDSM Film Fest.
8.5 Archive:
All submitted works may be kept in the BDSM Film Fest archive for a maximum period of three (3) years for cultural and promotional purposes. Any future screenings outside of the festival season will be subject to prior notification to the filmmakers.
9. Awards
9.1 Awards (non-monetary) will be presented in the following categories:
Best National Film
Best International Film
Best Documentary
Honorable mentions at the jury’s discretion
9.2 Prizes consist of trophies and recognition. No monetary compensation is provided for awards.
10. Legal Terms & Conditions
10.1 By submitting, you guarantee:
All individuals in the film are consenting adults.
You own, or have secured, all rights necessary for the public screening and promotion of the film.
Your film does not infringe on third-party rights.
10.2 You agree to indemnify BDSM Film Fest against any third-party claims arising from the screening or use of your film as described in these terms.
10.3 Selected films cannot be withdrawn once confirmed for the festival program.
10.4 Travel and accommodation costs for attending the festival are not covered by BDSM Film Fest.
10.5 The Board of BDSM Film Fest retains the right to make final, unchallengeable decisions on any matters not explicitly covered by these rules.
11. Data Protection & Privacy
11.1 Personal data provided during submission will be treated confidentially and used solely for festival-related purposes, in accordance with applicable data protection laws.
11.2 Participants may request access, rectification, or deletion of their data at:
📧 program@bdsmfilmfest.com
12. Acceptance of Terms
By submitting your film, you fully accept these Rules & Terms and agree to comply with all conditions herein.
Contact for inquiries:
BDSM Film Fest Programming Team
📧 program@bdsmfilmfest.com
