We are a festival for independent and underground films in Hamburg, Germany

All selected films will be shown in screenings open to the public on 01.02.2025 at the B-Movie Cinema, a local community theatre. The cinema is centrally located and easy to reach, close to many bars, restaurants and clubs.

We are open to all genres, what we are looking for are films that are as unusual as possible and filmmakers with strong voices. Films that surprise us, make us laugh or cry. Underground and experimental films that challenge and disturb. Films that you just have to talk about afterwards. Anything but ordinary!

A jury from the city will view the films with the audience during the screenings and then make their decision. There are prizes for the best feature film and the best short film.

Of course, a festival doesn't just live from its films; we want to invite filmmakers to take part in the festival, to network and to present their films to the audience and jury.

With this festival we want to create what we are currently missing in Hamburg. A small indie filmfest as a meeting place for independent filmmakers. We are looking forward to celebrating a successful first edition of the festival with you.

Awards & Prizes

There will be at least two awards: Best feature film and best short film.

A jury will view the films with the audience during the screenings and then make their decision. There are prizes for the best feature film and the best short film.

The awards are purely symbolic and do not come with a cash prize.

Rules & Terms

All submissions are watched and considered, Illegible or incomplete entry forms will not be accepted. The entry fees are not refundable and do not guarantee placement in the festival.

Each applicant may submit as many projects as he wants, they must be submitted separately.

Running time for all shorts: 50 minutes and under.
Running time for feature films: 50 -125 minutes.
(Sorry we can’t accept longer features for our first year)

All submissions must contain burnt in English subtitles if shot in a different language!

By submitting their contribution, the submitter confirms that they have all the necessary rights to all material. The submitter holds the festival harmless from external claims/costs (in particular legal or court costs)/lawsuits and losses of any kind - including from third parties. We do not pay any film royalties!

The Filmfestival reserve the full rights to use submitted content (including name, logo, trailer, posters and clips) of the selected film for screening (or streaming), presentation of awards and promotion.

Participants of the festival agree to not hold the festival responsible for any losses, damages, rights, claims and actions of any kind in connection with the event or resulting from acceptance, possession or use of any prize. We reserve the right to make changes to the rules and conditions or the timing of the event.

We stand for diversity and want to make the festival a safe place for guests from all over the world. Racism, sexism, anti-LGBTQ or other exclusions of any kind have no place at Danger Zone Festival!