Submissions open Wednesday, 15 October 2026.
Film submissions are only accepted via FilmFreeway
To confirm your understanding and acceptance of the terms and conditions, CAREFULLY READ THE FOLLOWING REGULATIONS.
Entry forms are only considered complete when they include:
- Low-res screener (downloadable) /watermarked for committee viewing
- Full EPK to include trailers
- Synopsis in 25 words and 50 words
All other necessary documentation and details were received before the deadline date listed. If a submission does not satisfy all these standards, Balinale reserves the right to disqualify the film, and any fees paid will be forfeited.
Balinale is also granted permission to utilize EPK materials, excerpts from any film accepted, and exhibit the film at its associated events during the current festival year and up to its next edition, where it will receive proper credit and promotion.
For each submission, only one category may be chosen. AI-produced films go through the same submission process as everything else and should be initially submitted under animation.
Please be aware of the following terms:
- Submissions that do not meet the eligibility criteria are otherwise disqualified under these regulations and are not eligible for refunds.
- Incomplete payment will result in disqualification.
- Bali International Film Festival is not responsible for covering any screening or loaner fees.
- Any shipping costs must be covered by the submitter.
1. Entry Liability
The filmmaker holds the Bali International Film Festival, its organization, management, juries, subsidiaries, agents, sponsors, and affiliates, harmless from all claims of liability resulting from entry.
By submitting your film(s), you acknowledge that you have all necessary rights and permissions for the film(s) and agree to grant permission for the Bali International Film Festival to exhibit.
The filmmaker indemnifies the organizers of the Bali International Film Festival against all claims, demands, costs, damages, expenses (including legal fees), proceedings, and losses resulting from the screening of the film at the festival or from claims by any third parties.
By submitting your film to the festival, you agree that no screening or loaner fees are required for films exhibited at the festival.
Bali International Film Festival is guided in all its work by the core values of excellence, creativity, equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging (EDIB).
2. Film Categories
Our Festival invites independent works that are creative, unique, and thought-provoking. All genres of films that inspire, captivate, and entertain will be considered.
AI-produced films go through the same submission process and should be initially submitted under animation. Films featuring some AI content as a special effect should be submitted to the regular category.
Short Narrative (live-action)
Short Documentary
Short Animation
These categories are reserved for any film with a running time of 40 minutes or less, including all credits.
Feature Length Narrative (live-action)
Feature Length Documentary
These categories are reserved for any film with a running time of 40 minutes to 120 minutes, including all credits.
Note: The programming committee decides film selection and eligibility for audience and special awards.
3. Balinale AI Policy
Balinale accepts AI-produced films. AI-produced films go through the same submission process as any other films. Anything where a large portion of the images or audio were produced using AI should be initially submitted under the animation category. Films featuring some AI content, for example, as a special effect, or a brief interlude during a documentary, should be submitted to the regular category.
4.Submission Payments
Submission fees are payable via FilmFreeway only.
Submission fees cannot be discounted, including for multiple films.
Fee waivers or discounts are only considered during the Early Bird window. Note: Premieres and Award Winners are given priority for consideration.
Only submission-awarded waivers will be notified of the committee’s decision, otherwise you will not be contacted
5. Submission Screener Formats
Balinale only accepts online screeners or a password-protected Vimeo link or private YouTube link (MOV or MP4) submitted through FilmFreeway via their Secure Online Application system.
Please enable downloading within your FilmFreeway or Vimeo account for Committee viewing. Downloaded projects are handled with extreme care by our team, only viewed by the committee, Indonesian Censor Board, and deleted after the festival period.
● The submitter must inform Balinale immediately if the password changes at any stage between the submission and the Festival.
● If the screener is provided with a Vimeo link, please make sure the privacy settings have been modified to allow embedding so Balinale can view the movie through FilmFreeway.
Encrypted films will not be accepted.
6. Eligibility Requirements
All submissions must adhere to the following criteria to be considered:
● Films must have been completed within one (1) year of the final submission date.
Eligible films include those that have been screened at other festivals and had limited prior public exhibition or distribution by nontheatrical means.
● Non-English language films must be either burnt in subtitled or dubbed in English.
● Submission forms must be complete to include all press kit specifications (i.e. Secure online screener, production stills, trailer, production credits, and accurate contact information).
● Each submission will have a separate submission form. Works-in-progress, commercials, and advertisements are not accepted.
● All submission fees are paid in full.
● By submitting your movie to the festival, you consent to the festival committee’s final judgment.
If your film is selected:
All films exhibited in Indonesia must receive certification from the Indonesian Censorship Board (LSF). In order to issue the certificate, each filmmaker must provide LSF a low-res screener for review.
As an Academy Award® Qualifying Festival, winner of the Balinale Short Film Competition may now be eligible for consideration for the Oscar® competitions for Best Short Film. Refer to the Academy's qualifying and eligibility rules: https://www.oscars.org/oscars/rules-eligibility
7. Selection
Notification date: Wednesday, 15 April 2027.
a. All exhibition materials of SELECTED FILMS must be received by Friday, 1 May 2026.
b. All in-cinema screenings require Downloadable DCP format.
(If you do not have a DCP copy, Balinale can arrange DCP conversion for a fee.)
c. If your screening is open-air or in other venues, MOV or MP4 files are required.
● Balinale decisions are final
● Screenings are scheduled at the discretion of the Festival. Whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the published schedule, We reserve the right to make changes at any time for any reason. Bali International Film Festival will not be liable for any costs claimed as a result of a schedule or venue change.
● The Festival reserves a limited number of tickets for each filmmaker’s screening (s).
● The person listed as responsible for the movie will receive the award. A second award may be given out at the discretion of the festival.
● Every effort will be made to prevent material loss or damage. The Bali International Film Festival disclaims any liability for any materials lost or damaged in transit to or from the Festival.
● Once accepted, a film cannot be withdrawn after it has been accepted without the festival committee’s written consent.
Note: The Festival does not provide filmmakers' travel expenses or related hospitality support.
8. Festival Identity
The festival logo and laurels must not be altered, edited, or modified in any way. Ensure that the laurels are applied properly and clearly across all materials, including posters, websites, social media, and other promotional platforms.
9. Delivery
A downloadable DCP version of the film is required.
Before shipping, any physical materials must be approved by the festival. Otherwise, you may incur Indonesian Customs Clearance fees, delays, or possible confiscation.
Bali International Film Festival does not cover any shipping costs.
10. Correspondence
All correspondence from Balinale regarding FilmFreeway submissions will be sent via FilmFreeway / submissions@balinale.com.
Although Balinale takes every precaution to ensure that messages are sent to the Submitter via email, Balinale disavows any responsibility for messages not delivered to the email address supplied.
11. Force Majeure
Bali International Film Festival, its authorized representatives, or agents shall not be liable for any delays or cancellations occurring because of circumstances beyond its control, including but not limited to acts of civil or military authority, national emergencies, work stoppages, travel restrictions, acts of God, or failure of communication or power supply. In the event of venue cancellation, the festival shall take reasonable steps to minimize losses but shall have no liability.
