Split Film Festival is an international film festival dedicated to experimental, innovative and author-driven cinematic and audiovisual practices. Founded in 1996 in Split as an independent initiative, it is the oldest international film and media festival in Croatia.

The festival approaches cinema as a language, process and field of artistic research, rather than solely as a finished product. It is particularly interested in works that question their own form, perception and production conditions, foregrounding artistic risk, formal exploration and personal vision over industrial or market-oriented frameworks.

Experimental practice is understood as a core principle, not a niche. Alongside its competition programmes for feature-length and short films, the festival develops a range of curated sections dedicated to experimental cinema, new media, hybrid forms and emerging audiovisual practices. All submitted films are considered across the entire festival programme according to their artistic approach and curatorial relevance.

Taking place in a historic Mediterranean city at the close of the summer season, Split Film Festival fosters an atmosphere of exchange, dialogue and informal encounter, where cinema is experienced as a shared, open and evolving artistic practice.

Awards & Prizes

At the Split Film Festival / International Festival of New Film, international juries award prizes that reflect the festival’s commitment to authorial cinema, innovation and the exploration of cinematic language.

Grand Prix for Best Feature Film
Grand Prix for Best Short Film
Grand Prix for New Media (gallery programme)
Jury Special Mentions (Honorable Mentions)
“Ivan Martinac” Award
A special festival award primarily dedicated to young authors, presented for the creative and innovative use of cinematic language, with an emphasis on authorship, experimentation and artistic freedom.

On selected occasions, the festival may also present a Special Festival Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Art of the Moving Image, honoring artists whose work has made a significant impact on cinema and audiovisual art.

Rules & Terms

The following submission requirements and regulations apply to the 2026 edition of the festival.

All submissions must include a FilmFreeway online screener.
If required for technical or curatorial reasons, the festival may request a preview DCP or a digital file, delivered only upon request.

All submitted films are considered for the Main Competition as well as for other curated festival programs, in accordance with the festival’s curatorial concept.

Works for the competition programmes must have been produced after 1 January 2025, and the submission deadline is 15 June 2026.

There is no limitation on duration, and all genres are welcome.
A selection panel selects works for the competition and other festival programs, and international juries award the prizes.
The selection results will be announced by 15 July 2026.
For all other details, please consult our REGULATIONS.

18 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
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Networking
  • Nechama Winston

    Wonderful to be part of this year's Split Film Festival!

    September 2025
    Helpful
  • Luis Carlos Rodríguez

    Siempre agradecido a este gran festival. Siempre abierto a las nuevas tendencias en las Artes Audiovisuales.

    September 2025
    Helpful
  • Zhou Hongxiang

    No experience，The official website also failed to report information in a timely manner

    October 2023
    Helpful
  • Sara Nesteruk

    A fantastic festival with a rich
    and interesting history. Really
    fascinating program of events, I
    loved my stay. Hvala vam.

    September 2022
    Helpful
  • DARUM Darstellende Kunst und Musik

    Thank you for programming our Film "Exit: Open". Due to Corona the festival took place in a hybrid form, which meant we weren't in Split in person.

    October 2021
    Helpful