The Berlin Independent Film Festival is at the epicentre for low-budget filmmaking in Europe. While the Berlin Independent Film Festival is not connected with the Berlin Film Festival (Berlinale), BIFF runs at the same time, and not far from the European Film Market and draws on all the film industry power gathered in Berlin for those events.

BIFF takes place at the Moviemento Kino in downtown Berlin with back-to-back sold out screenings. As well as a offering plenty of screening opportunities for indie films, BIFF is developing into a crucial business hub for the low-budget film industry. BIFF hosts workshops and networking social events where attending filmmakers help each other out with marketing advice and EFM tips.

With an emphasis on showcasing new filmmakers achieving great things with tiny budgets, BIFF’s exciting programme of films and events combines a commitment to indie filmmaking ideals with a solid understanding of their potential in the marketplace.

Awards & Prizes

Awards in the following categories:
Best Feature (over £100k)
Best Micro-budget Feature (under £100k)
Best No-Budget Feature (under £10k)
Best Documentary
Best Sci-Fi / Horror Feature
Best Female Director Feature
Best LGBT film
Best Short Film
Best Short Documentary
Best Animated Short
Best Experimental Short
Best Horror / Sci-Fi Short
Best Music Video
Best AI Generated Film
Screenplay Award categories:

Best Feature Screenplay
Best Sci-Fi / Horror Screenplay
Best Comedy Screenplay

Rules & Terms

*Preview format should be digital submission, either through a submission platform, or via a hosting platform like Vimeo. If digital submission is impossible for you, drop us an email and we'll work something out.
*If you are submitting more than one entry, a separate submission is required for each film.

Please send any related press materials, including electronic press kit, and photos to info@berlinfest.com

53 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Dimi Miles

    BIFF is an amazing festival for novice filmmakers. For me, it was a fantastic opportunity to meet fellow filmmakers, discuss projects, forge connections, learn new things, and of course, present my film to an audience. It's an invaluable experience, and I'd like to thank BIFF for their warm welcome, the opportunity and trust they gave me.

    February 2026
    Helpful
  • Samson Schneiderman

    My second festival and it was a great experience. A lot of great filmmakers and great shortfilms. I was there everyday and enjoyed the whole festival. Hope to be invited again.

    February 2026
    Helpful
  • Paule Porter

    Thanks Natasha and Team this was a great organization, communication and overall feeling during the festival.
    I'm happy that our short film was in the official selection in 2026.

    February 2026
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  • Igor Botur

    It was an incredible festival. The surrounding events were great, very well organized, and a lot of fun. I really enjoyed meeting the other filmmakers and getting to know everyone. The cinema itself was beautiful and very cozy, which made the whole experience even better. All in all, it felt like a perfect festival. Thank you as well for hosting the German premiere of my short film “Gott.”

    February 2026
    Helpful
  • Raphael Oettel

    An incredibly relaxed and inspiring festival. Very friendly and communicative festival management and team. Thank you for the opportunity to show my film 'The Filthy Three' in Berlin.

    March 2025
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