HALO International Film Festival is festival with live screenings. Every season we're selecting best works that will run in program and screened in the famous cultural space of Machty in Sevkabel port, St. Petersburg

Международный кинофестиваль HALO - это фестиваль с живыми показами. Каждый сезон мы отбираем лучшие работы, которые войдут в программу и будут показаны в культурном пространстве Мачты в Севкабель порте, Санкт-Петербург

🔴 On Septrember 8, the Halo Festival will host a screening in Sevkabel port, Saint-Petersburg and on Septrember 12 in Коверкинг, Orenburg🔴

The main goal of the Halo Festival is to create a space for introductions and future collaborations.

We want viewers and filmmakers to meet in person, so every season we hold Q&A sessions with the authors of the films. And after the screenings, we organize after-parties, where you can socialize and make new connections in an informal atmosphere.

Submit your applications and we'll see you at the festival!

Главная цель фестиваля Гало это создать пространство для знакомств и будущего сотрудничества.

Мы хотим, чтобы зрители и кинематографисты могли встретиться лично, поэтому каждый сезон проводим сессии вопрос-ответ с авторами фильмов. После показов устраиваем афтепати, где уже в неформальной обстановке можно спокойно пообщаться и завязать новые связи.

🔴 Показы планируются 8 сентября в пространстве Мачты, Санкт-Петербург и 12 сентября в Коверкинге, Оренбург 🔴

Подавайте заявки и увидимся на фестивале!

Вы из России и у Вас не работает платежная система? Напишите на почту halofilmfest@gmail.com Мы решим вопрос подачи заявки через FilmFreeway

●❂ IMDb Qualifying Festival ❂●
https://www.imdb.com/event/ev0032078/2023/1

Awards & Prizes

Awards:

Best Short Film
Best Feature Film
Best Short Screenplay
Best Feature Screenplay
Best Student Film
Best Experimental Film
Best Documentary
Best Animation
Best Director
Best Drama
Best Comedy
Best Thriller
Best Horror
Best Sci-Fi
Best Romantic Film
Best Music Video
Best Animated Music Video
Best Actress
Best Actor
Best Supporting Actress
Best Supporting Actor
Best Young Actress
Best Young Actor
Best Directorial Debut
Best Cinematography
Best Original Score
Best Scenography
Best Costume Design
Best Original Soundtrack
Best Sound Design
Best Color Editing
Best VFX
Best Trailer

Rules & Terms

Preference will be given to films completed after January 2023

Foreign films must have English or Russian subtitles

You must own the rights or have permission from the rights holder to submit the film

The festival reserves the right to change the venue and screening dates

Entry fees are non-refundable

Works that do not match the category will be disqualified.

If selected for screening, foreign filmmakers must provide Russian subtitles.

Galo Festival may use the trailer/poster/stills or behind-the-scenes materials for promotional purposes (but will not release the full film in any form or under any circumstances).

You grant the festival permission to screen your film.

The screening program consists of the best winning films of the season.
144 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Timothy Webber

    I had a great experience with HALO International Film Festival (HIFF). Communication was clear, timelines were honored, and the overall process felt respectful to filmmakers and writers.

    What stood out most was how the festival treats smaller, more personal stories with real care. Projects like How Timmy Became a Bear rely on emotional honesty and quiet storytelling, and it felt like that was genuinely understood here. That kind of space is not easy to find.

    The festival has a strong international spirit and creates an environment where different voices and perspectives are welcomed and taken seriously.

    Grateful to have been part of HIFF and would absolutely submit again.

    March 2026
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  • Nils Jacobsen

    Thanks from the bottom of my heart for these distinction. I'm really happy and wish you the best for the future .
    My best regards
    Galiam Bruno Henry

    October 2025
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  • Justin Hunt

    We submitted towards the end and didn't have much time to communicate with organizers, but could tell by the quality of the films that this is a well run festival. We're grateful for the inclusion of our film, 'Rotten Apple' and thank the festival for presenting us with Best Drama, and, more personally, for my Best Director accolade.
    Much appreciation.

    JH

    October 2025
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  • Troy Randall-Kilpatrick

    The HALO International Film Festival, based in Saint Petersburg, Russia, is a monthly-run, IMDb‑qualifying showcase dedicated to emerging and visionary filmmakers worldwide. Each month, the festival selects top entries—including music videos—for quarterly live screenings in prestigious cultural venues like Pushkinskaya, 10, culminating in a yearly program featuring the very best works. Being awarded Best Music Video for "Pictures of You" at HALO is a standout achievement—recognizing my video amidst a curated international selection and underlining its creative storytelling, compelling visuals, and artistic excellence within a competitive, global indie film community.

    July 2025
    Helpful
  • Chandler Roberts

    Thank you to everyone at HIFF - HALO International FF for selecting my short film Granny Gumshoe as the winner of the Best Student Short!! I appreciated being selected and recognized by your festival.

    May 2025
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