About the Festival
Following the governmental murder of Mahsa (Zhina) Amini and inspired by its progressive ideals of the Iranian people’s uprising, the Association of Iranian Film and Theatre Artists Abroad has begun its activities to extend these ideals within the international film and theatre community. The “Woman, Life, Freedom” Festival aims to showcase creative works that highlight women’s struggles and achievements, promote freedom of expression, support gender equality, and emphasize liberation. Inspired by the recent Iranian women’s movement against oppression, the Association of Iranian Film and Theatre Artists Abroad (AIFTAA) is hosting this festival to amplify the voice of this struggle beyond the border of Iran.

Who We Are
We are a global community of film and theater artists who originally hailed from Iran. Due to restrictions on creative expression in our homeland, we now live and work around the world. Our experiences have strengthened our resolve to support artists and individuals whose freedoms and rights have been compromised. United by the powerful principles of "Woman, Life, Freedom," we are dedicated to advocating for those who face challenges in expressing their artistry and pursuing equality.

Our Goals
1. We aim to build greater support among global film artists for the movement of ‘Woman, Life, Freedom’ (Persian: Zan, Zendegi, Azadi; Kurdish: Jin, Jiyan, Azadi).
2. Our goal is to amplify the voices of the marginalized until our shared values of freedom and equality are realized.

Awards & Prizes

Awards will be given for the best works in each category, including:

Special Jury Award for the best film (Festival Honorary Award, and cash prize)
Best Narrative Film (Festival Honorary Award)
Best Documentary (Festival Honorary Award)
Best Animation (Festival Honorary Award)
Best Experimental (Festival Honorary Award)

Selected films by our esteemed jury will be screened at different locations around the world.

Rules & Terms

Eligibility Criteria for the 3rd “Woman, Life, Freedom” Film Festival:

1. Theme:

Submissions must address one or more of the following themes:

• Gender discrimination

• Freedom of expression

• Resistance against oppression and injustice

• Cultural, social, political, or human rights issues related to women and LGBTQ+ communities

2. Maximum Duration:
*All categories under 25 minutes

***All filmmakers from inside Iran should send another document to the festival:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfFAkhBJ2KCdWy8pEkqFe383bLG9J9xMD9XOkLb9D5wl1TQDA/viewform?usp=header
The purpose of the above document is to receive a Code: WLFFF2026 for free submission and also signing a statement indicating that the submitted film is not supported by the Iranian government.***

Films must be submitted via FilmFreeway and include a working screener accessible via FilmFreeway to be considered.

We accept films in the following genres: animation, experimental, documentary, and narrative.

Films must have been completed after September 16, 2022.

Submissions should revolve around themes of women's struggles, empowerment, liberation, appreciation of life, and freedom around the globe
.
Films in languages other than English must include English subtitles.

Filmmakers may submit multiple projects, but an individual entry must be submitted for each project.

Filmmakers who can not afford the submission fee can use a waiver Code: WLFFF2026 for free submission.

There are no festival premiere eligibility requirements.

Stills and trailers of selected films may be shown on the festival website and in publicity/promo material, including press releases, festival brochures, and other materials.

If you change your screener link or the password connected to it, make sure to update this in your FilmFreeway entry and notify us by sending an email.

Submitted films are considered the final finished versions of those films by the Festival (no “in progress” projects).

All selected films will be screened during the festival in different cities around the world.
33 Reviews
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  • Roshi Nasehi

    An important festival showcasing films about women, justice, gender equality and freedom of expression. We much appreciate our film The Paper Bag/Pahcat E Kaghazi reaching the Quarter Finalist stage and hope this festival foes from strength to strength. Zan Zendegi Azadi!

    October 2025
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  • What Do You Want

    We are grateful that the music video “Ljudski – Zbogom” reached the semifinals in the Animation category at the Woman Life Freedom Film Festival.

    Although the festival is primarily dedicated to Iranian artists and their struggle for freedom of expression, it was an honor for us to take part and become familiar with this powerful creative scene. The inclusion of our work among the semifinalists is a meaningful recognition of shared artistic values and the universality of human rights.

    October 2025
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  • Виктория Ольховская

    An excellent, important festival! Thanks!

    October 2025
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  • Ron Butler

    We are deeply honored that our film Ezda received the best documentary award at the Women Life Freedom Film Festival. Thank you to the festival team for this recognition and for creating such an important space to celebrate stories of resilience and courage. We are truly grateful and inspired to be part of this edition!

    October 2025
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  • Erica Yvonne Terenziani

    We are very happy that our little short film has been nominated by this wonderful festival. Long live women!

    September 2025
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