The Skopje Sunset Film Festival is an inclusive celebration of independent cinema. Set against the breathtaking Skopje skyline, this free-of-charge festival welcomes filmmakers and cinephiles from these regions to share their unique stories. Our mission is to provide a platform where diverse voices and narratives from across Europe and North America can shine, connecting people through the universal language of film. Join us for a captivating experience as we screen thought-provoking films that inspire, challenge, and entertain - all under the glow of the Skopje sunset.

Awards & Prizes

Skopje Sunset Film Festival Awards

Film Awards

Best Short Film
Honorable Mention – Short Film
Audience Award – Short Film

Best Feature Film
Honorable Mention – Feature Film
Audience Award – Feature Film

Script Awards

1st, 2nd & 3rd Prize for:
– Best Feature Film Script
– Best Short Film Script

Honorable Mention
– One Honorable Mention in each category

Rules & Terms

Skopje Sunset Film Festival – Rules & Regulations
1. Submission Guidelines

All films and scripts must be submitted through the designated platform (e.g. FilmFreeway), in accordance with the festival’s submission instructions.
Films and scripts of any genre, length, and format are eligible for submission.
All films must be in English or include embedded English subtitles if the original language is not English.

2. Eligibility

Films completed after January 1, 2022 are eligible for submission.
Both short and feature-length films are accepted.
There are no premiere status requirements; however, preference may be given to films that have not been widely distributed.
The festival is open to filmmakers of all nationalities, backgrounds, and levels of experience.

3. Categories

Feature Film (Fiction, Animation, Documentary, Experimental, Student)

Short Film (Fiction, Animation, Documentary, Experimental, Student)

Short Script (Fiction, Animation, Documentary, Experimental, Student)

Feature Script (Fiction, Animation, Documentary, Experimental, Student)

4. Screening Format

All selected films must be available in a high-resolution digital format (MP4 or MOV).
The festival reserves the right to screen films in a format compatible with the venue’s technical specifications.

5. Screening Fees

All screenings are free for the public.
The festival does not provide screening fees.

6. Selection Process

All submissions will be reviewed by a selection committee appointed by the festival.
All applicants will be notified via email regarding the status of their submission.

7. Rights & Permissions

By submitting a film or script, the applicant grants the festival the right to screen the selected work during the festival dates.
The applicant retains full ownership and copyright of the submitted work.
The festival may use excerpts, stills, trailers, and promotional materials solely for festival promotion.

8. Venue & Schedule Changes

The festival reserves the right to change the screening venue and/or screening schedule if necessary due to organizational, technical, or unforeseen circumstances.
All selected participants will be informed of any changes in a timely manner.
4 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Alrick A Brown

    Beautifully organized film festival. Great energy and communication. Strong program. Grateful to have been part of.

    January 2026
    Helpful
  • Angela Doval

    Professional, well-organized, and with a clear international focus.
    Skopje Sunset Film Festival offers meaningful recognition for screenwriters and treats scripts with seriousness and respect. I am grateful that The Trial of Abisal was selected as a Winner in the Short Script category.
    Thank you to the jury and the festival team for a strong first edition. I highly recommend this festival to filmmakers and screenwriters alike.

    January 2026
    Helpful
  • Christopher Landry

    Great new little festival - friendly staff, great communication. Thanks very much for choosing "Document 56" as an Official Selection for your inaugural festival!

    January 2026
    Helpful
  • Ben Pfeiffer

    I was honoured to receive Best Feature Screenplay at SSFF – Skopje Sunset Film Festival in its inaugural year. It’s exciting to see a new festival emerging with a clear passion for storytelling, and I’m grateful to have been part of their first season. I wish the team every success as the festival continues to grow.

    January 2026
    Helpful