The Istanbul Women Film Awards (IWFA) is an international platform dedicated to empowering women filmmakers, promoting diverse voices, and showcasing outstanding works that highlight women’s stories and perspectives; sponsored by Türkiye Women Art Foundation.

Each season, films are evaluated by our jury panel through our online festival. Officially selected works receive prestigious festival laurels and international recognition. At the end of the year, the most acclaimed films from the seasonal editions are invited to our annual in-person awards ceremony in Istanbul – a city where East meets West, full of art, culture, and history.

The ceremony is a celebration of creativity, featuring screenings, networking opportunities, and the presentation of our official trophies to the winners.

Awards & Prizes

The Istanbul Women Film Awards honors filmmakers with:

Official Certificates for Winners, Finalists, and Official Selections.

Jury Reviews & Feedback for selected filmmakers to help their future projects.

IWFA Statuette (Annual Ceremony Only): Presented to the winners during our in-person gala in Istanbul.

Social Media Recognition: Festival shout-outs and highlights on our official platforms.

Prestigious Laurels for Winners, Finalists, and Official Selections.

Rules & Terms

The festival is open to filmmakers of all genders, but submissions must highlight women’s stories, perspectives, or have significant female creative involvement (director, producer, writer, or lead role).

All films must be submitted through FilmFreeway.

Multiple submissions are allowed; each entry requires a separate submission and fee.

Non-English films must include English subtitles.

We accept short films, feature films, documentaries, experimental works, and animation.

Entry fees are non-refundable.

Filmmakers retain all rights to their work. By submitting, you grant the festival permission to use selected clips, images, and posters for promotional purposes.

The jury’s decision is final.

Official selections will be announced online; winners of the annual ceremony will be notified in advance.

The festival does not cover travel or accommodation expenses for the in-person event.
13 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Roby Walsh

    So grateful for this award i hope to be part of this festival in person next year, amazing communication and appreciation for our short Glitch.

    May 2026
    Helpful
  • Mimi Garrard

    We are honored to be a part of your festival.

    Thank you, Mimi Garrard

    May 2026
    Helpful
  • Karim Kari

    En toute sincérité c'est un festival très ouvert à toutes et tous, j'ai beaucoup d'admiration pour les festivals qui sont courageux et professionnels.
    Merci du fond du cœur pour votre travail cinématographique et de nous permettre d'être et d'exister dans le circuit du cinéma artisanal underground nomade et indépendant.
    Bravo 👍.
    Je reviendrai avec mon prochain film.
    ❤️👏

    May 2026
    Helpful
  • Tristan Venture

    Thank you so much for recognizing and honoring my musical screenplay, The Riveter and The American Dream as Best Unproduced Feature Screenplay!
    It was such a pleasure to participate in this festival, very professional with great communication throughout. Looking forward to returning with future projects!
    Çok teşekkür ederim! 😊

    May 2026
    Helpful
  • Reine Razzouk

    I am grateful & honored that Hyphen received the Award for Best Feature Documentary at the Istanbul Women Film Awards 2026.
    Thank you to the festival, jury, and team for recognizing independent cinema & supporting women filmmakers from around the world.
    I am now looking forward to receiving the official trophy & award certificate.

    May 2026
    Helpful