Kuçova International Independent Film Festival (KIIFF) — Edition I
Where Industrial Heritage Meets Contemporary Cinema
Get ready for the debut edition of the Kuçova International Independent Film Festival (KIIFF), landing in the historic heart of Albania from October 12–17, 2026! For 6 dynamic days, KIIFF is transforming Europe’s fascinating 90-year-old cinema hub into a vibrant, cosmopolitan ecosystem where indie filmmakers and film enthusiasts connect.
Why You Can't Miss KIIFF 2026:
• World-Class Indie Cinema: Experience an exclusive, curated lineup of 40 independent films spanning feature narratives, shorts, docs, and experimental cinema.
• Industry Panels & Masterclasses: Elevate your craft. Engage in strategic industry panels and interactive workshops covering low-budget management and scriptwriting led by respected industry voices.
• Strategic Networking: Pitch, collaborate, and build international co-productions during our professional brunches and roundtable sessions.
• Unforgettable Parties & Local Culture: From an elegant Gala Opening Night featuring live music to everyday networking cocktail mixers, you will experience authentic local hospitality. Plus, explore the stunning historic regions of Kuçova, Berat, and Belsh through curated guided tours.

Whether you are looking to discover fresh global talent, pitch your next project, or enjoy cinema in a city where industrial history meets pure art —KIIFF 2026 is the place to be.

Awards & Prizes

A specialized jury will award 5 prizes for the best films:

Best Feature Film Prize - 5,000.00 Euros
Best Short Prize - 1,500.00 Euros
Best Documentary Prize - 1,500.00 Euros
Best Animation Prize - 1,500.00 Euros
Jury Special Prize - 2,000.00 Euros

Rules & Terms

1. Core Event Details
• Dates & Location: 12–17 October 2026 in Kuçovë, Albania.
• Primary Venue: "Kadri Roshi" Cinema.
• Core Support: Organized with the financial support of the Albanian Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports, the National Center of Cinematography (QKK), and the Municipality of Kuçovë. It is held under the special patronage of the Mayor of Kuçova, who serves as the Festival President.
2. Eligibility & Categories
• Production Timeline: Films must have been produced between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2024.
• Eligible Formats & Genres: Fiction/live-action, documentary, animation, and experimental film. Work-in-progress submissions are allowed if the final version is guaranteed by the festival's technical deadline.
• Running Time Requirements:
o Feature Film: Minimum 70 minutes.
o Short Film: Maximum 30 minutes.
o Documentary Film: Between 30 and 65 minutes.
o Animated Film: Maximum 30 minutes.
• Competition Categories: Best Feature Film, Best Short Film, Best Documentary, Best Animation Film, and Jury Special Mention.
3. Language & Subtitling
• Official Languages: Albanian and English.
• Subtitling Rules: All non-English language films must include English subtitles for both the initial selection screening and the final projection copy.
4. Submissions & Fees
• Platforms: Submissions are strictly handled through the FilmFreeway platform or the official KIIFF website.
• Fees: Entering a submission to the festival is free of charge (excluding any standard external processing commissions/fees applied by FilmFreeway).
• Required Kit: Applications must be complete and include an online screener link, a short synopsis, director's biography/filmography, a high-resolution poster, 3–5 film stills, and technical data sheets.
5. Judging & Festival Governance
• The Jury: Operates with absolute independence. Decisions are verified via an open, majority vote in full sessions. To hold voting rights, jury members must view every single film within their assigned competition tier during the festival days.
• Operational Structure: The Festival Director manages the general artistic and financial implementation of the event, backed by five distinct structural segments: Media & Publicity, Hospitality, Marketing & Finance, Technical Services, and a Volunteers Unit.