The Global Youth Film Festival Bangladesh (GYFFB) is an annual, competitive, and internationally recognized film festival dedicated to empowering independent filmmakers worldwide. Organized by Cinema Bangladesh, a passionate Film Society committed to showcasing diverse cultural narratives, GYFFB provides a platform for established and emerging storytellers. As an IMDb-listed festival, GYFFB celebrates filmmakers and their artistic visions.

A Platform for This Generation's Storytellers:
The festival welcomes submissions across all genres, encouraging unique narratives, bold storytelling, and fresh perspectives.

Exclusive Events:

-Masterclasses
Selected filmmakers will gain access to insightful masterclasses conducted by seasoned professionals from both local and international film industries. These masterclasses cover:

Film Script Writing

The Art of Directing

National & International Film Grants

Independent Film Distribution

-Special Screenings
Ten outstanding films will be showcased as part of a special screening program, celebrating powerful stories and compelling craftsmanship.

-Networking Opportunities
Attendees can connect with esteemed industry professionals, exchange ideas with fellow filmmakers, and build lasting networks to advance their careers. The festival offers a unique opportunity to foster connections globally and grow within the film industry.

When a filmmaker attends the Global Youth Film Festival Bangladesh, he/she will get to meet prominent film personalities and fellow young filmmakers. He/she will also get an opportunity to network with industry leaders and grow as a filmmaker. It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Awards & Prizes

GYFFB honors exceptional achievements with the following awards:

>Best of the Fest
>Best Feature Film (International)
>Best Short Film (International)
>Best Feature Film (National)
>Best Short Film (National)
>Best Animation (Short & Feature)
>Best Documentary (Short & Feature)
>Best Director
>Best Screenplay
>Best Cinematographer
>Best Editor
>Best Actor (Male)
>Best Actor (Female)
>Screenplay Grant
>EcoVision Award (Climate Issue Film)
>Impact Spotlight Award (Branded Short)
>Festival Mentions

Additionally, Showcase Awards and specific Media Awards will be announced closer to the festival dates.

Rules & Terms

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

All films must include Bengali or English subtitles, even when the spoken language is Bengali or English.

All genres are welcome.

Films must be completed in 2024 or 2025.

Work-in-progress entries are accepted (final cut with incomplete elements such as sound mix or grading is allowed).

Films can only be submitted once — no resubmissions from previous editions.

Online digital submission only. Films must be uploaded via FilmFreeway.

Low-quality copies are accepted for selection screening, but cinema screening formats must be high-quality — HD 720p or above.

Promotional films are accepted. Submit in the Branded Shorts category.

Filmmakers must ensure they have all necessary rights concerning third parties to participate in GYFFB.

SELECTION PROCESS
The organizers will appoint a selection committee that will be responsible for the final selection for the competition. The organizers may also authorize individuals they consider competent to pre-select films for the selection committee or directly for the competition.

SUBMISSION PROCESS

All submissions are accepted online only.

NOTIFICATION

Selected filmmakers will be notified via email on or after September 25, 2025. Filmmakers are advised to keep their contact details updated and add cinemabangladesh@gmail.com to their safe senders list.

Filmmaker/Guardian Release

By submitting a film, filmmakers confirm they hold the necessary rights to share their project at GYFFB. Selected films may have promotional materials featured on social media platforms before and after the festival.

FAQs

Q: What is the film selection process?
A: Each submission is reviewed by at least three expert curators before final selection. Films are judged based on storytelling, technical excellence, artistic merit, and audience appeal.

Q: Can my film be screened publicly before GYFFB?
A: Yes.

Q: How do I submit my script?
A: Submit your script as a project on FilmFreeway. Required materials include:

>Logline & Synopsis

>Writer/Director's Statement

>Director's Biography & Filmography

>Director/Writer's Photo

Winning projects (one Bangladeshi and one International) will each receive a cash grant and mentorship from industry professionals.

Q: If my film is selected, will I be invited to the festival?
A: Yes. Selected filmmakers will receive accommodation and local transport support during the festival. In special cases, partial airfare support may be provided.

Q: Where can I submit my project?
A: Upload your film to FilmFreeway along with your press kit. No additional entry form is required.

Q: Is festival attendance free for selected filmmakers?
A: Yes. Selected filmmakers will receive complimentary All-Access Passes.

For further inquiries, contact: cinemabangladesh@gmail.com
25 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Agni Tirta

    I am very happy, our film can be part of the Global Youth Film Festival Bangladesh.

    February 2026
    Helpful
  • mohammad rasai

    I hope you are healthy and happy. 🌹

    I am grateful to you and all the loved ones who were kind enough to make the short film Aqrab Jeninah. At a time when I was not even allowed to work in my own country, you were kind enough to accept our presence and my prayers are with you. It is an honor to be with you. Wishing you and all the artists continued success for your festival.❤️

    January 2026
    Helpful
  • siavash zamani

    Hello to all the users of FilmFreeway. Attending this festival was a truly unique and enriching experience for me. Everything was well organized and thoughtfully managed. I sincerely thank the dedicated and passionate festival team for giving me the opportunity to be part of this event. I wish all the very best to the people of Bangladesh, who truly deserve the best.

    December 2025
    Helpful
  • Ellie Mae Smith

    Great festival for any film!

    August 2024
    Helpful
  • Linda Fejzaj

    GlobalYouth Film Festival Bangladesh thank you!

    July 2024
    Helpful