HEI FESTIVAL, (The Heart Of Europe International Film Festival)
is a film festival dedicated to showcasing the works of filmmakers from around the world. We accept short films, documentaries, animations, music videos, and films of all genres.
Each season, our team of experienced filmmakers carefully reviews and evaluates the submitted films, with the best works being honored as the season's winners. We take pride in offering a platform that not only supports cinematic talent but also fosters a strong community among artists and film enthusiasts.
In our four years of operation, we have diligently evaluated hundreds of works and presented over a hundred pieces to audiences, whether at Kino Úsmev or our partner locations in Košice, such as Disart Bar, Atelier or Kosice Castle place, Castellum Cassovia.
At HEI, our mission is to bring unique and exceptional artistic and cinematic experiences to the heart of Europe. Our vision is rooted in a heartfelt commitment to supporting and presenting your works, creating a space for connection, development, and growth for filmmakers and their creations.
Our next vision from 2025 is to place greater emphasis on quality, focusing on offering more prestigious awards to our winners, and organizing our events in larger venues or even bigger cities in Europe, such as Prague.
Thank you for your trust, and we look forward to your new projects!
HEI 2025

Awards & Prizes

We appreciate every artist / creator who sends us their work. All works are changed and evaluated by a jury. Each season, the best works are awarded a diploma. Each winner is entitled to a trophy. At the end of the competition year, we will evaluate with personal-delivery award.

Rules & Terms

I.
The festival authorities will have the right to retain copies of each film and any material submitted as part of our festival library, which can be screened for promotion, awareness, and commercial purposes.
II.
Excerpts from films submitted to the Heart of Europe International Film Festival can be shown on TV, local networks, the Internet, etc., for promotional and publicity purposes.
III.
Videos submitted must be the entrant’s original work and shall not infringe on any copyrights or any other rights of third parties.
IV.
Contestants agree that they have obtained all required copyright permissions for music, sound, images, etc., presented in their film.
V.
Heart of Europe International Film Festival organizers reserve the right to change, cancel, or reschedule dates, venues, awards, and categories without prior consent or notification to contestants.
VI.
The organizers reserve the right not to award any or all of the prizes.
VII.
The decision of the festival selection committee is final.
VIII.
In order to screen the film at live events, English subtitles are required.
IX.
No fee waiver. All entry fees are non-refundable after evaluation.
74 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Light Streams

    I had an excellent experience with the Heart of Europe International Season Film Festival (HEIF) in Slovakia and would gladly recommend it to fellow filmmakers.
    My film, Two Days on the Windward Shores, received the Best Cinematography Award, and I am very grateful for the recognition. What impressed me most was the festival's excellent communication, professionalism, and genuine respect for filmmakers throughout the process.
    The organizers clearly value the artists who submit their work, and their prompt delivery of a beautifully designed digital certificate reflects their attention to detail and commitment to participants.
    HEIF combines professionalism with a welcoming and filmmaker-friendly approach. It is a promising festival with a bright future ahead, and I encourage other filmmakers to consider submitting their projects.
    — Dan
    Director, Two Days on the Windward Shores

    June 2026
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  • Vlatko Pavisic

    Just great. But didnt get to go there myself unfortunalty. Thanks for choosing my film

    April 2026
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  • Petro Aleksowski

    Festiwal HEI odbywa się w moich ulubionych Czechach. Kontakt z festiwalem i profesjonalna organizacja to jest to czego filmowcy potrzebują. Mój film MY GRAY WORLD został wyróżniony na festiwalu co dało mi wiele radości i za co bardzo dziękuję.

    April 2026
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  • Stacey Simon

    I had a truly wonderful experience with the Heart Of Europe International Season Film Festival (HEI) and am incredibly honored that my film Believe In Love was selected for screening in Summer 2026, as well as awarded Best Black & White Short Film. This recognition is deeply meaningful to me.

    It is especially rewarding to have a black-and-white silent film celebrated in this way, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to share my work with an audience through your festival.

    Thank you for supporting independent filmmakers and for creating such a welcoming and inspiring platform for storytelling. I would highly recommend this festival to fellow filmmakers.

    April 2026
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  • Mokhless Al-Hariri

    Thank you!!!
    We are thrilled that "Chanting of the Dunes," our multiple award-winning film, was warmly recognized by the Heart of Europe International Film Festival.
    Many thanks on behalf of our entire film team!!!

    September 2025
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