The Istanbul International Experimental Film Festival stands as a pioneering showcase of avant-garde and experimental cinema in Turkey. Our goal is to curate the finest contemporary experimental cinema from across the globe and present it to live audiences in Istanbul. The festival serves as a catalyst for advancing artistic expression while fostering genuine networking opportunities for practitioners, film enthusiasts, and industry talent. By showcasing highly innovative films crafted by artists and filmmakers with bold perspectives on contemporary reality, we aim to boldly push the boundaries of cinematic language.

The 6th edition of the IIEFF took place in May 2025. Spanning five days, the festival featured a diverse array of events, including premieres, retrospectives, tributes, audio-visual performances, and discussion panels. The selected works injected a breath of fresh air into Istanbul's cultural landscape throughout the festival's duration. We eagerly anticipate continuing to bring exceptional works to the screen in the future

At IIEFF, we celebrate visionaries who transcend traditional cinematic norms. Our primary focus is on showcasing films driven by aesthetic and philosophical motivations that question the contemporary human condition and the essence of moving images. We strive to provide gifted international artists and filmmakers with a platform to exhibit their talents in all the diverse facets and forms that their craft demands. Whether you're an emerging talent or an established professional, we encourage you to submit your work. It is artists like you who ensure that the realm of moving images remains sharp and focused, enabling art to endure.

Best Experimental Feature
Best Experimental Short
Best Experimental Documentary
Best Experimental Animation
Best First Experiment
Best Art House

Read rules & terms carefully before submitting your work!

Rules & Terms

1. You must own all the rights to all submissions.

2. All Submissions must have been completed after 1 January 2020.

3. If your film is in a language other than English, you must include English subtitles as this festival is for international audience

4. Multiple entries are allowed. More than one film may be submitted to the same category.

5. A selection committee will determine which films will be showcased at the festival. Your submission is not guaranteed to be shown.

6. The selection committee has the right to change the submitted category.

7. Works in progress are accepted but not recommended.

8. You can’t withdraw your work after the notification date.

9. Entry Fee is not re-foundable

If your film is selected for the fifth IIEFF;

1. By submitting your film you automatically apply for screening and consent to your film being screened at fith IIEFF

2. By submitting to the Festival you agree to be included in the Festival’s promotional material (newsletters, flyers, media, etc.).

3. You must send all the necessary materials for the screening before the date that determines by the selection committee. If you won’t send the necessary materials in time, the selection committee has the right to disqualify your film.

4. If your film has any dialog, narrator, or text; even if your film is in English, you must send subtitle file(.srt format) in English. If you won’t send the subtitle file in time, the selection committee has the right to disqualify your film.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • A nice festival to have my work screened in.

    May 2024
  • Zero Produkcija

    Fantastic venues and audience, very good programme, family atmosphere and hosts !
    I had really a good time and a privilege to be the part of this year's
    selection. Igor

    May 2024
  • Antonio Arango

    A great privilege to have participated in one of the most respected festivals of its kind

    May 2024
  • Richard Philpott

    I am utterly delighted that this Festival exists.
    Many claim to support 'experimental film' but very few have any understanding, exhibit true examples or value it meaningfully.

    November 2021
  • Leonardo Leal

    Glad to be part of the Istanbul International Experimental Film Festival.
    Thanks, all the best !
    Leo

    November 2021