RULES MANIATIC FILM FESTIVAL 2026
The MANIATIC FILM FESTIVAL will take place in Valencia (Spain) from November 8th to 14th, 2026.
1. PARTICIPATION
The festival is INTERNATIONAL. Participation is open to filmmakers of any nationality who are over 18 years of age.
2. FILM CHARACTERISTICS
2.1 Genre
The festival focuses on the fantastic genre. Both feature films and short films must belong to this genre or its variations: horror, science fiction, fantasy, dark comedy, thriller, etc. Whether fiction, documentary, or animation. The theme is free.
Advertising, promotional, or tourism films will not be accepted.
2.2 Duration
Feature films: Minimum duration of 60 minutes.
Short films: Maximum duration of 30 minutes.
2.3 Production Date.
To participate in the official section, the work must have been produced after January 1st, 2024.
2.4 Language
Films can be made in any language. However, for pre-selection, works must be submitted in their original version with SUBTITLES in Spanish, Valencian, English, or French (if the original language is not Spanish or Valencian).
3. DEADLINES & SUBMISSION FEES
Opening Date: February 9th, 2026. Final Deadline: August 31st, 2026.
SHORT FILMS (Less than 30 minutes)
Early Bird Deadline (Until March 15th): 7 €
Regular Deadline (Until April 30th): 9 €
Late Deadline (Until July 15th): 10 €
Extended Deadline (Until August 31st): 12 €
FEATURE FILMS (More than 60 minutes)
Early Bird Deadline (Until March 15th): 12 €
Regular Deadline (Until April 30th): 15 €
Late Deadline (Until July 15th): 20 €
Extended Deadline (Until August 31st): 25 €
Student fees are available on the submission platforms for eligible filmmakers.
Each filmmaker may submit more than one work, but only one work per author may be selected. All films received will become part of the festival’s archive.
4. SECTIONS
Official Feature Film Section (Competition): Feature films (fiction, animation, or documentary) of any nationality produced after Jan 1st, 2024, that have not been commercially released in theaters, TV, or VOD platforms in the Valencian Community.
Official Short Film Section (Competition): Short films produced after Jan 1st, 2024. The festival organization reserves the right to assign films to the Competitive Section or the Parallel Section (Out of Competition).
5. JURY
The jury will be composed of professionals from the film industry and representatives of the Organization. The jury's decision will be final and unappealable.
6. AWARDS
Official Feature Film Section:
Best Feature Film Award (Trophy)
Audience Award (Trophy)
Official Short Film Section:
Best Short Film Award (500€ & Trophy)
Audience Award for Best Short Film (300€ & Trophy)
Special Jury Prize (Trophy)
Best Young Director (Trophy)
Best Production Design (Trophy)
Best Actor (Trophy)
Best Actress (Trophy)
Note: Cash prizes are subject to applicable legal tax deductions. Trophies must be collected at the ceremony; they will not be sent by mail.
7. FESTIVAL ATTENDANCE & PAYMENTS
The following policies apply regarding festival attendance and Q&As:
Valencian Films/Directors: The director must present the film and participate in the Q&A. The organization will facilitate their attendance. Failure to attend implies the forfeiture of any screening fee (if applicable) and exclusion from the Audience Award eligibility.
Spanish Films/Directors: If awarded, the director or a team representative must confirm attendance at least for the Closing Ceremony. Failure to attend implies the refusal of the award.
International Films/Directors: The director is encouraged to attend. If not possible, a video acceptance speech is required for the Closing Ceremony. Failure to send the video implies the refusal of the award.
Expenses: The festival will cover accommodation/attendance expenses for one representative per film. If there are additional attendees, the organization can assist with arrangements, but extra costs must be covered by the attendees.
8. SENDING MATERIALS
Once a film is selected, the filmmaker must send the projection copy within the established deadline.
Screening Format: DCP (Digital Cinema Package) or high-quality h.264 file.
Subtitles: Projection copies must have subtitles in Spanish or English.
Promotional Material: EPK and acceptance videos (if applicable) must be sent in the requested formats.
9. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY & AGREEMENT
Each participant retains ownership of the intellectual property of their work. The participant is responsible for ensuring that the film is not subject to any legal liability and does not violate third-party rights. Submission to Maniatic Film Festival implies acceptance of these rules. Any issue not covered by this document will be resolved by the Festival Organization. These rules are subject to modification if necessary.
For more information, please contact: info@maniaticfilmfestival.com
