MAFF considers creative documentary (non-fiction) films with a running time of 17–100 minutes, completed between 2024 and 2026. Submit films exclusively via FilmFreeway. Submission is free of charge.
Each documentary may be submitted in one of two categories:
◾ NATURE – documentaries depicting the natural world in its diversity
◾ MAN AND NATURE – documentaries depicting the relationship and balance between humans and nature
Final category placement is at the sole discretion of the festival.
By submitting a film, entrants guarantee that no third party has any claims to the submitted film and grant MAFF the right to screen it during the festival without royalties or screening fees.
The festival does not accept films that have been made freely available to the general public.
Preview screeners must be provided as a private, password-protected, or unlisted English version of the film (either in English or with English subtitles). Films spoken in English are strongly recommended to include subtitles if the language may be difficult for non-native speakers to understand (e.g., due to accent or slang).
Each submission on FilmFreeway must include:
◾ Three publicity stills from the film
◾ Production credits (director, cast, producer, cinematographer, editor)
◾ Specifications (year of completion, country of origin, language)
◾ Director’s or presenter’s contact details (email and postal address)
◾ Synopsis (100–150 words)
◾ Trailer or teaser (YouTube or Vimeo link, or downloadable file)
Early submission is strongly encouraged. The festival is not obliged to view late entries.
Selection Process
Films are selected by the festival’s selection committee. MAFF selects approximately 50 films per year, divided into competition and side programs. Entrants will be notified of selection or rejection via FilmFreeway by August 1, 2026.
MAFF is under no obligation to provide comments or feedback regarding the reasons for selecting or not selecting any film.
Upon selection, applicants will be contacted via FilmFreeway and asked to complete a binding entry form. Once the form is submitted, films may not be withdrawn. A withdrawal fee of 500 euros will apply.
Language and Subtitles
All competition films will be translated into Estonian. For translation purposes, each competition film must be accompanied by:
◾ A time-coded English subtitle file (.srt or .txt) or a time-coded dialogue list
◾ A list of species names in Latin (if applicable)
Side program films will be screened in English or in their original language with English subtitles.
Full details of the program and all selected films will be published on the festival website www.matsalufilm.ee by September 5, 2026.
Competition films are judged by an international jury of six members, consisting of filmmakers and nature experts.
Awards
The jury will present the following awards:
◾ Grand Prix – Best Film: Diploma + Egg Trophy + €5,000 (shared by Director & Producer)
◾ Best Director: Diploma + Egg Trophy + €1,000 in each category
◾ Best Cinematography: Diploma + Egg Trophy + €1,000 in each category
◾ Best Editing: Diploma + Egg Trophy in each category
◾ Special Jury Prize: Diploma + Egg Trophy in each category
◾ Special Mention: Diploma in each category
Both competition and side program films are eligible for:
◾ Audience Award: Diploma + Egg Trophy
◾ Ministry of Climate Special Prize: Diploma + Prize
◾ Matsalu National Park Special Prize: Diploma + Prize
◾ Estonian Fund for Nature Special Prize: Diploma + Prize
◾ Tallinn Zoo Special Prize: Diploma + Prize
All participants will receive a certificate of participation and festival laurels.
Screening and Promotion
All selected films must be provided with English subtitles unless the original language is English.
Accepted screening formats are MP4 or MOV.
Screening copies must be delivered no later than August 31, 2026.
Films selected for the festival will be screened exclusively at festival events. Any additional screenings require prior consent from the producer or distributor.
Participants consent to the publication of film information on festival websites and in printed materials, including the catalogue, program, leaflets, and press materials.
Participants also agree that, for non-commercial festival purposes, media outlets, television stations, and partner online platforms may be granted access to film materials (photos, stills, posters, information), trailers, or film excerpts of up to three minutes.
All screening copies will remain in the festival archive and may be used solely for the festival’s promotional or educational purposes.
Film Delegations
For each selected film, one representative (director, producer, cinematographer, or official representative) will be invited to attend the festival.
The organizers will cover accommodation during the festival and transport between Tallinn and Lihula. Travel expenses are not covered.
Final Provisions
Copyright: By submitting a film, participants agree to allow the festival to screen the film during the event free of charge to the organizers.
