Film Festival “Seize the Film“ is focused on films topic of disability and it has editions in Novi Sad (Serbia), Rijeka (Croatia), Banja Luka (Bosnia and Herzegovina) and Kotor (Montenegro).

In addition to screenings of films on the topic of disability, the Festival also has accompanying programs and post-production - Film Caravan, which includes screenings in cultural spaces, schools, other festivals and and „Seize the film Kids“ - screenings of films suitable for children aged 7-12 (in Serbia).

Awards & Prizes

In addition with rewards (plaques) for best film, best scenario and best directing, expert panel will award special plaques for the contributions on the field of disability having in mind:

Does/how much does the film provide the spectator alternative/different view on disability
How original is their approach to the topic of disability
How interesting is the movie/attracts attention/is impressionable
How well disability stereotypes were avoided
How much does the film provide information regarding disability
Films that are selected and presented at the 20th Film Festival "Seize the film!" in Novi Sad (SR) enter the shortlist for presentation in Rijeka (Croatia), Banja Luka (Bosnia and Herzegovina), and Kotor (Montenegro) but also in the post-production programs.
Best films will be rewarded with a plaque and will be directly placed at the Festival of European documentary and independent film “Euro-In”, which is held in Novi Sad.
* Some films may not be selected for the film program Seize the film, but they can be part of Seize the film Kids (Novi Sad). The authors will be directly informed about this.

Rules & Terms

1. Topic: Disability or at least one of the main actors – a person with disability
PLEASE NOTE THAT we DON'T accept films about COVID 19 unless the film is about a person with a disability who had Covid 19, the challenges of people with disabilities at the time of the pandemic, or disability as a postcovid symptom.
2. Duration: up to 30 minutes
3. At least DVD quality**
4. ENG or SR/HR subtitles; We especially appreciate it if your subtitles are SDH - descriptive (for deaf or hard of hearing audiences, other sound details are described as well as words to help the audience understand the action or mood of the scene. For example, an SDH subtitle might read "sad music is playing" or "slurred babbling.")
5. Dialog list or srt file is required to be sent via email to uhvatifilm@gmail.com if/when we ask for it.
Films must be sent latest 10.04.2023. Applicants will bear all expenses and risks of sending the materials.
Films and copies remain with organizers. Organizers are obligated not to use films for any commercial purposes. For screenings of the chosen films for the competition and review part, organizers will not pay fees for the authors or producers. Organizers hold the right of using trailers or film clips up to 3 minutes, exclusively for the purpose of promotion for the Film festival „Seize the film!“.
The main program of the festival (Films selected and awarded by the jury, panel discussions with the authors/actors) will be held in in Novi Sad (Serbia) during 21.th Film festival „Seize the film!“. Film program will be held in period October 11th- October 15th 2023.
Films that are selected and presented at the 21th Film Festival "Seize the film!" in Novi Sad (SR) enter the shortlist for presentation in Rijeka (Croatia), Banja Luka (Bosnia and Herzegovina) and Kotor (Montengro) but also in our post-production programs.
* Some films may not be selected for the film program Seize the film, but they can be part of Seize the film Kids (Novi Sad). The authors will be directly informed about this.
9 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
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  • Aaron Paul

    We were glad to be part of the festival from afar! Thanks for including our team

    October 2022
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  • Ramy El Gabry

    The Seize The Film team tackles an important cause. I've enjoyed my experience with the organizers who are very responsive and collaborative. I wish to see many more versions of this festival in the future.

    October 2021
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you very much for your kind words :)

  • Maria Belenkova-Buford

    Amazing film festival! I can't wait to send my work again. I am especially grateful to the film festival director, Milesa Milinkovic, who went above and beyond to make sure everything was in order for the filmmakers outside of Serbia, attending to small details, keeping in touch, answering questions. Outstanding job!

    October 2021
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much for this beautiful review and we are really hoping that we will get more good films from you :) <3

  • Rodion Dobrokhotov

    Thank you for having such a kind and necessary festival. I am very glad that my film was marked in the category Best film. Happiness and prosperity to your festival!

    November 2018
    Helpful
  • Marco Toscani

    Ottimo festival. Puntuali e precise le informazioni.

    October 2018
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks :)