Open for Submissions
Submit Your Film
Join a global community of independent filmmakers. Art Film Awards celebrates bold, boundary-pushing cinema across all formats and genres.
Early DeadlineRolling submissions
Notification24 September 2027
Ceremony27–29 September 2027
Award Categories
Best Feature FilmNarrative features of 60 minutes or more.
Best Short FilmNarrative shorts under 40 minutes.
Best Super Short FilmFilms under 5 minutes in duration.
Best Documentary (Feature)Feature-length documentary works.
Best Short DocumentaryDocumentary shorts of any subject.
Best Animated FilmAnimation in any technique or style.
Best Experimental FilmAvant-garde, abstract, and non-narrative works.
Best Horror FilmHorror, thriller-horror, and genre hybrids.
Best Sci-Fi FilmScience fiction and speculative cinema.
Best Comedy FilmComedy, satire, and humorous narratives.
Best Drama FilmDramatic narratives across all lengths.
Best Thriller FilmSuspense, psychological, and crime thrillers.
Best Music VideoArtistic music video productions.
Best Student FilmFilms made by enrolled students.
Best Indie Feature Film (Low Budget)Independent features made on a limited budget.
Best Indie Short Film (Low Budget)Independent shorts made on a limited budget.
Best Web / TV SeriesEpisodic content for web or television.
Best AI FilmFilms created with the assistance of artificial intelligence.
Best Director — Feature FilmOutstanding direction in a feature-length work.
Best Director — Short FilmOutstanding direction in a short film.
Best Director — Super Short FilmOutstanding direction in a super short film.
Best ActorLead or supporting male performance.
Best ActressLead or supporting female performance.
Best CinematographyExcellence in visual storytelling and camera work.
Best EditingOutstanding film editing and post-production.
Best Sound DesignCreative and technical excellence in sound.
Best Original ScreenplayBest original script for a produced film.
Best Feature ScriptBest unproduced or produced feature screenplay.
Best Short ScriptBest unproduced or produced short screenplay.
Best TV Pilot ScriptBest television pilot screenplay.
Best PosterOutstanding film poster design and artwork.
Best TrailerBest promotional trailer for a film.
Best VFXVisual effects and digital artistry.
Best Production DesignExcellence in production and set design.
Best First Time Director (Feature)Debut feature direction.
Best First Time Director (Short)Debut short film direction.
Eligibility Guidelines
Films of any nationality, language, and genre are welcome.
Works must have been completed after January 2015.
Submissions may be previously screened or awarded elsewhere.
Student films must be made during active enrolment.
Scripts must be submitted as PDF files.
All entries are reviewed by our international jury panel.
Entry Fees
Short Film / Super ShortFrom $10
Feature FilmFrom $20
DocumentaryFrom $15
ScriptFrom $15
Music Video / Trailer / PosterFrom $10
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