RULES & TERMS
RULES & TERMS
General Provisions
“SIFF” is a prestigious global film festival open to filmmakers from all over the world. Officially known as Serbest International Film Festival, this annual event takes place from August 25 – 31, 2026.
Dedicated to cinematic innovation, SIFF serves as a creative springboard for both established and emerging filmmakers. The Official Selection presents exceptional works across all formats: narrative features, short films, documentaries, animation, student films, and experimental cinema.
Program
The Official Selection stands as the festival’s competitive centerpiece, featuring visionary films that challenge cinematic boundaries across all genres and formats. Special emphasis is placed on innovative, boundary-pushing storytelling.
Non-Competitive Sections include:
— Global Lens: Contemporary world cinema and independent perspectives.
— Balkan Focus: New waves and emerging voices from Southeast Europe.
— Tribute: Special retrospectives celebrating international cinema legends.
Eligibility Requirements
All submissions for the Official Selection must comply with the following:
Runtime Guidelines
▸ Feature Films & Documentaries: 50+ minutes (exceptions granted)
▸ Short Films & Documentaries: Under 30 minutes (exceptions considered)
▸ Experimental/Animation/Student Films: No length restrictions
Additional Policies
▸ No premiere status requirements
▸ All production years eligible
▸ Multiple submissions allowed
Festival Jury
The festival jury is international and comprises 5 to 7 outstanding representatives of the film industry. No more than one representative from any single country may be appointed to the jury. Jury decisions are made by majority vote.
Film Submissions
Submissions for the Serbest International Film Festival must be submitted through official channels and comply with the designated timeline.
Submission Guidelines
▸ Platforms: FilmFreeway, Festhome, or the official SIFF Portal
▸ Final Deadline: June 30, 2026
▸ Selection Notification: July 31, 2026
▸ Festival Dates: August 25 – 31, 2026
▸ Fee Discounts: Available upon official request via email at siff@serbestfestival.com or serbestfestival@gmail.com
Film Selection & Screening
Selected filmmakers and producers will receive official notifications via email. Final confirmations will be announced no later than 10 days before the festival opening.
Screening Guidelines
▸ Festival Premiere status with a curated showcase
▸ Strategic visibility through our international media and distribution channels
▸ Screening format tailored to each film's technical requirements
Platform Benefits
▸ Direct integration into the Serbest Distribution, unlocking global marketplace opportunities
▸ Access to the official Serbest Network, connecting filmmakers with industry decision-makers
▸ Professional connection with international festival directors, sales agents, and producers
▸ Curated catalog inclusion for winning films to reach industry buyers and global audiences
▸ Continued strategic partnership and long-term visibility for all official selections
▸ Priority promotion to a network of 500+ industry partners for award-winning works.
Film Copy Submission
The selected films for any festival program must be provided to the festival for screening. In addition to the film copy, the following materials are required: an English dialogue list, three (3) film stills, and a director's photograph. While not mandatory, submitting a trailer, posters, and additional promotional materials is encouraged.
The festival reserves the right to reject technically defective or low-quality copies that may obstruct the screening. The organization assumes full responsibility for the safekeeping of the screening copy upon its receipt at the festival center. A three-member technical committee will be appointed to evaluate the technical correctness and format of all film copies.
Intellectual Property, Legal Claims, and Indemnities
By submitting a film to SIFF, the applicant certifies that they hold all necessary rights, licenses, and clearances for the project and its content. The applicant guarantees that the work does not contain defamatory material, infringe upon any third-party intellectual property, or violate personal privacy. In the event of any legal disputes or third-party claims, the applicant assumes full responsibility, indemnifying the festival and its organizers against all liabilities.
The organization implements rigorous security measures to protect all submissions. Film files are stored securely, with access strictly restricted to the programming committee. Unauthorized copying, distribution, or sharing of any submission is strictly prohibited. While all reasonable precautions are taken to safeguard submitted works, the festival cannot be held liable for security breaches, cyberattacks, or incidents resulting from circumstances beyond its control.
These regulations govern all aspects of the submission process. By completing the submission, the applicant acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agreed to be bound by these official terms and conditions.
Final Remarks
SIFF reserves the right to make final decisions on any matters not covered by these Terms, guided by our commitment to fairness and artistic excellence. The Festival Council's rulings under this clause are conclusive.
General Provisions
“SIFF” is a prestigious global film festival open to filmmakers from all over the world. Officially known as Serbest International Film Festival, this annual event takes place from August 25 – 31, 2026.
Dedicated to cinematic innovation, SIFF serves as a creative springboard for both established and emerging filmmakers. The Official Selection presents exceptional works across all formats: narrative features, short films, documentaries, animation, student films, and experimental cinema.
Program
The Official Selection stands as the festival’s competitive centerpiece, featuring visionary films that challenge cinematic boundaries across all genres and formats. Special emphasis is placed on innovative, boundary-pushing storytelling.
Non-Competitive Sections include:
— Global Lens: Contemporary world cinema and independent perspectives.
— Balkan Focus: New waves and emerging voices from Southeast Europe.
— Tribute: Special retrospectives celebrating international cinema legends.
Eligibility Requirements
All submissions for the Official Selection must comply with the following:
Runtime Guidelines
▸ Feature Films & Documentaries: 50+ minutes (exceptions granted)
▸ Short Films & Documentaries: Under 30 minutes (exceptions considered)
▸ Experimental/Animation/Student Films: No length restrictions
Additional Policies
▸ No premiere status requirements
▸ All production years eligible
▸ Multiple submissions allowed
Festival Jury
The festival jury is international and comprises 5 to 7 outstanding representatives of the film industry. No more than one representative from any single country may be appointed to the jury. Jury decisions are made by majority vote.
Film Submissions
Submissions for the Serbest International Film Festival must be submitted through official channels and comply with the designated timeline.
Submission Guidelines
▸ Platforms: FilmFreeway, Festhome, or the official SIFF Portal
▸ Final Deadline: June 30, 2026
▸ Selection Notification: July 31, 2026
▸ Festival Dates: August 25 – 31, 2026
▸ Fee Discounts: Available upon official request via email at siff@serbestfestival.com or serbestfestival@gmail.com
Film Selection & Screening
Selected filmmakers and producers will receive official notifications via email. Final confirmations will be announced no later than 10 days before the festival opening.
Screening Guidelines
▸ Festival Premiere status with a curated showcase
▸ Strategic visibility through our international media and distribution channels
▸ Screening format tailored to each film's technical requirements
Platform Benefits
▸ Direct integration into the Serbest Distribution, unlocking global marketplace opportunities
▸ Access to the official Serbest Network, connecting filmmakers with industry decision-makers
▸ Professional connection with international festival directors, sales agents, and producers
▸ Curated catalog inclusion for winning films to reach industry buyers and global audiences
▸ Continued strategic partnership and long-term visibility for all official selections
▸ Priority promotion to a network of 500+ industry partners for award-winning works.
Film Copy Submission
The selected films for any festival program must be provided to the festival for screening. In addition to the film copy, the following materials are required: an English dialogue list, three (3) film stills, and a director's photograph. While not mandatory, submitting a trailer, posters, and additional promotional materials is encouraged.
The festival reserves the right to reject technically defective or low-quality copies that may obstruct the screening. The organization assumes full responsibility for the safekeeping of the screening copy upon its receipt at the festival center. A three-member technical committee will be appointed to evaluate the technical correctness and format of all film copies.
Intellectual Property, Legal Claims, and Indemnities
By submitting a film to SIFF, the applicant certifies that they hold all necessary rights, licenses, and clearances for the project and its content. The applicant guarantees that the work does not contain defamatory material, infringe upon any third-party intellectual property, or violate personal privacy. In the event of any legal disputes or third-party claims, the applicant assumes full responsibility, indemnifying the festival and its organizers against all liabilities.
The organization implements rigorous security measures to protect all submissions. Film files are stored securely, with access strictly restricted to the programming committee. Unauthorized copying, distribution, or sharing of any submission is strictly prohibited. While all reasonable precautions are taken to safeguard submitted works, the festival cannot be held liable for security breaches, cyberattacks, or incidents resulting from circumstances beyond its control.
These regulations govern all aspects of the submission process. By completing the submission, the applicant acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agreed to be bound by these official terms and conditions.
Final Remarks
SIFF reserves the right to make final decisions on any matters not covered by these Terms, guided by our commitment to fairness and artistic excellence. The Festival Council's rulings under this clause are conclusive.