Berlin Kiez Film Festival

BERLIN KIEZ
FILM FESTIVAL

Independent cinema across Berlin's neighborhoods since 2020

Next Screening Event
JUNE 23, 2026
Babylon Berlin
Doors open at 6:00 PM

SUBMIT YOUR FILM

CELEBRATING INDEPENDENT CINEMA

The Berlin Kiez Film Festival brings independent German and international cinema to exhibition spaces, galleries, and historic cinemas across Berlin.

Our selection offers a range of cinematic works across diverse categories — from short films and features to documentaries, animation, music videos, and experimental works — promoting new ideas distinguished by originality and quality.

Each edition awards selected projects with screenings, official recognitions, and opportunities for public interaction. Monthly winners are announced throughout the year, culminating in live screening events at iconic Berlin venues.

400+
Films Awarded
25+
Award Categories
40+
Countries Represented
2020
Founded

FEBRUARY 2026

VIEW ALL WINNERS →

WINNERS

RULES & FAQ

01
SHORT FILMS
A short film is defined as any film with a runtime under 40 minutes.
02
FEATURE FILMS
A feature film is defined as any film with a runtime over 40 minutes.
03
LANGUAGE & SUBTITLES
Films in all languages are welcome. Non-English and non-German films should include subtitles in either English or German. Subtitles should be clear, accurate, and appropriately timed to ensure accessibility for the audience.
04
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Filmmakers must ensure they hold the necessary rights to all material submitted, including music, visuals, and any third-party content used in the film. Any submissions found to violate copyright laws may be disqualified.
05
MULTIPLE ENTRIES & CATEGORIES
Filmmakers may submit multiple films for consideration. Each film can be entered in multiple categories, provided it meets the specific criteria for each category.
06
SCREENING PERMISSIONS
Films will not be screened without the express written permission of the filmmakers. By submitting a film, filmmakers grant the festival permission to use clips, trailers, and stills for promotional purposes.
07
SCREENING SCHEDULE
Long films and documentaries may be scheduled for screening during non-peak times (usually in the afternoon rather than the evening). The festival will strive to accommodate preferences but reserves the right to determine the final screening schedule.
08
WINNERS & SCREENINGS
All winning films are eligible for screening at the festival. Winners may also be featured in promotional events, retrospectives, or encore screenings organized by the festival.
09
SUBMISSION FORMAT
All submissions must be in a high-quality digital format (e.g., MP4, MOV) suitable for large-scale projection. Films with incomplete files, low resolution, or technical errors may not be considered.
10
AGE RESTRICTIONS
Films must adhere to legal and ethical standards and should avoid content that violates age restriction guidelines applicable in the festival's location.
11
JUDGING & NOTIFICATION
Films will be judged based on creativity, storytelling, technical execution, and originality. Filmmakers will be notified of selection status via email within the timeline specified on the festival's website.

NEWS & REVIEWS

Coming Soon
June 2026
BABYLON BERLIN SCREENING EVENT
Join us for our next live screening event at Babylon Berlin on June 23, 2026. Selected winners will be screened starting at 6:00 PM. Free entry.
Coming Soon
April 2026
SUBMISSIONS NOW OPEN
We are accepting submissions for upcoming monthly editions via FilmFreeway. Submit your short film, feature, documentary, or experimental work today.
Coming Soon
February 2026
FEBRUARY 2026 WINNERS ANNOUNCED
Congratulations to all February 2026 winners and honorable mentions. The full list is now available on our Winners page.

SHOP

Physical trophies and festival merchandise for winners and supporters of independent cinema.
🏆
WINNER TROPHY
Official Berlin Kiez Film Festival winner trophy. Engraved with film title, category, and edition.
Coming Soon
🎬
HONORABLE MENTION PLAQUE
Recognition plaque for Honorable Mention recipients. Custom engraving available.
Coming Soon

CONTACT

Submissions
Location
Berlin, Germany

For press inquiries, partnership proposals, screening venue suggestions, or any other questions about the Berlin Kiez Film Festival, please reach out via email.

For film submissions, please use our FilmFreeway page where you can find all submission deadlines and category details.