The 66th Krakow Film Festival

About Krakow Film Festival

The Krakow Film Festival is one of Europe’s longest-running events dedicated to documentary, animated, and short fiction films. The 66th edition will be held in a hybrid format, with cinema screenings from 31 May to 7 June 2026 and online screenings from 5 to 19 June 2026 via the KFF VOD platform.

Held over seven exciting days, the festival presents films from Poland and around the world across competitive and non-competitive sections. In addition to the main competitions, selected films are showcased through curated programmes and special screenings.

Beyond film screenings, the festival offers a vibrant cultural experience featuring industry events, filmmaker meetings, and opportunities for international collaboration. Each year, Krakow welcomes hundreds of industry guests — including directors, producers, and festival programmers — alongside a large and enthusiastic local audience.

Awards

International Documentary Competition

• Golden Horn – Best film director
• Silver Horn – Director of a film of outstanding artistic value
• Silver Horn – Director of a film focusing on social issues

International Short Film Competition

• Golden Dragon – Best film director
• Silver Dragon – Best documentary film director
• Silver Dragon – Best animated film director
• Silver Dragon – Best fiction film director

International DocFilmMusic Competition

• Golden Heynal – Best music documentary director

National Competition (Polish Films Only)

• Golden Hobby Horse – Best documentary (over 30 minutes)
• Golden Hobby Horse – Best documentary (up to 30 minutes)
• Golden Hobby Horse – Best animated film
• Golden Hobby Horse – Best fiction film

Additional Honors

• Audience Award – Best film selected by festival audiences
• Dragon of Dragons Special Award – Lifetime achievement in documentary or animation, granted by the Programme Council of the Krakow Film Foundation
• Other special awards presented by partner institutions, associations, or sponsors.

Submission Rules

Eligibility

• Foreign films made in 2025 or 2026 that have not been publicly screened before 2 June 2025 may be eligible for international competitions.
• Polish films made in 2025 and 2026 are eligible for the National Competition.
• Films submitted to previous editions are not eligible.

Competition Categories

• International Documentary Competition – Documentary films, 50 minutes or longer
• International Short Film Competition – Documentary, animation, or fiction films up to 30 minutes
• International DocFilmMusic Competition – Music documentaries, 50 minutes or longer
• National Competition – Polish films only

Premiere Requirements

• To qualify for international competitions, films must be Polish premieres, with world premieres preferred.
• Films must not have been screened at festivals, released theatrically, broadcast on TV, or streamed online in Poland prior to the festival.
• Polish premieres are also required for the National Competition.

Language Requirements

• Preview and screening copies must include English subtitles, unless English is the original language.

Submission Deadlines

International Competitions

• 30 November 2025 – Films completed before 31 October 2025
• 31 January 2026 – Films completed after 31 October 2025

National Competition

• 30 November 2025 – Films completed before 31 October 2025
• 15 February 2026 – Films completed after 31 October 2025

Entry Fees

• EUR 15 – Films up to 30 minutes
• EUR 30 – Films over 30 minutes

Entry fees must be paid within seven days of registration.

Please note:

• Polish films are exempt from entry fees.
• Selected countries may also qualify for fee exemptions.

Accepted Screener Formats

Films must be submitted by:

• Completing the online entry form via the official festival website
• Providing a non-public streaming link (e.g., Vimeo or YouTube) with unlimited access and no time or territory restrictions

Links requiring file downloads (such as WeTransfer) are not accepted.

Festival Screenings & Format Requirements

• Screenings take place both in cinemas and online via KFF VOD.
• Online screenings are geo-blocked and available only within Poland.
• Films selected for the festival may be included in the KFF Video Library for accredited industry participants.
• Only DCP format is accepted for cinema screenings.
• Screening copies must be delivered or uploaded by 30 April 2026.

Additional Information

• Selected filmmakers will be informed by email at least 30 days before the festival starts.
• Once accepted, films cannot be withdrawn from the programme.
• Submission of a film confirms acceptance of the festival’s rules and regulations.