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.