A NEW KIND OF FILM FESTIVAL
Berlin Gate isn't built like other festivals — and that's the point. Born in Berlin, a city that has always crossed borders, BGIFF opens a new path for independent cinema from every corner of the world: a festival designed not only to judge films, but to get them seen and supported.
We believe every project has a spark of brilliance in it somewhere. That's why every eligible film here gets a real chance to be seen — not just a line in a rejection email.
OPEN FROM THE FIRST CLICK TO THE FINAL NIGHT
Most festivals go silent after you press "submit". We don't. From the day you enter to the final night in Berlin, every step of the journey is clear: where your film stands, what comes next, and how it can go further.
FREE TO ENTER. BUILT TO BE SEEN.
Berlin Gate is open to bold, independent work from every corner of the world — and entry is free. Submit in the category that fits your work best. Our selection team screens every eligible entry, and the works that stand out move forward into competition — and into a growing world of recognition, visibility and opportunities around the festival in Berlin.
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
BGIFF welcomes narrative and documentary films, animation, experimental work, music videos, student and debut films, web and new-media projects, screenplays, AI-assisted films, underground cinema and photography. Projects may come from any country and may be created in any language, provided that non-English films include clear English subtitles. We look for originality, strong visual storytelling, creative risk-taking, honest human or cultural perspectives and meaningful uses of new technology. Budget, celebrity and equipment are not deciding factors; the jury focuses on the strength of the idea, execution and impact.
SOMETHING NEW IS COMING
Our first edition introduces a completely new festival journey — unlike anything you've seen at a film festival before. The details will be revealed to our entrants first. Enter now and be part of it from the very beginning.
IT ALL COMES TOGETHER IN BERLIN
The heart of the festival is a live event in Berlin — a night of screenings, celebration, and the moment the winners are called to the stage. So step through the gate. Send your film to the very first edition of Berlin Gate — and show the world what your voice sounds like.
