Call for Entries: Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film 2026
The Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film (ITFS) has officially opened submissions for its 2026 edition, taking place May 5–10, 2026 in Stuttgart, Germany. As one of the world’s leading animation festivals, ITFS offers filmmakers, students, studios, and innovators a chance to present their work on an international stage and connect with industry professionals.
Competition Categories and Deadlines
Short Film Competitions – Deadline: November 15, 2025
- International Competition: Animated shorts up to 30 minutes. (€10 submission fee)
- Student Competition: Shorts by students or recent graduates, up to 30 minutes. (€5 fee)
- Tricks for Kids: Animated shorts or series episodes for children up to 12 years, up to 30 minutes. (€5 fee)
- Trickstar Nature Award: Shorts on climate protection, biodiversity, the environment, and sustainability, up to 30 minutes. (€5 fee)
AniMovie – Feature Film Competition – Deadline: January 15, 2026
- Animated feature films with a runtime of 60 minutes or more. (€10 fee)
German Animation Screenplay Award – Deadline: February 1, 2026
- Best screenplay for a feature-length animated film
- Screenplay with the greatest international market potential
Animated Games Award Germany – Deadline: February 15, 2026
- Award for the best German animated game
Trickstar Business Award – Deadline: February 25, 2026
- Recognizes innovative business models for animation projects and companies
A Global Stage for Animation
Every year, ITFS transforms Stuttgart into a hub for creativity, celebrating the richness of animated storytelling. The festival welcomes projects across a wide range of styles and genres—from inspiring student shorts and family-friendly works to groundbreaking feature films and sustainability-focused projects.
Beyond screenings, ITFS offers a professional platform for creators to pitch projects, network with industry leaders, and gain visibility in the global animation community.
How to Submit
Submissions are now open. Full competition details, regulations, and submission forms are available at the official ITFS website:
👉 Submit your work here
