Anifilm Calls for Entries — Films & Games Wanted for 2026 Festival

Anifilm Calls for Entries — Films & Games Wanted for 2026 Festival

Anifilm is now accepting submissions for its 25th edition, to be held in Liberec, Czech Republic, from May 5-10, 2026. This year’s festival is turning to creators with a wide range of animated works and games, offering an excellent opportunity for independent and auteur artists to showcase their work in an OSCAR®-qualifying environment. Here’s what you need to know.

What’s Anifilm?

Anifilm is a festival dedicated to animation and interactive media. Alongside films, it includes computer and student games, making it a unique event that bridges animation and gaming. Its OSCAR® qualifying status in the short animated film category adds significant prestige.

What Can You Submit?

Anifilm divides its submissions into International Competition and Czech Horizon (national competition) categories.

For international makers:

• Feature Film

• Short Film

• Student Film

• Abstract & Non-narrative Animation

• Music Video

• VR Film

• Computer Game

• Student Computer Game

For Czech creators (Czech Horizon):

• Short & Feature Film

• Student Film

• Series

• Music Video

• Commissioned Work

Deadlines, Requirements & Rules

• Deadline: December 31, 2025 is your cutoff for submitting entries.

• Eligibility: Entries must have been completed or premiered after January 1, 2024. Works that have already competed at Anifilm are not eligible.

• Fees: Submission is free of charge.

• Submission Process: Use the online form (“Submit a Film / A Game”) via their site. If you have submitted before, you can use your existing account; otherwise you’ll need to register.

Why Submit?

• Visibility: Anifilm is respected in the animation film festival circuit; it’s especially attractive for short animated films, given its Oscar-qualification for that category.

• Diverse Audiences & Mediums: The festival celebrates not just traditional and narrative animation, but abstract & non-narrative work, VR, music video, games, and student work. If you’re exploring hybrid or experimental forms, there’s a place for you.

• National Spotlight: For Czech filmmakers and creators, the “Czech Horizon” section specifically highlights local works—including commissioned pieces and series.

What Stop Motion Creators Should Consider

For those in the stop motion community, here are a few further thoughts:

• Narrative vs Non-narrative: If your stop motion piece leans more experimental, abstract, or visually driven rather than narrative, the “Abstract & Non-narrative Animation” category may be suitable.

• Student Works: If you’re a student or recently graduated, submitting under “Student Film” or “Student Computer Game” offers a chance to be recognised among peers.

• VR / New Media Potential: If you experiment with immersive or mixed-media stop motion (e.g. combining stop motion with VR or 3D environments), Anifilm may welcome those hybrid approaches.

How to Apply

1. Go to the Anifilm website and navigate to How to Submit → A Film / A Game.

2. Create or log into your account.

3. Fill out the submission form with your details + upload your work.

4. Make sure your work was completed/premiered after Jan 1, 2024, and has not competed previously at Anifilm.

5. Submit by Dec 31, 2025.

Final Thoughts

Anifilm offers a compelling platform for stop motion and animation makers looking to reach an international audience. Whether your work is narrative or experimental, student or professional, there’s potential here. Plus, with no submission fee and a broad set of categories, it’s low risk but high opportunity. If you’re working on something that fits, don’t wait until the last minute — the deadline will arrive sooner than you think!

Source: Anifilm – How to Submit a Film / A Game