Cairo International Film Festival 2026 Short Film Competition with a USD 2,000 Prize

The Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) is accepting short films for its official competition as part of its 47th edition, which will take place in Cairo from November 11 to 20, 2026.

The competition accepts fiction, non-fiction, documentary, animated, and experimental films from around the world, including submissions from filmmakers in all Arab countries. Films must not exceed 30 minutes in length and must have been produced after October 2025.

Accepted Film Categories

The competition accepts the following categories:

1. Short fiction films.
2. Documentary and non-fiction films.
3. Animated films.
4. Experimental films.

The total running time, including opening and closing credits, must not exceed 30 minutes.

Awards

The Short Film Competition awards include:

1. Youssef Chahine Award for Best Short Film: A cash prize of USD 2,000.
2. Special Jury Award: The official announcement does not specify a monetary value.

The festival’s FilmFreeway page also classifies the Cairo International Film Festival as an Academy Award-qualifying festival. Final eligibility remains subject to the rules of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Selected films will receive the following benefits:

1. Screening at an international film festival accredited by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF).
2. The opportunity to compete for a cash prize of USD 2,000.
3. Screening before audiences, critics, directors, producers, and distributors.
4. Greater opportunities for the film to reach other festivals and film markets.
5. Media and promotional coverage as part of the festival programme.
6. Opportunities to build a professional network with filmmakers from different countries.
7. Participation in Cairo International Film Festival events and activities.
8. Greater access for Arab films to regional and international audiences.

The film must meet the following requirements:

1. It must have been produced after October 2025.
2. Its total running time must not exceed 30 minutes.
3. It must be a fiction, non-fiction, documentary, animated, or experimental film.
4. It must not have been previously screened in the Middle East and North Africa region before its official festival screening.
5. It must not have been broadcast on a television or satellite channel.
6. It must not have been made publicly available on a website or digital platform before its official festival screening.
7. Previous screenings at festivals outside the Middle East and North Africa region are permitted.
8. The applicant must hold the rights required to submit and screen the film.
9. The applicant must comply with all festival regulations and requirements if the film is selected.

Submission Fees

Submission fees vary according to the date on which the film is submitted:

1. Early submission until May 22, 2026: USD 15.
2. Regular submission until July 15, 2026: USD 20.
3. Late submission until August 1, 2026: USD 30.

Important Dates

1. Submissions open: April 15, 2026.
2. Early submission deadline: May 22, 2026.
3. Regular submission deadline: July 15, 2026.
4. Final late submission deadline: August 1, 2026.
5. Expected notification date: October 22, 2026.
6. Festival dates: November 11–20, 2026.

See also: Various and Outstanding International Awards and Competitions 

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