Ateker International Film Festival – Call For Films

Job Description

ATEKER INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (AIFF)

FESTIVAL DATES AND DEADLINES:

Call for Submissions: April 7, 2026.
Submission Deadline: June 7, 2026.
Notification Date: July 16, 2026.
Festival/Event Date: September 2 – 6, 2026.

Eligibility:
1. Films of all genres, formats, and lengths are welcome, including short films, feature films, documentaries, animation, and experimental works.
2. Turkana and Ateker Filmmakers are highly encouraged to submit their films.
3. International Films are also encouraged.
4. Our event welcomes all genres. We value variety in storytelling and welcome submissions in all forms and types of short film.

Completion Date:
1. Submissions must have been completed on or after January 1, 2024. This allows us to present recent works that represent current filmmaking trends and viewpoints.

Submission Process:
1. All entries must be submitted via FilmFreeway, via a Vimeo/YouTube/other video link entered directly on the online application.
2. Accepted works must be submitted in .mp4 or .mov formats. While we prefer these formats for their adaptability and quality, if your film is in another format, please contact us.
3. Filmmakers may submit multiple entries. Each project, however, must have its own Entry Form. This guarantees that each entry is recognized as a distinct entity and is judged on its own merits.

Promotional materials / Electronic Press Kits (EPK):
1. Professional photo of the director in good quality.
2. At least three (3) stills from the film.
3. Film poster for social media promotional purposes.
4. Director’s bio.

Language & Subtitles:
1. If the film’s original language is not English, we require English subtitles. This ensures that our diverse panel of judges can fully understand and appreciate your work. Submissions without subtitles (for non-English films) will not be considered.

Screening and Judging:
1. Films selected for the Ateker International Film Festival will be screened at an official festival venue in Turkana, Kenya.
2. A jury of film industry professionals will review all entries, evaluating them based on originality, storytelling, technical quality, and overall impact.

Selection Process:
1. If selected, you will receive an invitation email asking you to send your digital file of final work to the festival’s programming team.
2. There will be a consent form before the given deadline date.
3. Your status on this stage is still subject to change back to ‘undecided’ and to ‘not selected’ until all requirements are satisfied. This includes meeting the deadlines given to respond to the invitation and filling out the consent form.
4. Your final state will be officially declared on the notification date, July 16, 2026.
5. Short Films with “SELECTED” status are the Official Selection status, and become part of the festival’s programs & competitions.
6. The Award Nominees will be contacted by email and announced to the public.
7. Award Winners will be announced on stage at the Awarding of the festival, Sunday, September 6, 2026.
8. Announcement will also be available at the Ateker Film Festival official website and all Social Media.

Copyright and Permissions:
1. By submitting, filmmakers confirm they own all necessary rights or have obtained permissions for all music, images, and content included in their films.
2. Ateker International Film Festival reserves the right to use short clips, film stills, BTS videos, and descriptions for promotional purposes related to the festival.
3. By entering the competition, you certify that you own or have obtained the essential film rights. This includes, but is not limited to, copyright, trademarks, and publicity rights.

Festival Date and Location Change:
1. Please note that the festival administration reserves the right to change the date and/or location of the event at its discretion. This may occur due to unforeseen circumstances or requirements. In the event of such a change, all entrants will be notified promptly, and the necessary accommodations will be made to ensure the continued smooth operation of the festival.

Code of Conduct:
1.AIFF maintains a respectful and inclusive environment. Discrimination or inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated.
2. Filmmakers and attendees are expected to follow all venue policies and respect festival staff, volunteers, and fellow filmmakers.