The Festival Beat N°1156 Berlinale /EFM and Fantasporto in focus
THE FESTIVAL BEAT MAKER ! SHARING MOTION AND EMOTION SINCE 1995 - FINALIZING OUR NEW SITE - BEST OF LUCK ON THE CIRCUIT
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> BERLIN IN FOCUS
As Berlinale comes to an end, the Golden Bear remains in Germany, and Berlinale itself the most political A-rated film festival! • Feb 22, 2026 at 04:19 PM
While the Golden Beat remains in Germany, the Berlinale remains the most political A-rated film festival.We did it again! The collaboration between the German director İlker Çatak and German producer...
Hamburg based Afghan filmmaker Shahrbanoo Sadat openED with her new film "No Good Men" the 76th Berlin International Film Festival • Feb 22, 2026 at 04:17 PM
Anwar Hashimi and Shahrbanoo Sadat herself star in "No Good Men"The Berlinale 2026 kicks off with the world premiere of No Good Men, the third feature film by award-winning Afghan director Shahrbanoo...
The EFM Frontières Focus Award Winners • Feb 22, 2026 at 03:59 PM
by Berlin
Frontières made a strong impact at the European Film Market during this year's Berlinale!Co-presented by Fantasia and the EFM, the EFM Frontières Focus spotlighted five standout genre projects in...
VIDEO Happy winners and bears photographed at Berlinale 2026 • Feb 22, 2026 at 11:19 AM
by Berlin
Photos by Laurent Hou. Watch the red carpet and Awards ceremony of the 76th Berlinale
VIDEO Berlinale 2026 AWARDS • Feb 22, 2026 at 10:53 AM
by Berlin
Watch the red carpet and Awards ceremony of the 76th BerlinaleGolden Bear for Best FilmGolden Bear for Best Film, to: “Gelbe Briefe” (Yellow Letters) directed by İlker Çatak, Produced by: Ingo Fliess...
Prizes at Generation Kplus • Feb 21, 2026 at 11:43 PM
by Berlin
Crystal Bears at Generation KplusCrystal Bears The members of the Children’s Jury Generation Kplus – Walter Moritz Arndt, Gustav Arnz, Thabani Dabulamanzi, Rosa Sophie Krasznahorkai, Vera Marsh, Emir...
Awards of the Independent Juries of the 76th Berlin International Film Festival • Feb 22, 2026 at 10:57 AM
by Berlin
The awards of the Independent Juries were presented today from 12.00 noon at the Grand Hyatt Berlin Hotel. Photo: Tricia Tuttle by Laurent HouPlease find here the awards of the Independent Juries of...
Berlinale 2026: The Panorama Audience Awards Go to Staatsschutz by Faraz Shariat and Traces by Alisa Kovalenko and Marysia Nikitiuk • Feb 21, 2026 at 11:33 PM
by Berlin
The audience has voted: The 28th Panorama Audience Award for the best feature film goes to Staatsschutz (Prosecution) by Faraz Shariat, Traces by Alisa Kovalenko and Marysia Nikitiuk wins in the...
Crystal Bears and Prizes of the Bundeszentrale für politische Bildung (Federal Agency for Civic Education) at Generation 14plus • Feb 21, 2026 at 11:30 PM
by Berlin
Crystal BearsThe members of the Youth Jury Generation 14plus – Lorin Aktaş, Sherwin Lo-Kuo, Minou Monfared, Elda Pfäfflin, Curt Willemeit – have awarded the following prizes.Clockwise from top...
Berlinale 2026: Prizes at Generation 14plus • Feb 21, 2026 at 11:27 PM
by Berlin
Clockwise from top left: Chicas Tristes (Sad Girlz) © Rosa Hadit Hernández, Colectivo Colmena; A Family © Jasper Wolf; Allá en el Cielo (Nobody Knows the World); Memories of a Window © Mehraneh...
European Film Market 2026 Concludes with a Five Percent Increase in Participants in Attendance as well as a Remarkable Programme Growth • Feb 18, 2026 at 11:12 PM
by Berlin
The EFM at Gropius Bau returns at full force © EFM / Cecelia GaetaEuropean Film Market 2026 verzeichnet fünf Prozent mehr Teilnehmende vor Ort sowie einen deutlichen ProgrammzuwachsMit einem...
Urgent Appeal from the Serbian Film Community • Feb 18, 2026 at 04:50 PM
by Berlin
"I am very happy as member of the academy and editor of filmfestivals.com to help The European Film Academy spread the word on this filmmakers initiative."Bruno ChatelinThe European Film Academy has...
Avant Première 2026 wraps • Feb 18, 2026 at 04:28 PM
by Berlin
Firstly, big congratulations to the Golden Showreel winners of Days 3 and 4, Accentus Music and ORF – Austrian Broadcasting Corporation, respectively.Relive the best moments of Day 3 here. Kick Off...
VIDEO Berlinale opening 2026 red carpet award ceremony to Michelle Yeoh • Feb 18, 2026 at 02:48 PM
by Berlin
VIDEO Wim Wenders and his Jury - Berlinale opening day • Feb 18, 2026 at 02:26 PM
by Berlin
Berlinale Camera to Director Haile Gerima • Feb 18, 2026 at 11:31 AM
by Berlin
Haile Gerima © MelketsadekAt the 76th Berlin International Film Festival, the Ethiopian director Haile Gerima will be honoured with a Berlinale Camera. Haile Gerima’s latest work Black Lions – Roman...
Outstanding Stories in Focus: The Award-Winning Projects of the Berlinale Co‑Production Market 2026 • Feb 18, 2026 at 11:19 AM
by Berlin
Eurimages Co-production Development Award Zeremonie des Berlinale Co-Production Market 2026 © Lydia Hesse / Berlinale 2026 Four cash prizes were awarded to feature film projects at the Berlinale...
> FANTASPORTO IN FOCUS
FOCUS ON MULTI-AWARD WINNING NORWEGIAN CINEMA IN FANTASPORTO • Feb 14, 2026 at 03:00 PM
When Fantasporto introduced Korean and New Zealand cinema many years ago, few couldhave imagined that the former would reach the Oscars and the latter would produce a talentlike Peter Jackson,...
VIDEO Fantasporto Fantastic Competition • Feb 14, 2026 at 01:59 PM
by Fantasporto
46º FantasportoSecções Oficiais 2026Comprar Bilhete Cinema Fantástico Cinema Fantástico | Longas-Metragens Semana dos Realizadores Cinema Fantástico | Curtas-Metragens
by Fantasporto
FANTASFORUM/SPECIAL PROGRAM 2026EDUCATIONAL AND TRAINING PROGRAM OF FANTASPORTO 2026MEETINGS / DEBATES / WORKSHOPS / CONFERENCES / BOOK PRESENTATIONS THE MOVIE TALKSSpecifically dedicated to film...
What to expect from the 46th edition of Fantasporto festival • Feb 02, 2026 at 11:16 PM
by Fantasporto
Following the path that led Fantasporto to international recognition, in 2026....73 countries submitted films for selection. From all continents, short and feature films arrived that well illustrate...
46th Fantasporto Highlights • Feb 07, 2026 at 12:02 AM
by Fantasporto
THE RETURN OF SPAIN AND LATIN AMERICA, THE MAINTENANCE OF THE INCREASINGLY REMARKABLE CINEMA OF THE EASTERN REGION AND THE COLD OF NORWAYThe 46th edition of Fantasporto – Porto International Film...
> PEOPLE IN FOCUS
Meet the curators of the The NYC Indie Film Fest • Feb 16, 2026 at 07:58 PM
The New York City Independent Film Festival is proud of our team of curators. Dennis CieriExecutive Director and Co-FounderMusic Video CuratorI am a native New Yorker and I am a multimedia travel...
> INDIA IN FOCUS with SIRAJ SYED
The Witness, Overview: Bubbles of rain-water, or demons of the past? • Feb 20, 2026 at 05:36 AM
by Siraj Syed
The Witness, Overview: Bubbles of rain-water, or demons of the past?It is not often that a journalist, lecturer and playwright migrates to his familial village in Goa, and makes a film there. Over...
The Kerala Story-2, Trailer release: It’s happening in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh too! • Feb 18, 2026 at 07:00 AM
by Siraj Syed
The Kerala Story-2, Trailer release: It’s happening in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh too!What is happening?Those who have seen or heard about The Kerala Story (1), 2023, would know what I am talking...
Radiant Raindrops, in Rajasthan, and the Rainwater Bubbles as The Witness, in Goa: One fact, one fiction • Feb 18, 2026 at 05:46 AM
by Siraj Syed
Radiant Raindrops, in Rajasthan, and the Rainwater Bubbles as The Witness, in Goa: One fact, one fictionRadiant Raindrops of RajasthanA triple R of the reality kind, this is a 30-minute documentary...
Nagabandham-The Secret Treasure, Teaser: An ancient treasure, the Himalayas, crocodiles, snakes, one greedy villain, one superhero • Feb 14, 2026 at 01:05 PM
by Siraj Syed
Nagabandham-The Secret Treasure, Teaser: An ancient treasure, the Himalayas, crocodiles, snakes, one greedy villain, one superheroAdd to the above: deadly weapons, both archaic and modern, bows...
> FESTIVALS IN FOCUS
Saint Augustine Film Festival line up • Feb 20, 2026 at 11:05 AM
Browse the program
FIPADOC 2026: What A REMARQUABLE EDITION! Save the date for the next edition January 22 to Saturday, January 30, 2027! • Feb 16, 2026 at 06:44 PM
by FIPADOC
With Fipadoc 2026 and its eight days of screenings and meetings having come to an end a few days ago, here are some figures from this remarkable edition.“No one can feel both responsible and...
FestForums 2026 Is Officially in the Books! • Feb 18, 2026 at 01:06 PM
by Fest Forums
Thank you to everyone who joined us in Santa Barbara for our 9th FestForums! Let’s relive the highlights, the energy, and the moments that made this year so special. From inspiring panels and epic...
Julien Dubuque International Film Festival ready for the anniversary 15th edition April 18-25 • Feb 04, 2026 at 12:26 PM
JDIFF 2026 April 18-25 More days, more films, and more fun! VOTED AGAIN AS ONE OF THE TOP 50 FILM FESTIVALS WORTH THE SUBMISSION FEE BY MOVIEMAKER MAGAZINE AND ONE OF THE TOP REVIEWED ON FilmFreeway,...
2026 SBIFF Filmmaker Fund Winners Announced! • Feb 15, 2026 at 01:57 PM
This is the second year of SBIFF’s Filmmaker Fund, in partnership with The Veraison Fund. It was created to help foster independent filmmakers of Santa Barbara County. We received 100 applications...
> FILMS IN FOCUS
COMMITTEE ANIMAL: AN AMAZING NEW SERIES IN THE WORK! • Feb 18, 2026 at 06:16 AM
COMMITTEE ANIMAL SBIFF 2026 Interview with Director: Robert Redfield. ‘Committee Animal’ (trailer: https://vimeo.com/1068117116?fl=pl&fe=ti ) is a proof of concept short/pilot from maverick director...
FIL-AM a short by Ralph Torrefranca. • Feb 21, 2026 at 06:42 AM
FIL-AMSBIFF 2026Interview with Director: Ralph Torrefranca Teaser trailer: https://vimeo.com/1119645007/309abbd88f While he was a teenager, promising Director Ralph Torrefranca, was forced to move to...
THE LAST PUESTERO • Feb 16, 2026 at 05:20 PM
THE LAST PUESTERO At SBIFF 2026 Interview with director: Belle Caseres Making its US Premiere at SBIFF, in the Documentary shorts section, was the impressive film, ‘The Last Puestero’...
THE LAST PUESTERO: SUCH AN ADVENTURE! • Feb 16, 2026 at 08:19 AM
THE LAST PUESTERO At SBIFF 2026 Interview with director: Belle Caseres Making its US Premiere at SBIFF, in the Documentary shorts section, was the impressive film, ‘The Last Puestero’...
> PARTNERS FESTIVALS
The New Media Film Festival®
June 4 – 5, 2026
March 6 LATE Deadline
The New Media Film Festival® represents a convergence of technology and tradition, offering a hybrid platform that caters to both in-person and online audiences. This innovative event showcases a diverse range of categories, from the classic to the cutting-edge, reflecting the festival's commitment to embracing the evolving landscape of media. With a focus on boundary-pushing content, the festival provides a unique space for creators to present their work in various formats, including traditional screenings and experiential presentations. This approach not only honors the storytelling craft but also celebrates the role of technology in shaping new methods of media consumption and interaction. The festival's inclusive ethos is evident in its wide array of categories, ensuring that there is a place for every form of creative expression.
Our mandate is to be fair to all creators, in all ages, all cultures and all media.
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NYC Independent Film Festival
June 1 – 7, 2026
PARTNER FESTIVAL WITH FILMFESTIVALS.COM
Regular Deadline : November 30, 2025
Late Deadline : January 15, 2026
Extended Deadline : February 15, 2026
Home of the NYC Indie Awards the festival aims to discover the Artist Filmmaker, showcasing them to the entertainment industry and the NYC public. All NYCIndieFF screenings take place in the historic center of NYC, Time Square which is the perfect home for an event geared toward creating incredible opportunities for independent voices.
NYCIndieFF honors the Best in Category which includes Best Narrative Feature, Best Documentary, Best Short Documentary, Best Short Narrative, Best Super Short, Best Covid Diaries, as well as Best Director and Best Screenplay.
New York City Independent Film Festival (NYCIndieFF) will hold a physical festival this year. We will celebrate the Independent Filmmaker, documentaries, short and feature-length films and animation. Whether a submission is comedic, dramatic, or something in between, The NYCIndieFF is eager to embrace fresh ideas and storytelling.
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French Riviera Film Festival
Cannes : May 15 – 16, 2026
PARTNER FESTIVAL WITH FILMFESTIVALS.COM
February 15, 2026 / Regular Deadline
March 16, 2026 / Late Deadline
April 11, 2026 / Extended Deadline
The 8th annual French Riviera Film Festival (FRFF) will recognize and celebrate short-form content created for film, television, Web and all digital platforms. In the glamorous South of France setting, FRFF invites filmmakers from around the globe to participate in the two-day festival that includes screenings, awards ceremony, and closing gala party. FRFF will place the spotlight on the best short-form filmed content during the time period of the annual Festival de Cannes. A prestigious jury panel will select Best Drama Short, Best Comedy Short, Best Documentary Short, Best Animation Short, Best Experimental Short, Best Lifestyle Short, Best Fashion Short, Best Music Video, Best Female Filmmaker Award, Best Director Award, Best Actor Award, Best Actress Award, Best Activism Short, Best Micro Short Award, Industry Excellence Award, and Lifetime Achievement Awards . Attendees and participants will include filmmakers, industry executives, celebrities, media, and influencers.
https://filmfreeway.com/FrenchRivieraFilmFestival
The Cannes awards highlights video
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> "THE BEST FOR FESTS :
ONES TO WATCH FOR FESTIVAL CONSIDERATION carefully curated by Bruno Chatelin
'LALA, MY REDHEAD' Feature film award winning script by Nellie K. and Deniz Nala
at development stage, with a finalised script
Love and poverty, betrayal and wealth - centuries of traditions put to the test! A compelling story intricately woven into a comprehensive exploration of women’s status against the backdrop of the Roma culture. From the director of an award-winning film in Cannes 2023.
“I worked in Cannes with Emir Kusturica as his Sony Distributor on his brilliant award winning film: “Time of The Gypsies”: when I read the script for “Lala, my redhead” I immediately saw the connection and the potential of a unique story: I trust you will like it too. “
Bruno Chatelin - filmfestivals.com founder
> AWARDS WATCH ...
That's a wrap on the 41st annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival • Feb 17, 2026 at 03:11 PM
THAT’S A WRAPThat's a wrap on the 41st annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival, and we couldn't have done it without you! Thank you for being a part of this banner year for SBIFF and Santa...
AWARDS
2026 SANTA BARBARA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL AWARD WINNING FILMS ANNOUNCED • Feb 15, 2026 at 12:09 AM
We are excited to announce the award-winning films for the 41st edition. Awards were presented at a ceremony this morning hosted by El Encanto in Santa Barbara with Jury and Filmmakers in...
Down MEMORY LANE : Filmfestivals.com proud presenter of the Hollywood European Award to The Sea Inside October 18, 2004
A look back at Bruno Chatelin, filmfestivals.com co-founder, film veteran and former distributor with Sony, and UGC/Fox adressing the room, 21 years ago, during the 8TH Hollywood Awards Ceremony at the Beverly Hilton, as co producer with Paula Wagner and Carlos de Abreu and sponsor of the Hollywood European Award. Chatelin handed the award to MAR ADENTRO (The Sea Inside), A film by Alejandro Amenábar. With Leonardo di Caprio, Keanu Reeves and Mel Gibson. ...
Les premiers invités du 44e BIFFF • fév 16, 2026 at 06:17 PM
par Editor
Dans un mois exactement, nous dévoilerons l’entièreté de la programmation de cette 44e édition du BIFFF ! Mais, pour vous faire patienter jusque-là, nous avons quelques nouvelles excitantes à vous...
Le premier Fribourg Cinema Award à la réalisatrice Kaouther Ben Hania • fév 16, 2026 at 02:36 PM
par Editor
Kaouther Ben Hania ©Ammar Abd Rabbo Le Festival International du Film de Fribourg (FIFF) et l’Université de Fribourg annoncent la création conjointe d’un nouveau prix à la carrière, décerné cette...
Le Palmarès de la 23ᵉ édition du FIFO (Festival international du film documentaire océanien) • fév 16, 2026 at 02:12 PM
par Editor
La 23ᵉ édition du FIFO (Festival international du film documentaire océanien) s’est achevée dimanche 15 février à Papeete. Le jury, présidé par Aaron Salā, directeur général en 2024 du 13ᵉ FestPAC, a...
31e édition des Lauriers de l’Audiovisuel : Les lauréats dévoilés • fév 10, 2026 at 10:31 PM
par Editor
Le Club de l’Audiovisuel a le plaisir d’annoncer les lauréats de la 31ᵉ édition des Lauriers de l’Audiovisuel. Cette sélection met à l’honneur la richesse, la diversité et l’excellence de la...
FID 37 | Rétrospective Rabah Ameur-Zaïmeche • fév 10, 2026 at 09:20 PM
par Editor
La fraternité des révoltés : le cinéma de Rabah Ameur-Zaïmeche En 2001, la découverte de Wesh Wesh qu’est-ce qui se passe ? fait l’effet d’une bombe. Tourné dans la cité des Bosquets, à Montfermeil...
Prix du Meilleur album sur le cinéma L'Aventure Lumière de Thierry Frémaux décerné hier par le Syndicat Français de la Critique • fév 10, 2026 at 08:10 PM
par Editor
L'Aventure Lumière a reçu hier le Prix du Meilleur Album sur le cinéma remis par le Syndicat Français de la Critique de Cinéma lors d'une cérémonie à la Cinémathèque française. Paru en novembre...
PALMARES DU 32E FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL DES CINEMAS D'ASIE DE VESOUL (DU 27 JANVIER AU 3 FEVRIER 2026) • fév 06, 2026 at 09:01 PM
par Editor
CYCLO D'OR D'HONNEUR (offert par Communauté d'agglomération et la ville de Vesoul) à Wang Bing réalisateur (Chine). CYCLO D'OR(offert par le Conseil Régional de Bourgogne-Franche-Comté)Jury...
Cinéma francophone indépendant : Quand la diffusion se ferme, le public ouvre la porte • fév 06, 2026 at 08:56 PM
par Editor
Le cas Mitrani, ou la démonstration involontaire que le problème n’est pas le public, mais le systèmeLe cinéma francophone indépendant produit aujourd’hui une multitude d’œuvres ambitieuses, souvent...
Prix AFC - les gagnants sont... • fév 04, 2026 at 01:29 PM
par Editor
LONG-MÉTRAGE DE FICTION : ● Autumn Durald Arkapaw, ASC pour Sinners de Ryan Coogler SÉRIE (épisode ou mini-série) :●Jacques Jouffret, ASC pour American Primeval - Saison 1, Episode 1, de Peter...
