Join us for the 9th Blue Danube Film Festival, taking place from November 22 to 28, 2026, in the vibrant cities of Vienna, Budapest, and Bratislava.

The Blue Danube Film Festival showcases independent cinema from around the world, fostering creativity and bold experimentation. We welcome all genres and aim to inspire filmmakers who explore innovative forms and examine societal issues through a critical lens.

Selection & Evaluation
Submissions are evaluated by a professional jury based on high industry standards. We look for excellence in:

Artistic vision and creativity
Production quality and cinematography
Narrative structure and direction
A Unique Cross-Border Experience

BDFF is the region’s first cross-border film festival, "sailing" the Danube to connect three iconic European capitals. Selected films will be screened in prestigious art cinemas and cultural centers across three festival locations in Vienna, Budapest, and Bratislava.

Awards & Recognition
Beyond gaining international media exposure, winners will also receive cash prizes in recognition of their outstanding work.

We look forward to celebrating the power of independent cinema with you!

Awards & Prizes

https://m.imdb.com/event/ev0025280/2025/1/
https://www.imdb.com/event/ev0025280/2024/1/
www.imdb.com/event/ev0025280/2023/1/
www.imdb.com/event/ev0025280/2022/1/
www.imdb.com/event/ev0025280/2020/1/

Categories:

Best Short Film

Best Documentary Film

Best Animation Film

Best Experimental Film

Best Super Short Film

Best Student Film

All winners will receive prize money, official certificates, and Gold Laurels, along with the "WINNER" label, which filmmakers are encouraged to use for their marketing and promotional campaigns.

All selected films will be awarded "Official Selection" laurels, which filmmakers may utilize for their marketing and promotional materials as they see fit.

Special Awards:
The Student Jury will grant additional awards for the best film in each category, providing a unique perspective from the next generation of filmmakers.

Prize Pool:
The current total planned prize money is $1,000 USD, with the potential for this amount to increase as the season progresses.

...IMDb Qualifying Festival...

Rules & Terms

1. Eligibility: The Blue Danube Film Festival (BDFF) accepts films of all forms and genres produced after January 1, 2024. All films must have English subtitles. Films previously included in the Official Selection of BDFF are not eligible for competition.

2. Format: We only accept digital submissions in HD quality (720p or higher).

3. Duration: Super Short: maximum 5 minutes, other categories: maximum 40 minutes.

4. Global Participation: Submissions for Short, Animation, Documentary, Experimental, Super Short, and Student categories are open to filmmakers worldwide.

5. Multiple Entries: Filmmakers may submit multiple projects; however, each must be submitted as a separate entry with its own entry fee.

6. Refunds: All entry fees are non-refundable.

7. Copyrights & Indemnity: By submitting, the filmmaker certifies they hold all necessary rights and licenses for the film’s content. The filmmaker agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Festival organizers against all claims, costs, and legal fees resulting from the screening or third-party disputes.

8. Content Standards: Submissions must not incite racial, ethnic, religious, gender, or political conflict, nor contain illegal or pornographic content. The Organizers reserve the right to disqualify any film that violates these standards.

9. Promotional Rights: By submitting, the filmmaker grants BDFF the right to use posters, trailers, and social media links for promotional purposes.

10. Screening Rights: The Festival treats all submissions with confidentiality. If selected for public screening, the filmmaker grants the Festival permission to download the film for projection. No screening fees or financial compensation will be paid to the filmmaker for these screenings.

11. Venues: Official Selection films will be screened in cinemas and/or cultural centers in Vienna, Budapest, and selected films in Bratislava.

12. Awards Delivery: Laurels and certificates will be sent via email. Cash prizes will be delivered via bank transfer.

13. Post-Festival Screenings: Selected films may be screened by BDFF up to two times following the main festival dates.

14. Final Decision: The jury’s decision is final and beyond dispute.

15. Right to Change: The Festival reserves the right to make necessary changes to the regulations or scheduling as needed.
16 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Andrej Haring

    We had a nice screening at the festival and a well-moderated Q&A in Vienna! We'd like to visit all the cities (Budapest, Györ, Bratislava) next year!

    December 2025
    Helpful
  • Patrick Juranyi

    Had a realy great expirence at the festival !!!

    December 2025
    Helpful
  • Gentian Gjikopulli

    Blue Danube Film Festival is a very accurate film festival that embodies film as an art form, in all its expressions. It was an honor to be part of it and in my experience it’s the best festival I’ve attended so far. Thank you for choosing my film Two Suns in the Sunset as a Winner of the Super Short Category. Thanks to a great team of dreamers and technicians that made this event happen. Thanks to you all.

    October 2023
    Helpful
  • Morag Brownlie

    Fantastic festival with a stunning selection - I wish I could have attended . Great coverage and exposure for film makers. Thank you

    February 2022
    Helpful
  • Roberto Telles

    I'm very gratefull to have participated in this festival and honored for the price given to my work.

    December 2020
    Helpful