For Filmmakers
Festival Timeline
December 15, 2025: Earlybird Submissions Open
January 17, 2026: Regular Submissions Open
February 10, 2026: Late Submissions Open
March, 1, 2026: Final Deadline to Submit
March 30, 2026: Official Selections Notification
April 18, 2026 (World Circus Day): Festival Begins
May 3, 2026: Festival Winners Announced
In its fifth year running, Circus International Film Festival will be offering 4 competitive categories for submissions: Short Shorts (Under 5 Minutes), Shorts - Documentary, Shorts - Non-Documentary, and Full Length. We are also running a competitive Exhibition category 2026. For more information about each category, visit the Submissions page.
Festival prizes will be awarded to one film in each category. Honorable Mentions may be awarded at the discretion of the jury. Audience Choice will also be awarded to one film in each competitive category.
Note: Film selections and awards will be based on excellence in filmmaking, not on the level of circus skills displayed.
BIPOC filmmakers are especially welcome.
Accessibility features are highly encouraged.
Festival Prizes:
Short Shorts - Jury Selection Prize:
$100
Short Shorts Audience Choice Prize:
TBD
Shorts - Documentary Jury Selection Prize:
$100
Shorts - Documentary Audience Choice Prize:
TBD
Shorts - Non-Documentary Jury Selection Prize:
$100
Shorts - Non-Documentary Audience Choice Prize:
TBD
Full Length Jury Selection Prize:
$250
Full Length Audience Choice Prize:
TBD