Berlin Indie Film Festival
Our mission
Independent cinema,
every form, every voice.
The Berlin Indie Film Festival exists to give independent films the screen they deserve — in a real cinema, in front of a real audience, in one of Europe's most creatively charged cities. We welcome work from filmmakers at every stage of their career, from any country and in any language, judged on vision and craft alone.
We screen & award
Film Reviews
Independent Cinema,
Reviewed.
Discover our selection of independent films — thoughtful reviews from the world of festival cinema.
Regular Deadline
Tuesday, 7 July 2026
Photos
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Submissions open now
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Berlin · Since 1929
Kino Babylon
Designed by Hans Poelzig and opened in 1929, Kino Babylon is one of Berlin's most important surviving cinema buildings. Built during the final years of the Weimar Republic — when Berlin was a world centre of film culture — it was conceived from the start as a complete cinematic experience, with an orchestra pit, a cinema organ, and an architecture that still carries the memory of that era.
The building survived the Second World War intact and passed through the cultural life of East Berlin, before being restored between 1999 and 2001. The original cinema organ still plays today.
Read more →Submission rules
Read full rules →Film length · Language & subtitles · Rights & permissions · Multiple entries · Screening permission · Screening schedule · Winners & screenings · Submission format · Judging criteria · Notification
What Filmmakers Say
Proud to have been selected for this prestigious festival! Perfect all the way around.
I'm honored and thrilled to have won the award for "Best Music Video" for my music video, "Marionette!" Thank you to everyone at the Berlin Indie Film Festival for considering my work and for providing such a wonderful experience.
Je remercie ce festival pour son intérêt pour Nos refuges. Mais je n'ai pas eu d'autres nouvelles de leur part ensuite, sauf une réponse à mon mail qui invitait à une rencontre. Ce n'était pas très clair pour moi de savoir si le film allait être montré à des spectateurs, que ce soit en ligne ou lors d'une projection en salle.
Wonderful festival. Eclectic taste curated to perfection. Not clout chasing — just lovers of cinema.
Any questions?
We are here to help.
Whether you are a filmmaker, a journalist, or simply curious — feel free to reach out. We respond to all enquiries, usually within one working day.