Rules & Eligibility

The Golden Dunes Dubai International Film Festival is an annual event celebrating global cinema, original storytelling and emerging talent.

The festival is open to filmmakers worldwide, with an emphasis on diverse voices, original storytelling and technological advances in filmmaking.

The festival takes place annually in Dubai, U.A.E., and includes film screenings, industry panels, workshops and networking events.

Submissions must be received before the official deadline to be considered.

All films must be submitted through FilmFreeway, the festival's official submission platform. Open the listing.

Films must carry English subtitles if the dialogue is in any other language.

The submitter must hold full rights to the film, including music, visuals and any AI-generated content.

Submission fees are non-refundable and vary by deadline.

Feature films — narrative or documentary films over 60 minutes.

Short films — fiction, documentary or animated films under 30 minutes.

AI-driven films — films making significant use of artificial intelligence in writing, directing, editing or visual effects.

Experimental films — work that pushes the boundaries of traditional storytelling and filmmaking.

Student films — films made by students. Proof of enrolment is required.

Arab Cinema Spotlight — a dedicated category for films from the Arab world.

Commercial and branded content — commercials, branded films and promotional work.

Animated films — 2D, 3D, stop-motion or experimental animation.

A jury of filmmakers, industry experts and AI specialists evaluates every submission. Meet the 2026 jury.

Films are judged on originality, storytelling, technical execution and artistic vision.

The jury's decision is final. No correspondence regarding results will be entered into.

Selected films are announced on the festival website and across the festival's social channels on 12 November 2026.

Selected films are screened in Dubai during the festival, on 28 November 2026. See the program.

Filmmakers are required to supply a high-quality screening copy in the format specified by the festival.

The festival reserves the right to use short clips, trailers and promotional material for marketing and press purposes.

Golden Dunes Awards are presented across sixteen categories, from features to sound design, including three categories for AI-made work. See all sixteen.

Winners receive the 24-karat gold-plated Golden Dunes clapboard, presented live at the awards ceremony, along with official laurels and certificates, an exclusive screening of the winning film, and press and media coverage.

Every Official Selection receives digital laurels for promotional use, featured placement on the festival website and in the festival guide, and promotion across the festival's social and press channels.

Official Selections also receive access to festival events, panels and screenings, passes to the awards night and filmmaker mixers, and the opportunity to take part in Q&A sessions or panels.

By submitting, filmmakers grant the festival the non-exclusive right to screen the film at the festival and to use promotional materials for marketing.

Filmmakers retain full rights to their films.

The festival is committed to a respectful and inclusive environment.

Any form of harassment, discrimination or unethical behaviour results in disqualification.

All festival participants must observe these rules and the local regulations of Dubai.