Submissions · Open now
Submit
Sixteen categories, judged by an international jury. Final deadline: 20 October 2026.
The Categories
Sixteen categories
From features to sound design, including three dedicated AI categories judged to the same standard as the classic crafts.
Best Feature Film
Narrative or documentary work over 60 minutes.
Best Short Film
Fiction, documentary or animated work under 30 minutes.
Best Documentary
Non-fiction storytelling, at feature or short length.
Best Animation
2D, 3D, stop-motion or experimental animated work.
Best AI-Short Film AI
Short films where AI plays a significant role in the craft.
Best AI-Commercial AI
Commercials and branded work built with AI at the core.
Best AI-Music Video AI
Music videos where AI drives the visual language.
Best Experimental
Work that pushes the boundaries of traditional storytelling.
Best Student Film
Films made during study. Proof of enrollment required.
Best Arab Film
A dedicated spotlight on cinema from the Arab world.
Best Director
The festival’s craft award for direction.
Best Actor
Lead or supporting performance across the official selection.
Best Actress
Lead or supporting performance across the official selection.
Best Cinematography
Light, composition and camera movement.
Best Editing
For rhythm, structure and the cut.
Best Sound Design
Sound design and final mix.
Rules & Eligibility
The essentials
The essentials, in plain language. The full rules and terms live on the FilmFreeway listing.
Open worldwide. Filmmakers from every country are welcome, with particular emphasis on diverse voices and new technology in filmmaking.
FilmFreeway only. All films must be submitted through the official FilmFreeway listing before the deadline.
English subtitles are required for any film with dialogue in another language.
You must hold full rights to your film, including music, visuals and any AI-generated content.
Lengths: features run over 60 minutes; shorts run under 30.
Students: proof of enrollment is required for the student category.
Judging: originality, storytelling, technical execution and artistic vision. The jury’s decision is final.
You keep your rights. Submitting grants the festival a non-exclusive right to screen the film and use clips for promotion, and nothing further.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
How do I submit my film?
Exclusively through FilmFreeway — festival ID 87181. There is no other submission channel, and no submission by email.
When is the 2026 deadline, and where do I submit?
Submissions are open now and the final deadline is 20 October 2026. Entry fees are listed on the FilmFreeway page, which is the only place to submit. Selections are announced 12 November.
My film is not in English. Is it eligible?
Yes. Golden Dunes is an international festival. Films with dialogue in any other language simply need English subtitles.
How long can my film be?
Features are narrative or documentary works over 60 minutes. Shorts, whether fiction, documentary or animated, run under 30 minutes.
What counts as an “AI” film?
Work that significantly uses artificial intelligence in writing, directing, editing or VFX. You must hold full rights to everything in the film, including AI-generated content.
Who judges, and on what basis?
A jury including Ron Perlman, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Academy Award winner Cuba Gooding Jr. and Academy Award–winning producer Phillip B. Goldfine. Meet the full jury. Films are judged on originality, storytelling, technical execution and artistic vision. The jury’s decision is final.
What do winners receive?
The 24-karat gold-plated Golden Dunes Trophy, presented live at the awards gala on 29 November at Belcanto, Dubai Opera. Winners also receive official laurels, an exclusive screening of the winning films, international media exposure through press releases, red-carpet photos and interviews, and networking with producers, distributors and festival guests.
And if I’m selected but don’t win?
Every Official Selection receives digital laurels, featured placement on the festival website and guide, promotion across the festival’s social and press channels, VIP access to events, panels and screenings, complimentary passes to the awards night and filmmaker mixers, and opportunities for Q&A or panel participation.
Do I keep the rights to my film?
Yes. Filmmakers retain full rights. Submitting grants the festival a non-exclusive right to screen the film and to use short clips and stills for marketing and press.
