CATALYST 2027 SUBMISSIONS OPEN!
- Directors Guild of Cyprus
- 5 hours ago
- 6 min read
CALLING ALL FILMMAKERS & SCREENWRITERS: WE WANT TO SEE YOUR WORK! |
EARLYBIRD SUBMISSIONS NOW OPEN FOR CATALYST 2027 |
DIVERSE STORIES | DIVERSE STORYTELLING
CATALYST INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL focuses exclusively on films that address under-representation on screen and behind the camera; gender equality, diversity and inclusion are core to our programming. We want to create a more inclusive industry and films screened here will promote gender equality, diversity, and inclusion whether in content, key creative roles, or crew.
AWARDS 2027 |
We prioritise stories and storytellers who may struggle for visibility in the film industry and in mainstream film festivals. We believe that talent is plentiful but opportunities can be limited. Catalyst films will entertain and engage audiences - but they will also challenge and inspire.
Panel discussions, workshops, interviews, Q&A, and special events are an integral part of Catalyst International Film Festival. This is a place where diverse filmmakers, emerging and more established, can connect and perhaps even collaborate. It is also the place where diversity is welcomed, not merely accommodated.
Key issues of the day are enthusiastically debated with filmmakers, guest speakers, industry personnel and audience members. We anticipate not only a festival of films but also of ideas and opinions. We believe that there are clear cultural benefits created by engaging with diverse films and filmmakers.
Mindful of the power of film to engage and challenge, Catalyst International Film Festival will provide thought provoking cinema and proactive debate. We seek to generate new audiences and discussion around gender equality, diversity and inclusion and the practice of that by individual filmmakers. Our targeted festival guests will themselves speak to diversity whether in the vision, themes and characters explored in their films (content) and/or in the diversity of their personnel and crew (behind camera). Catalyst aims to generate new audiences for film culture and present a thought provoking and innovative programme.Catalyst International Film Festival is also keen to engage with emerging filmmakers, ‘new’ rather than inevitably ‘young’, in order to broaden the horizons of potential future filmmakers and audience members.
Awards & Prizes
FILM AWARDS 2027
- Best Irish Short Film (Not open to student filmmakers)
- Best International Short Film
- Best Documentary Short Film (International students eligible;
ROI & NI students must submit to National Student Award category)- National Student Short Film Award (3rd Level - If you are completing a course in 2026 your project will be accepted)- Short Screenplay Award
Rules & Terms
FILMS:
1. Short films must not run longer than 20 minutes including titles and credits. Please note that 20 minutes is the absolute maximum; any films with a runtime above this will not be considered.
2. Only films submitted through FilmFreeway can be considered by Catalyst IFF. Applications should include a brief synopsis (20-30 words) and up to 5 high res images (images must be titled "ProjectTitle_01" etc.)
3. All submissions must complete the section indicating which diversity criteria your film has met. See the section below on Gender, Diversity and Inclusion Standards. If films are submitted without this information they will not be considered and the application fee will not be refunded.
4. Catalyst IFF cannot pay screening fees for any of the films submitted or selected.
5. Submission Deadline 26th February 2027. All films must be submitted in final form and ready for screening.
6. Submissions EARLY BIRD - until Friday, 16th October 2026.
7. Only films completed after January 2025 can be considered.
8. Student films must be submitted with a valid Student I.D. in order to avail of the reduced submission fee. National Student Short Award Category must be selected when submitting if project is ROI/NI.
9. If the film is not in the English language it must have English subtitles.
10. Music and image rights must be cleared for all films.
11. Selected submissions extracts and images may be included in all Catalyst promotional material and publicity. (Extracts limited to and not exceeding 1 min)
12. Entry fees are non-refundable.
13. By submitting to Catalyst IFF you are accepting all the festival regulations and procedures.
14. Decisions of the Catalyst IFF Jury and Judges is final
15. The festival will liaise with the filmmaker regarding screening formats after final decisions have been taken - all selected films must be sent in DCP format with any subtitles in the requested format. Catalyst is not responsible if a selected film is not screened in the correct screen ratio during the festival as we will have provided filmmakers with the required format in advance.
16. Selected finalists will be individually notified and a list will be on the website and social media platforms We regret we cannot provide individual feedback on your submission.
17. Live action, animation and documentary are all accepted.
18. If you are a First Time Filmmaker you must select this Category.
19. Short Screenplays must be uploaded in PDF format and must be completely "blind" - no identifying watermarks or writer's details on any pages.
20. All short film submissions must include appropriate trigger warnings and a recommended viewing age to ensure suitability for our audience. We understand this is subjective however any detail you can provide is helpful.
CRITERIA:
For inclusion in the Catalyst International Film Festival films will need to satisfy a number of criteria in order to demonstrate how content and personnel represent gender equality, diversity, and inclusion (GEDI).
Basically, If your film or script reflects gender equality, diversity and inclusion on screen and/or behind the camera…we want to see it!Films must demonstrate a commitment to inclusion and meet the criteria in the following areas:
A) On-screen
B) creative leadership.
C) On-screen representation, themes and narratives: if your film has a lead character/s or at least two secondary character/s in the underrepresented group list AND/OR has a storyline or subject matter about an underrepresented character/s or group it qualifies for consideration for the festival.
AND
Behind the Camera Representation: If at least one member of your film’s key creative team – writer, director, producer, cinematographer, editor - is on the underrepresented group list OR two or more crew member it qualifies for consideration for the festival.
The festival seeks to address underrepresentation in the following areas:
· Gender· Social and economic exclusion· Race· Disability· Age· Sexual Orientation· Membership of the Travelling Community
Please note this is not a definitive list and we would welcome queries about films that address under-representation in areas not mentioned here.
SHORT SCREENPLAY AWARD 2027 - In association with the Writers Guild of Ireland (WGI)
1. All Scripts must be submitted COMPLETELY BLIND in PDF format, PLEASE REMOVE ALL IDENTIFYING WATERMARKS +/ NAMES IN YOUR PDF (If this is not provided you will automatically be disqualified.)]
2. All scripts to be submitted via FilmFreeway in the English or Irish language, maximum 10 pages. Longer scripts will be disqualified.
3. The story, themes and/or characters should reflect the ethos of Catalyst International Film Festival which champions under-represented groups and supports gender equality, diversity and inclusion.
4. Scripts that are in production or under option are not eligible. The script must be an original work of the author(s). Only screenplays will be accepted.
5. Works written by another author are not eligible. A script adapted from your own work is eligible if you currently retain the rights.
6. Script revisions must be entered as a new submission and pay a new fee.
7. Screenwriter must be 18 years or older on date of submission.
8. Decisions of the Judges are final and confidential.
9. Winners will be selected from a short list decided by an industry panel. Finalists will be notified and winners will be announced on our website.
10. Unfortunately, the festival is unable to provide individual feedback on your submission.
SCREENPLAY AWARD PRIZES:
Winner- Cash Prize of €1,500- Membership of Writers Guild of Ireland (WGI) for one year
Book Voucher – Value €150 (Kindly sponsored by WGI)- Catalyst Trophy
Second Place:- Cash Prize of €500
Please respect that Catalyst is a relatively small festival and cannot issue waivers, please do not email the festival asking for waivers.
**The festival does not accept late submissions, please do not contact us after the deadline date with a late submission request, it is not fair to other submitters**
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