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About DFFI

"Nothing is more powerful than an idea whose time has come"

Victor Hugo

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About DFFI

Digital Film Festival Istanbul (DFFI) is an international short film festival that aims to honor and spotlight the work of creative, talented, and independent filmmakers with an entrepreneurial spirit.

DFFI proudly celebrates the sustainability and originality of cinema by accepting independent short films of all kinds, small or large-scale productions created by professionals, individuals, students, communities, or institutions from all around the world.

Organized by Digital Film Academy Istanbul, DFFI was launched for the first time in 2023.

By placing the transformation of conventional film production and viewing methods at the center of its theme "Sustainability of Cinema" DFFI also aims to open up new spaces for creative expression and dialogue.

The festival focuses on digitally shot films with strong storytelling. DFFI supports and encourages all short filmmakers who succeed in creating compelling and original works shot with any type of digital camera equipment, promoting digital film production and viewing methods with an innovative perspective in the evolving cinema industry.

a Quick look at the DFFI

Contest

DFFI accepts online applications during whole year.

After the winners of each category are determined by the Jury by scoring method, the winners of the year are announced online and introduced on online platforms.

Physical screenings of selected films are held in various venues in Istanbul every year. The winners will be honored at the annual ceremony in Istanbul.

Besides the conventional award categories such as the Best Film, the Best Director , the DFFI also honours the submitted films regarding their message to the world.

The Digital Film Academy Special Award

A film among all submitted films selected by the DFA Instructors is given the Digital Film Academy - Istanbul Special Award.

The UN Goals Theme Special Award

A film which emphasizes the UN Goals the best is given "The UN Goals Theme Award" selected among all submitted films by the Jury.

Because DFFI appreciates the effort you put into your films and aims to bring your films to as many people as possible.