We are thrilled to announce that the 3rd Hamburg Chinese Film Festival (CFFH) is now officially accepting submissions! Scheduled to take place from May 7th to 11th, 2025 (tentative), CFFH continues to serve as a dynamic platform that celebrates the diversity, innovation, and artistic expression within films from or related to Chinese-speaking communities. We warmly welcome filmmakers from around the globe to participate, bringing their unique visions to Hamburg’s international audience.

CFFH aims to highlight a wide range of films from or related to Chinese-speaking communities, from traditional narrative films to cutting-edge experimental works. Whether you are creating narrative features, documentaries, short films, animations, or exploring more avant-garde forms like expanded cinema and intermedia cinema, we encourage you to submit. Our festival embraces both creative risk-taking and more conventional storytelling with distinct voices and heartfelt emotions.

Why Submit to CFFH?

CFFH provides an inclusive platform that not only honors the rich tradition of films from or related to Chinese-speaking communities but also pushes the boundaries of visual storytelling. Through a combination of film screenings, panel discussions, and interactive events, we aim to foster deep exchanges between filmmakers, industry professionals, and global audiences. Here are just a few reasons to submit your film:

Thorough Review Process: Our selection committee will carefully review every film, ensuring that each submission receives fair consideration.

Platform for Innovation: We highlight innovative films that challenge conventional boundaries and storytelling methods, allowing groundbreaking projects to be recognized.

Expert Evaluation: Renowned filmmakers, critics, and industry professionals will be part of our jury, offering insightful feedback and opportunities for professional growth.

International Exposure: Selected films will be showcased to a diverse audience in Hamburg, fostering connections and expanding visibility for filmmakers beyond their local markets.

Networking Opportunities: Filmmakers will have the opportunity to connect with industry professionals, other filmmakers, and audience members through screenings, Q&A sessions, and special events.

Submission Categories

CFFH welcomes submissions in the following categories:

Mid-long and Long Feature Film: 40 minutes or more

Short Film: Less than 40 minutes

We encourage submissions from filmmakers who explore new forms of visual storytelling, as well as those who focus on traditional narrative techniques with strong thematic and emotional resonance.

Key Dates

Early Bird Deadline: 2024/10/20 23:59 (CET, Berlin Time)

Regular Deadline: 2024/11/20 23:59 (CET, Berlin Time)

Final Deadline: 2024/12/20 23:59 (CET, Berlin Time)

Awards & Prizes

Jury Award/ Special Mention

Association Award

Audience Award

Rules & Terms

1. Eligible Films for Submission

For eligibility, films submitted to CFFH must meet ONE or MORE of the following criteria:

A. The film is directed by a filmmaker from regions encompassing Chinese-speaking communities, including but not limited to mainland China, Macau, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, etc.

B. At least 50% of the creative team members (e.g., director, screenwriter, lead actors, cinematographer, editor) should be from regions encompassing Chinese-speaking communities or of Chinese/Chinese descent.

C. For non-silent films, at least 50% of the dialogue should be in Chinese or other Chinese dialects, or the main characters should be from Chinese-speaking communities, or the film content should involve Chinese or Chinese-related themes.

Nationality restrictions for the director or main creative team members do not apply.

To reduce the workload for the judges, please do not resubmit films that have been previously submitted to CFFH.

2. Acceptable Film Types

All types and genres of films are encouraged for submission.

TV series and corporate videos are not accepted.

3. Completion Date Requirement

Films completed after January 1, 2022, are eligible for submission, regardless of length.

4. Film Duration Requirements

➞ Mid-Long and Long Feature Film: 40 minutes or more

➞ Short Film: Less than 40 minutes

5. Number of Submissions

Each director can submit up to three different films.

6. Subtitle Requirement

For films with non-English dialogue, English subtitles must be embedded (excluding non-dialogue films) for the convenience of judges and audiences.

7. Submission Links and Passwords

Submitters are responsible for providing valid links and passwords to access their films. Failure to do so may result in disqualification.

8. Entry Fee

The entry fee is non-refundable.

9. Festival Promotion Authorization

Upon selection for the festival, filmmakers automatically grant the festival the right to use approximately 30 seconds of film footage, stills, posters, the director's headshot, and related materials for promotional purposes during the festival.

10. Copyright Ownership

Only the person or entity with full copyright ownership of the work is entitled to submit it to the festival.

11. Copyright Responsibility

Filmmakers submitting their works to our festival are solely responsible for all copyright matters related to their films. The festival assumes no liability for any copyright disputes or claims. Filmmakers must ensure copyright compliance and indemnify the festival against any issues that may arise. Non-compliance may result in disqualification.

Submission Channel

https://filmfreeway.com/ChineseFilmFestivalHamburg

Source：CFFH