The ifva Awards, formerly known as the Hong Kong Independent Short Film and Video Awards, is accepting short films until June 21, 2026. *Only for Hong Kong and Asian Filmmakers*

About the ifva Awards:
Organised by Hong Kong Arts Centre, ifva is an Incubator for Film and Visual media in Asia (formerly the Hong Kong Independent Short Film and Video Awards).

Founded in 1995, ifva serves as a platform that actively promotes and encourages creative talents in Asia, making short films, videos, animation and media art. With a cutting-edge vision and highlight independent spirit, ifva has evolved to promote different visual cultures while exploring the boundless potential of creative media. In addition to the annual competition and festival, ifva curates a host of programmes under two initiatives, “Cultivation” and “Engagement”. By connecting creative communities all over the world, ifva aims to engage everyone in the art of creation. ifva is also a core event of Entertainment Expo Hong Kong.

Rules for ALL categories:
– All entries MUST BE produced on or after 1 June 2024.
– Short films must be under 30 minutes including end credits.
– Commercial and music videos are not eligible for submission.
– Each Entrant can enter multiple categories. However, each entry submitted may only enter one category.
– Entries that have been submitted to previous ifva Awards will not be accepted.
– An Entry duly submitted shall be final. No further revision or amendment and/ or exchange of version to the submitted copy shall be made.
– All entries must at least include English subtitles.
– Submissions must be made via FilmFreeway.

Open Group
– Only for Hong Kong Permanent resident.
– Must be age of 18 or above on or before 31 May 2026.
– Submitted films must be live-action.

Youth Group
– Only for Hong Kong Permanent resident.
– Must be age of 17 or below on or before 31 May 2026.
– Submitted films must be live-action.

Asian New Force
– National / permanent resident of any Asian countries or regions (excluding Hong Kong).
– Must be age of 18 or above on or before 31 May 2026.
– Submitted films must be live-action.

Hong Kong/International Tertiary Student Group
– Full time students of tertiary institutions in Hong Kong; or in Asian countries or regions
– No age or nationality restriction

Animation
– Hong Kong permanent resident or National / permanent resident of any Asian countries or regions
– Must be age of 18 or above on or before 31 May 2026.

Tertiary Student Group Animation
– Full time students of tertiary institutions in Hong Kong; or Asian countries or regions
– No age or nationality restriction

AI Creation
– AI must be the core creative tool and be used solely across production. Video generation, motion graphic generation, and stimulation of character performance must be generated by AI tools.
– Hong Kong permanent resident or National / permanent resident of any Asian countries or regions
– Must be age of 18 or above on or before 31 May 2026.

– Submission Fees and Deadlines:

– Notification Date: September 30, 2026

To submit international films please visit this link: https://filmfreeway.com/ifva30

We remind readers that the 30th ifva Awards will take place from October 9 – 25, 2026 at the Hong Kong Arts Center, Hong Kong.

Looking for a festival distributor? Learn more about our services here

To see other Calls please follow the next link: “Call For Entries”.