Submit to the first edition.
PIFF is looking for bold cinema with a point of view: films with sign language, films by Deaf-led teams, films featuring Deaf performers, work exploring visual storytelling, AI and hybrid methods, and international cinema that understands image, body, language, rhythm, sound, conflict, beauty and risk.
Where your film fits.
Selected films compete for The Black Flag Awards, the official awards of PIFF Stockholm, presented at The Black Flag Gala.
International Feature
40 minutes or longer. PIFF features may range from 40 to 120 minutes. Longer works may be considered by invitation.
Documentary Feature
30 minutes or longer.
Short Documentary
Up to 30 minutes.
Short Film Competition
5–30 minutes.
AI Motion Shorts
Up to 12 minutes. AI must be a meaningful creative tool, not a gimmick. Use of AI must be declared.
PIFF Originals
Commissioned or supported short works selected through PIFF's production initiative.
Youth / Emerging
For filmmakers 25 and under, or first-time filmmakers.
Audience Award
Selected by the festival audience.
Black Flag Grant
A development or production grant for one bold new film idea.
PIFF prioritises sign language cinema, Deaf-led film and work with meaningful Deaf creative participation. Selected films should meet at least one of the following:
- 01The film uses sign language as a meaningful part of the storytelling.
- 02The film is Deaf-led, with at least one D/deaf person in a key creative role such as director, writer or producer.
- 03The film includes substantial D/deaf cast or crew participation.
- 04The film centres Deaf experience, sign language culture, visual language, accessibility, identity or related screen culture in a serious and artistically relevant way.
- 05AI Motion Shorts may be accepted if AI is used as a declared creative tool and the work still fits PIFF's wider artistic and ethical direction.
Films that do not include sign language or Deaf creative participation may be considered only by invitation or if they have strong contextual relevance to PIFF's programme.
- English subtitles or captions are required for all selected films.
- Films with spoken dialogue must include captions.
- Sign language films must include English subtitles unless the work is presented in another approved access format.
- Final technical specifications will be published before submissions open.
- AI use must be declared.
- Rights, source material, datasets and likenesses must be cleared.
- PIFF is interested in authored work, not automated demos.
Estimated EUR pricing. Written Review Add-on varies with format and depth. PIFF Originals and Black Flag Grant application terms to be announced.
Official submission platform, deadlines, rules and fees will be announced before submissions open.
Optional, filmmaker-first.
Designed to give filmmakers useful material for development, marketing, future festival strategy and funding applications.
Paid feedback does not influence selection. Feedback options are optional. Pricing to be announced.
Basic Festival Notes
Short written comments from the programming team.
Professional Written Review
A structured written review from a recognised Deaf filmmaker, critic or industry professional.
Marketing Quote Review
A short curated quote if the film is suitable for public-facing promotional use.
Know someone building bold cinema or sign language storytelling? Send them the call.