Tales from the Balkans – Alexandria International Film Festival

The International Alexandria Short Film Festival (IASFF) is an international short film festival based in Alexandria, Greece, presenting contemporary short films from the Balkans and around the world.

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Competition Sections
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The International Alexandria Short Film Festival (IASFF) presents a curated selection of short films through a set of distinct competition sections, designed to reflect different cinematic forms, audiences, and stages of creative practice.

International Competition Section
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Open to short fiction films from filmmakers around the world, the International Fiction Competition showcases contemporary works distinguished by strong storytelling, clear cinematic vision, and meaningful audience engagement.

This section reflects the festival’s international character and its commitment to presenting diverse narrative voices, aesthetic approaches, and cultural perspectives within the short fiction format.

Documentary Competition Section
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The Documentary Competition is dedicated exclusively to short non-fiction films that engage with reality through observation, research, and critical inquiry.

By presenting documentary works in a distinct competitive section, IASFF creates a focused curatorial space for films that explore social, political, personal, and cultural realities, encouraging thoughtful viewing and dialogue around contemporary issues.

Animation Competition Section
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The Animation Competition presents short animated films across a wide range of techniques, styles, and narrative approaches.

This section reflects IASFF’s commitment to animation as an autonomous cinematic form, while also supporting inclusive and accessible screenings that can engage diverse audiences, including family-oriented and intergenerational viewing experiences.

Balkan Young Filmmakers Competition Section
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The Balkan Young Filmmakers Competition is dedicated to emerging directors from the Balkan region, offering a platform for new voices to present their work within an international festival context.

Open to short films in fiction, documentary, animation, and hybrid forms, this section aims to support early-career filmmakers, first and second films, and independent productions, encouraging cinematic expression shaped by diverse cultural, social, and personal perspectives across the Balkans.

Student Competition Section
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IASFF also hosts a Student Competition dedicated to secondary school students from the Imathia region, focusing on film education, workshops, and first creative encounters with cinema.

This section forms an integral part of the festival’s educational mission, encouraging early engagement with audiovisual storytelling and supporting the development of critical thinking, creativity, and cinematic literacy among young participants.

Please note: this section is not open for submissions via FilmFreeway.

Deadline: July 1st 2026.

Submission here