STIFF – the International Student Film Festival invites filmmakers to submit their films by May 15 for the 13th edition of the festival, which will take place from November 25 to 28, 2026, in Rijeka, Croatia.

The theme of the 13th STIFF is MISTAKES.
What are the different methods of learning and overcoming obstacles? Can uncomfortable, seemingly insurmountable experiences provide insights that ease and skill cannot so easily offer? Do mistakes hold their own potential?

By exploring the many aspects of this theme, we aim to create a program that speaks about the beauty of learning, growth through experience, and the positive possibilities that emerge in challenging times. Through the diverse cinematic perspectives of young filmmakers, we will examine how mistakes can be not only an inevitable part of the journey, but also a valuable segment of it — a place of transformation, healthy change, and genuine realization.

The STIFF film program is open to student fiction, documentary, and animated films up to 60 minutes in length, produced after January 1, 2024. Submissions are also open to debut works by former film students, as well as experimental films. Films must be in English or include English subtitles, and are accepted exclusively through the FilmFreeway platform.

The festival jury will award prizes for the best fiction, documentary, and animated film, and the audience will also have the opportunity to choose their favorite. Special mentions may be given to outstanding talents. Submissions are open until May 15, 2026.

Submit your film via the FilmFreeway link.

Submissions are free of charge until March 17, 2026.

The International Student Film Festival (STIFF) is the first Croatian international festival dedicated exclusively to student film.

Launched by Filmaktiv and the Student Cultural Center of the University of Rijeka, the festival aims to present the best of global student film production. It is devoted to promoting student works and strengthening film and video production in Croatia and the region. STIFF offers insight into the work of fellow filmmakers, encourages the exchange of ideas, and supports cross-border collaboration in the fields of film, video, and animation. Admission to all screenings and accompanying festival events is free of charge.

STIFF is organized in partnership with Art-kino and co-financed by the Croatian Audiovisual Centre (HAVC), the City of Rijeka, and the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County.