Announcements

I’m excited to share that FEST New Directors, New Films Festival have officially announced their open call for FILMS. As a partner of the festival, film submissions are free of charge for Catalyst students, alumni and team. 

• Deadline: 2 February 2026
• Waiver code: 26FICATA22F
• Your film submission must be submitted via FilmFreeway - attached to this post you’ll find a support guide on how to do it. 

/// What are they looking for?

• Short Films (up to 54 minutes) in Fiction, Documentary, Animation, and Experimental Cinema by directors who have released no more than two feature films, regardless of age.
• Feature Films (55 minutes or longer) in Fiction and Documentary by directors on their first or second feature film, regardless of age.

Remember to use your schools waiver code for free submissions: 26FICATA22F and don’t forget to consult the rules and regulations on their website.

/// Festival dates: 

FEST will be taking place 20–28 June 2026, as per usual at the sunny seaside town of Espinho, Portugal!

If you have any questions about the submission process or FEST, please reach out to hannah@catalyst-berlin.com.