AFI Fest

About AFI Fest

AFI FEST 2026 presented by Canva is scheduled for October 21-25 with in-person screenings and events in Los Angeles, CA, showcasing transformative stories from groundbreaking artists. Now in its 40th year, AFI FEST is the longest-running international film festival in Los

Awards this festival can qualify you for

• BAFTA Short · British Short Film

  Screening in official competition at AFI Fest qualifies a British short film for BAFTA nomination. No win required.

• BIFA Best Film · Best British Independent Film

  In-person official selection at this BIFA Section A festival is sufficient (one Section A festival confers eligibility; the alternative is two Section B British festivals). No win required. Online-only screenings do not qualify. British independent film (BFI cultural test). 2026 window: 1 Nov 2025 to 30 Nov 2026.

• BIFA Documentary · Best British Documentary

  In-person official selection at this BIFA Section A festival qualifies a British independent documentary (BIFA docs use the same routes as features: one Section A festival, or two Section B British festivals). No win required. Online-only screenings do not qualify. 2026 window: 1 Nov 2025 to 30 Nov 2026.

• BIFA Short · Best British Short Film

  In-person official selection is sufficient; no win or competition placement required. BIFA Short Section A: one Section A festival confers eligibility. British production, under 40 minutes.

• Oscar Animated Short · Animated Short Film

  Must win the Grand Jury Prize – Animated Short.

• Oscar Documentary Feature · Documentary Feature Film

  Must win the Grand Jury Prize – Documentary Feature. Then submit separately to Academy.

• Oscar Documentary Short · Documentary Short Subject

  Must win the Grand Jury Prize – Documentary Short.

AFI Fest submission FAQ

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