DISCOVERED IN BERLIN
The Berlin International Underground Film Festival (BIUFF) is more than a festival; it is a convergence point. Standing in Berlin—a city where rebellion and art are woven into its DNA—we are building a professional, avant-garde ecosystem for independent cinema.
BIUFF is a dedicated physical experience. We believe that the true magic of film happens in the shared darkness of a theater, where light hits the screen and ideas come alive. We are here to define new standards, placing unique visions and bold forms not on the fringes, but at the center. Our mission is to forge a future where artistic authenticity is the sole criterion for discovery.
Our scope is as wide as independent cinema itself. Whether your work is a polished narrative drama, an observational documentary, animation, or a radical experimental piece, we welcome all genres and forms. Our only condition is the "independent spirit." We look for quality and auteur vision, regardless of how your film is categorized.
OUR MANIFESTO
In a world saturated by market-driven algorithms and filtered narratives, BIUFF rises as a sanctuary. A sanctuary not of walls, but of light projected in the dark—a space dedicated to the preservation of cinematic integrity.
Our philosophy is rooted in our "4U" core values. These principles serve as our compass:
- UNCENSORED: Truth without filters.
- UNCOMPROMISING: Vision without dilution.
- UNCONVENTIONAL: Form without rules.
- UNBOUND: Creation without chains.
Selection Criteria & Awards:
To be accepted and compete in our specialized categories (such as Best Narrative Feature, Best Director, etc.), your work simply needs to reflect just one of these values. Any film with something to say will be judged and honored in its respective category.
However, the "4U" Grand Trophy is reserved for the singular work that embodies the totality of this philosophy, manifesting all four principles at once.
THE BERLIN EXPERIENCE
The journey of our filmmakers leads to a prestigious physical event in Berlin. Far from a simple screening, our festival is a 3-day convergence of art and industry.
- Live Screenings: Selected works are showcased on the big screen to an enthusiastic audience.
- Industry Workshops: Exclusive sessions designed to empower filmmakers with practical knowledge.
- Networking & Awards: A space to connect with producers and peers, concluding with our Awards Ceremony and the presentation of the "4U" Trophy.
FESTIVAL LEADERSHIP
BIUFF is driven by the collaborative leadership of Amir Morsali and Livia Lück—a partnership that unites the raw intensity of independent cinema with elite international event production.
Amir Morsali & Livia Lück | Festival Directors
Together, Amir and Livia bring a powerful duality to the festival’s helm.
Amir represents the festival’s defiant soul and artistic vision. With over two decades of experience as a producer, director, and cultural manager, he has organized numerous international festivals and cultural events. His career is defined by championing independent voices against all odds—a journey that culminated in his key role as Production Manager for the Oscar-nominated and Cannes-winning film, "The Seed of the Sacred Fig" by Mohammad Rasoulof.
Livia brings the art of execution and structural creativity to the festival. With an aesthetic eye and a rich background in cultural management, she bridges the gap between abstract ideas and tangible reality. Her professional portfolio includes years of working in global artistic hubs like Paris Fashion Week, where she fused artistic boldness with technical precision in collaboration with pioneers like Rick Owens. A polyglot fluent in seven languages with extensive experience in festival organization, she creates a borderless, global narrative for BIUFF.
United in Purpose
This co-leadership fuses deep artistic resilience with world-class execution. Amir and Livia stand together in their commitment to amplifying independent voices, ensuring BIUFF is not just a platform for rebellious art, but a professionally robust ecosystem for creators worldwide.
