Berlin International Underground Film Festival (BIUFF) Launches
Today, the Berlin International Underground Film Festival (BIUFF) officially begins its operations by opening the call for entries for its inaugural edition. The festival enters the scene with a clear mission as a new movement to support independent filmmakers, fearless voices, and unconventional works from around the globe: to build a true ecosystem for a cinema that dares to be different.
In a landscape saturated with soulless competitions, BIUFF is founded on authenticity and a deep commitment to the filmmaker. The festival's philosophy is crystallized in its grand prize, the "4U" Trophy, which will be awarded to a work that embodies four foundational principles: Uncensored, Uncompromising, Unconventional, and Unbound.
The festival is founded by Amir Morsali, a producer and cultural manager with two decades of experience in supporting independent cinema. His journey, which includes his key role as the Production Manager for the acclaimed film "The Seed of the Sacred Fig," has culminated in BIUFF, a crystallization of his personal commitment to protecting artists who risk everything to tell their truth.
"BIUFF is born from a deep-seated need," said Amir Morsali in a statement. "In today's world, many authentic voices get lost in the noise of commercial cinema. We are not here just to screen films; we are here to protect filmmakers, give them a platform, and grant the unseen art of production the status it deserves. This is not a festival; it is a statement."
The festival will be held in a hybrid format; the initial judging will be conducted online, with selected films being screened at a special physical event in Berlin, where the awards will be presented to the winners. In addition to numerous awards across various categories, BIUFF is proud to present, for the first time, The Production Navigator Award to Line Producers and Production Managers.
Call for Entries Details: The call for entries for the first edition of the Berlin International Underground Film Festival opens on October 15, 2025, accepting works in the categories of feature film, short film, documentary, animation, music video, mobile film, AI film, screenplay, and photography. The final deadline for submissions is December 15, 2025. Interested applicants can submit their works through the festival's official FilmFreeway page.
About BIUFF: The Berlin International Underground Film Festival (BIUFF) is a global platform and cultural movement based in Berlin, dedicated to the discovery, celebration, and support of independent, defiant, and uncensored cinema. It is the flagship initiative of the Kariz Creative Hub.