The Balkans Beyond Borders Short Film Festival (BBB-SFF), announces the Extension of the Call for Entries deadline for its 17th edition, until June 12. Following the strong response and growing interest from filmmakers across the Balkans and beyond, the festival has decided to extend the submission period in order to give more filmmakers the opportunity to reach the international audience of the BBB-SFF and encourage wider participation from creators who wish to share their stories through the medium of short film.
Under this year’s theme, “Shift Your Gaze to the Unseen”, filmmakers are invited to turn their gaze towards the unseen: the overlooked stories, the hidden perspectives, the parallel realities that exist within our shared social landscape but rarely reach the center of attention. We welcome films that question the limits of visibility and challenge the dominant ways of seeing, by revealing what has been ignored, silenced, or forgotten. Read more about this year’s theme of inspiration here.
The festival accepts submissions in its main competition programme, the BBB Beyond International category, as well as the BBB Creative AI category, dedicated to films exploring the creative use of Artificial Intelligence in filmmaking. This year’s edition also introduces the BBB Gen Alpha category, inviting filmmakers to create stories for Generation Alpha audiences (ages 4–15).
The 17th Balkans Beyond Borders Short Film Festival will take place in Athens, Greece, in November 2026, returning to its home city and continuing to build creative bridges between filmmakers, audiences, and communities across the Balkans.
Submissions can be made through our official FilmFreeway page, where you can also find detailed information about the Call for Entries and Terms of Participation
Submit your film by June 12, 2026 and become part of a festival that celebrates emerging voices, critical thought, and artistic exploration through the medium of short film. For more information visit our official website. Follow us on our social media and be the first to learn about all our latest news: Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin.