Berlinale Film Submission - Generation Section

What it is

Generation showcases contemporary films exploring the lives and realities of children and teenagers through feature-length competitions (Kplus and 14plus), a curated non-competitive programme (Generation Premieres), and a short film programme (Generation Shorts).

Who it is for

Filmmakers with fiction, documentary, animation or experimental films exploring the lives of children and teenagers.

Open to artists anywhere.

The call says: “Source page: open to applicants from any country”

Where

Berlin, Germany

When

October 21, 2026

Programme dates not listed

What you get

Exhibition at the Berlinale festival in one of four programme strands (Generation Kplus competition, Generation 14plus competition, Generation Premieres, or Generation Shorts); selected feature films compete for a Crystal Bear award.

What you need to apply

• Film must be a world, international or European premiere
• Film must be feature-length (minimum 60 minutes) or short film (maximum 20 minutes)
• Film must have been completed within 12 months prior to festival start
• Film must not have been publicly presented in Europe outside country of origin or theatrically released in Europe outside country of origin
• Film must not have been presented publicly in Germany
• Film must not have been broadcast on TV or presented on internet/VOD
• Film must never have been submitted to the Berlinale for selection
• Film must be provided in DCP or QuickTime ProRes format
• Producer responsible for providing subtitled version in English and optionally German and/or HI/SDH version

How long it takes

About 5 hours

Medium application. Estimated from the 9 items this application asks for, not from the organisation.

Cost to apply

Not listed

Apply

https://www.berlinale.de/en/film-entry/guidelines/generation.html