Every year, the Vilnius Film Festival attracts well above 100,000 spectators, who open themselves up to the magic of cinema. Now 30 years strong, this spring tradition offers a vast diversity of films that expand the horizons of locals and guests.
The 31st edition will take place March 9–22, 2026. Vilnius Film Festival invites filmmakers from around the globe to submit their fiction, documentary, animation, experimental feature, and short films.
The submission window has closed
The Vilnius Film Festival denounces the war inflicted on Ukraine by the russian federation and does not accept applications from Russian and Belarusian* filmmakers.
* Belarusian filmmakers and projects that have not been supported by official Belarusian state institutions are eligible to apply.
For short film – 20 Eur
For feature film – 40 Eur
For Lithuanian and Ukrainian films and co-productions, the fee is waived.
By December 19, 2025, the filmmakers of the selected films will be personally notified.
Due to the high number of applications, the festival reserves the right to notify only the selected works.
Competition
First or second feature-length films by European directors that have not yet been publicly screened in Lithuania are eligible. Eligible genres: fiction, documentary, animation, or experimental.
The cash prize for the best feature film will be awarded by the international jury. The prize is divided equally between the director and the producer of the winning film and is established by the Vilnius City Municipality.
Short Competition
For the very first time, the Vilnius Film Festival is open to short films from around the globe!
Eligibility. Fiction, documentary, animation, or experimental short films with at least one European country in co-production that have not yet been publicly screened in Lithuania.
The cash prize will be awarded to the director(s) of the best short film by the international jury. The prize is established by the Vilnius City Municipality.
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If a film does not meet the conditions of the Competition/Short Competition specified in the submission, the film may still be selected for other festival programmes. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at: benita@kinopavasaris.lt
The previous edition of the Vilnius Film Festival reached a record high in attendance— the event attracted over 130,000 spectators across Lithuania!
The winners of last year’s Vilnius Film Festival Competition were:
The winners of last year’s Short Film Competition were:
benita@ kinopavasaris.lt 
