FICCI 66 Opens Call for Entries: Submission Window and Categories

CARTAGENA, Colombia — Organizers of the Cartagena de Indias International Film Festival (FICCI) have officially opened the FICCI 66 call for entries, inviting filmmakers, sales agents, and distribution agencies from around the world to submit their works for the festival’s 66th edition. The annual gathering, recognized as one of Latin America's longest-running film forums, accepts submissions across feature films, short subjects, and work-in-progress projects.

The official window for submission opened on September 1, 2026, setting into motion the selection process for the festival scheduled to take place from April 6 to April 11, 2027, in Cartagena, Colombia. The international call aims to curate a diverse lineup reflecting Ibero-American and global cinema.

Key Submission Deadlines and Registration Fees

The organizers established a structured timeline for submissions, including discounted early-bird rates and specific deadlines for different entry tiers:

• Submissions Opening Date: September 1, 2026

• Early Bird Deadline: October 31, 2026

• Final Submission Deadline: November 29, 2026 (at 23:59 COT)

• Selection Notification: March 14, 2027

Standard registration fees apply depending on project type and submission date. Early-bird fees are set at $30 USD for short films, $60 USD for feature films, and $10 USD for feature-length Work in Progress (WIP) entries. After October 31, 2026, standard rates increase to $35 USD for short films, $70 USD for feature films, and $15 USD for WIP feature films. Specific categories—including University Short Films, Tierra Adentro, De Indias, and short-film WIP entries—are exempt from festival registration fees, excluding standard platform transaction fees.

Competitive and Curated Categories

The FICCI 66 call for entries encompasses 11 official sections. The selection committee reviews projects of various formats, genres, and modes of production across the following curated sections:

1. Official Feature Films & Short Films: Open to international, Ibero-American, and Colombian productions.

2. Specialized Curations: Includes dedicated spaces such as (S)paces of Time, De Indias, and Tierra Adentro.

3. Indigenous & Afro Cinemas: Dedicated showcases featuring Cines Afros and Cines Indígenas.

4. University Shorts: Platform for academic and student filmmakers.

5. Work in Progress (WIP): Professional development categories spanning WIP Colombia (Feature & Short) and WIP Ibero-America (Feature), evaluated by specialized juries to grant post-production support grants.

Official Sources

According to official regulations published by festival organizers via Festhome, all submissions must be uploaded through the online platform. Organizers stated that an expert curatorial committee, under the guidance of the Artistic Direction, will evaluate all submitted projects to assemble the final program.

Why It Matters

The opening of the FICCI 66 call for entries provides independent filmmakers, producers, and distribution companies a pathway to international exhibition and industry exposure. Selected films gain access to regional distributors, sales agents, international press, and festival programmers, offering critical momentum for emerging and established talent within Latin American and global cinema ecosystems.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Event: 66th Cartagena de Indias International Film Festival (FICCI 66)

• Dates of Festival: April 6 – April 11, 2027

• Final Submission Deadline: November 29, 2026

• Platform: Festhome portal

• Exempt Categories: University Shorts, Tierra Adentro, De Indias, and WIP Shorts

Frequently Asked Questions

How can filmmakers submit their entries for FICCI 66?

Filmmakers must complete their registration and upload screening materials through the official Festhome platform prior to the deadline.

What is the final deadline for the FICCI 66 call for entries?

The final deadline for all categories, including Work in Progress projects, is November 29, 2026, at 23:59 COT.

Are there free submission categories available?

Yes, select sections such as University Short Films, Tierra Adentro, De Indias, and WIP Short Films do not charge a festival registration fee.

When will selected filmmakers be notified?

Official email notifications regarding curatorial selections will be sent to participants on March 14, 2027.

Source: Cartagena de Indias International Film Festival (FICCI) Official Guidelines and Festhome Listing.