Film Submissions

Film submissions for the Movies that Matter Festival are open from Sunday 1 June. We invite filmmakers worldwide to submit their fiction and non-fiction films on human rights and social issues.

The Movies that Matter Festival 2026 will take place from 20 – 28 March 2026, in and around The Hague, The Netherlands.

In order to be eligible for submission, your film must meet a number of criteria: 

  • The payment of the submission fee: 
    Early Bird  1 June – 31 July 2025 € 20,- 
    Normal Fee  1 August – 30 September 2025 € 25,- 
    Late Fee 1 October – 1 November 2025  € 35,- 
  • Only documentaries and fiction films finalised or with a world premiere in 2025/2026 are eligible to submit.  
  • All lengths are accepted.  
  • Films already released in Dutch cinemas, broadcasted on Dutch television, or available online for free are not eligible for submission. Films available on paid online platforms are eligible to submit. 
  • Films must be submitted with English commentary and/or English dialogue or in the original version with English subtitles. 

If a submitted film does not match the requirements stated above, a refund of the submission fee is not guaranteed. Read the complete list of rules and regulations before submitting your film.

Film submission is possible until 1 November 2025. The outcome of the final selection will be announced at the end of February 2026. 

Submit your film

FAQ

  • The submission fee depends on when you submit your film: 

    Early Bird  1 June – 31 July 2025 € 20,- 
    Normal Fee  1 August – 30 September 2025 € 25,- 
    Late Fee 1 October – 1 November 2025  € 35,- 

  • The final deadline to submit your film is 1 November 2025. 

  • Submission fee waivers are granted only in very exceptional cases, and must be supported by strong and clear reasons.

    Please note: due to the high number of requests, waivers are rarely granted.

    • Documentaries and feature films that are completed or have their world premiere in 2025 or 2026.
    • Films of all lengths are accepted, including short films.
    • Films that have been released in Dutch cinemas before the start of the festival.
    • Films that have been broadcast on Dutch television before the festival.
    • Films that are freely available online.
    • Yes, if the film is only available on paid online platforms.
    • No, if the film is freely accessible online, it is not eligible.

  • Films must be submitted with English commentary and/or English dialogue or in the original version with English subtitles.

  • No, a (world) premiere is not required, but it may be taken into account in the final selection process. 

  • The final selection will be announced at the end of February. You will be informed about the outcome via email.

    Please note: due to the high number of submissions, we are not always able to provide individual feedback or reasons for our decision. 

  • Unfortunately, films that were submitted to a previous edition and were not selected are not eligible for resubmission.

  • Yes, you may submit a rough cut or work-in-progress.

    However, we cannot guarantee that the film will be reviewed again if a final version becomes available later.

  • Not guaranteed. If your film does not meet the eligibility criteria, the submission fee may not be refunded. 

  • Yes – if your film is selected and wins the Grand Jury Documentary Competition at Movies that Matter. This competition includes 8 documentaries focused on Human Rights. The winning film of this section will be eligible for nomination for the ACADEMY AWARD® for Best Documentary Feature Film. See here for more information.