I'm Migrant Film Festival

About the Open Call

The 'I’m Migrant Film Festival' is a month-long programme of screenings and events taking place at Genesis Cinema in the heart of London, UK. After a vibrant first season, IMFF is returning to Genesis Cinema and has launched a new open call for the next festival throughout February 2026. Curated by Iraqi filmmaker, photographer and writer Yamam Nabeel, the 'I’m Migrant Film Festival' brings together both emerging and established filmmakers from across the Arab World, creating a platform for cross-cultural and intergeneration conversation through film. Screenings span feature presentations and curated programmes of short film, including national and international premieres, with all events accompanied by panels and talks from acclaimed filmmakers, actors and producers. The festival aims to share global stories through film, platforming voices that may otherwise be silenced, and building a dialogue that transcends cultural, religious, and geographical differences. IMFF accepts shorts and feature-length films on any topic, and in any genre, with a focus on strong storytelling. All films in a language other than English must be subtitled in English, unless dialogue or commentary is unnecessary for comprehension and appreciation. The festival does not require premier status and films can have been completed at any time. Submissions can be either shorts or feature-length, fiction or non-fiction, with an emphasis on powerful storytelling. Due to licensing, only people aged over 18 are admitted to screening events.

What is Offered

Awards for Best Short, Best Feature, and People's Choice Award. Laurels will be awarded for all selected films. Selected filmmakers will receive personalised promotional material and social media assets.

Requirements

Filmmaker must identify as being from the SWANA (South-West Asia and North Africa) Region or part of the diaspora. Films can be shorts or feature-length, fiction or non-fiction. All films in a language other than English must be subtitled in English. Analogue film formats are not supported. Selected films require a DCP file via digital transfer or USB hard drive one month prior to screening. Feature films must not be screened elsewhere publicly in London during the Festival window without prior agreement. Submitters must legally own the work or have permission to submit it.

How to Apply

Please fill in all required fields in the online submission form on FilmFreeway. Films will not be considered without completion of the online form and confirmation of successful payment. Please read through the Rules and Terms before submitting.