London, 5 - 12 November 2026

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1. Purpose of the Festival

The Women and the World Film Festival explores the role of women in conflict - as defenders, leaders and peacemakers - through cinema. The festival aims to raise public awareness and encourage discussion through feature films, documentaries and short films. The festival also welcomes films engaging with related themes including displacement, trauma, human rights, social justice, and the lived consequences of conflict. The festival presents a curated programme of international cinema with a focus on socially relevant storytelling and industry engagement. 

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The festival is organised and administered by Talented U Limited, a UK-registered private company limited by guarantee operating on a not-for-profit basis. (hereinafter referred to as the “Organizer”).

The festival takes place in London, United Kingdom, in accordance with these Regulations, from 5 to 12 November 2026. The festival is organised and administered by Talented U Limited, a UK-registered private company limited by guarantee operating on a not-for-profit basis.

 

2. Festival Programme

The festival consists of competitive and non-competitive programmes.

Competitive Programme

The competitive programme consists of the following official categories:

• Feature Fiction Films (minimum 60 minutes)

• Feature Documentary Films

• Short Films (maximum 30 minutes)

Participation in the Competitive Programme

1. Submissions are open to individuals and legal entities over 18 years of age worldwide who hold the necessary rights to submit the film and authorise its screening.

2. Priority is given to films directed or produced by women, or films that centre women’s experiences in leadership, peacebuilding and defence within conflict contexts.

3. The festival actively supports the visibility of UK-based filmmakers and includes British films within its programme. Particular attention is given to films that contribute to the UK film landscape and international dialogue.

4. Eligible films must be completed between 2023 and 2026.

5. Submission period: applications are accepted from 12 November 2025.

• Early Bird deadline: 12 November 2025 - 1 March 2026 - £10

• Regular deadline: 2 March 2026 - 31 May 2026 - £20 (Short), £35 (Feature)

• Late deadline: 1 June 2026 - 15 August 2026 - £40 (Short), £50 (Feature)

1. All submissions must be made via FilmFreeway and completed by 6:00 PM (London time), 15 August 2026.

2. Approximately 20 - 30 films will be selected for the competitive programme.

3. Submitted films may also be considered for the non-competitive programme with the applicant’s consent.

4. By submitting a film, the applicant confirms participation if selected and agrees to provide all required screening and promotional materials.

5.  Films are selected through a structured multi-stage process. Initial review is carried out by pre-selectors and/or the programming team under the oversight of the Founder and Artistic Director, followed by consideration by the Festival Selection Committee and final award decisions by the Jury. Each film is viewed by a minimum of two and up to four reviewers. All submissions are assessed against consistent evaluation criteria. Priority may be given to UK premieres where relevant to programming strategy.

6. The final programme will be published on the official festival website.

7. One winner will be selected in each category.

8. The jury consists of film professionals, including critics, directors, producers and cultural experts. Jury members must not have conflicts of interest.

9. Selected applicants will be notified by 5 October 2026.

10. Winners will be announced at the Closing Ceremony on 12 November 2026.

11. Winners receive a festival diploma, statuette and, where applicable, a financial prize.

12. The Jury may award up to two Special Jury Mentions.

 

3. Conditions for Submission and Participation in the Non-Competitive Programme

The non-competitive programme includes:

• Classic cinema related to the festival theme

• Panel discussions with filmmakers, historians and activists

• Masterclasses by industry professionals

• W-World Pitch Arena - a live pitching platform for emerging women filmmakers

The festival provides opportunities for filmmakers to engage with industry professionals through panels, discussions and networking events.

These activities are designed to support professional development, visibility and industry connections.

W-World Pitch Arena

• Open to emerging women filmmakers, with priority given to displaced voices

• Accepts short and feature-length projects (fiction or documentary)

• Selected participants present their projects live to an industry jury

• This section is a development platform and is not part of the official film competition

Conditions of Participation

1. Classic cinema submissions must demonstrate historical, cultural or artistic value and align with the festival theme.

2. Panel participants must submit a proposed topic and short biography.

3. Masterclass applicants must provide a description, format and technical requirements.

General Provisions:

• All applications are reviewed by the Programming Team

• The festival reserves the right to select participants without additional explanation

• Participation in the non-competitive programme does not guarantee inclusion in the competitive programme

Submission Deadlines

• Submission deadline: 15 August 2026

• Notification: by 31 August 2026

Participant Obligations

• Participants must confirm their participation within the requested timeline

• All required materials must be delivered before the stated deadlines

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4. Selection Criteria

• Artistic quality and directorial vision

• Originality and relevance to the theme

• Technical execution

• Audience engagement and impact

• Relevance within contemporary cinema

• Contribution to the overall strength and balance of the programme

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5. Awards

Awards are presented in the following categories:

• Best Feature Film

• Best Documentary Film

• Best Short Film

• Best Director

• Best Acting Performance

• Woman of Global Impact

The festival reserves the right to adjust award categories depending on the final programme.

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6. Jury

The jury consists of international professionals from the film and cultural sectors.

The jury’s decisions are final.

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7. Screening Requirements

All selected films will be screened in cinemas in London. Screenings are professionally presented using industry-standard formats. Screenings are open to the public and take place in front of a live audience. The festival aims to provide accessible screenings where possible, including subtitled or captioned films when available.

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8. Publication and Rights

Intellectual Property Rights and Guarantees

1. By submitting a film, the applicant confirms that they have read and accepted these Regulations and have the authority to submit the work.

2. The applicant grants the Organizer the right to provide access to the film for selection and jury review, and to publicly screen the film as part of the festival. The festival may also use film stills, excerpts, synopses, trailers and other submitted materials for promotional, press, and reporting purposes in connection with the festival.

3. The festival does not pay screening fees.Screenings are presented on a non-commercial basis as part of the festival programme.

4. Once a film is officially selected and announced, withdrawal is not permitted.

5. The applicant is responsible for any claims related to copyright or third-party rights.

6. The festival undertakes to protect submitted materials and prevent unauthorised use.

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9. Financial Conditions

• Submission fees apply to the competitive programme

• Participants cover costs related to delivery of screening materials

• Awards may include financial prizes supported by partners

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10. Liability

The festival is not responsible for loss or damage of materials during shipment.

Participants must ensure all rights are cleared.

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11. Final Provisions

Participation in the festival implies full acceptance of these Regulations.

The Organizer reserves the right to amend these Regulations. Updates will be published on the official website:
https://www.iffww.com

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Contact:
info@womenandworldfilmfestival.com

The festival operates in accordance with its publicly available policy framework, including equality, conduct, and safeguarding standards.

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Contacts

For additional information, please contact via the official festival website or email.

The Women and the World Film Festival invites submissions that explore and reflect the role of women in conflict and contribute to meaningful cultural dialogue.