About the Film Festival
The Iran Open-Air International Film Festival is an international open-air film festival held annually in northern Iran.
Dedicated to cinema inspired by travel, road movies, adventure, ecotourism, environment, indigenous life, and human connection with nature, the festival presents narrative, documentary, animation, experimental, VR, and AI-based works in a unique open-air cinematic setting. Through open-air screenings, filmmaker bootcamps, VR filmmaking programs, masterclasses, workshops, and side events, the festival brings filmmakers and audiences together in the natural landscapes of northern Iran, creating a cinematic experience rooted in nature, community, and creative exchange.
Programs
•competition section includes:
-Narrative, Documentary, Animation, Experimental
-Immersive Competition: VR and AI based works
•Filmmaker boot camp
•Masters classes and workshops
Authorization Letter
-Grand Prize: Trophy + Diploma of Honor
-Additional Diplomas of Honor and special jury mentions may be awarded at the discretion of the jury.
-All officially selected films will receive a digital certificate of participation
Subject ：
Video Format ：MPEG4 MOV
- Submitted films must have been completed after January 2020.
- Films in all languages are eligible. Non-English-language films must include English subtitles.
- Films must be between 3 and 30 minutes in length, including credits.
- Applicants may submit more than one film.
- Priority will be given to films that have not previously been screened or distributed in Iran; however, no premiere status requirement applies.
- Officially selected films will be announced by August 15, 2026, and applicants will be notified via email.
- Once a film is officially selected, it may not be withdrawn from the festival.
- Upon selection, participants must provide:
a final screening copy without hardcoded subtitles, subtitle files (srt) and dialogue transcripts in both the original language and English.
- Films that do not meet the festival's technical requirements will be disqualified.
- By submitting a film to the Iran Open-Air International Film Festival, the producer or legal right holder grants Moj Fakhteh Cultural and Art Institute the non-commercial right to screen the film for educational purposes, including film screening, discussion and short film critique sessions.
- The submitter bears full responsibility for all copyright, intellectual property, and third-party rights related to the submitted work. The festival accepts no responsibility for such claims.
- No screening fees will be paid for films selected for the festival.
- The festival does not cover travel expenses. Accommodation for selected filmmakers may be provided during the festival dates.
- The Festival President and Director reserve the right to make decisions regarding any matters not covered by these regulations.
- Submission to the Iran Open-Air International Film Festival implies full acceptance of all festival rules and regulations.
- No submission fee is required for the 2026 edition
Categories and fees
Narrative short films
Video length ：3 - 30
Narrative short films with a maximum running time of 30 minutes, including credits. focused on road movies, travel and tourism, adventure and ecotourism, environmental awareness, indigenous cultures, local communities, exploration, cultural exchange, and the human connection with nature and outdoor life.
Documentary short films
Video length ：3 - 30
Documentary short films with a maximum running time of 30 minutes, including credits. focused on road movies, travel and tourism, adventure and ecotourism, environmental awareness, indigenous cultures, local communities, exploration, cultural exchange, and the human connection with nature and outdoor life.
Animation short films
Video length ：3 - 30
Animation short films with a maximum running time of 30 minutes, including credits. focused on road movies, travel and tourism, adventure and ecotourism, environmental awareness, indigenous cultures, local communities, exploration, cultural exchange, and the human connection with nature and outdoor life.
Experimental
Video length ：3 - 30
Experimental short films with a maximum running time of 30 minutes, including credits. focused on road movies, travel and tourism, adventure and ecotourism, environmental awareness, indigenous cultures, local communities, exploration, cultural exchange, and the human connection with nature and outdoor life.
VR Competition
Video length ：3 - 30
VR and Immersive works with a maximum running time of 30 minutes,
Submitted works should reflect the festival’s thematic focus on travel, nature, adventure, ecology, outdoor life, or related subjects
With a maximum running 30 minutes,including credit
