Istanbul will become the meeting point for independent cinema, digital technology, and creative industries for the third time with the International Digital Film Festival Istanbul (DFFI) from 18-21 October 2025. Festival applications are open until 31 July. Director Özcan Alper chairs the main jury of the 3rd DFFI. The festival’s main jury also includes actress Bennu Yıldırımlar, art director Natali Yeres, academician Prof. Dr. Hülya Önal, academician Asst. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Bülbül, digital artist Ecem Dilan Köse, and film critic Sadi Çilingir.
Short Film Application Deadline: 31 July 2025
The 2025 DFFI Theme:
“A New Era, A New Narrative: Cinema with Generative AI”
Regarding the festival’s vision, Festival Director İlknur Doruker stated:
*“DFFI not only supports independent short filmmakers but also creates space for new discussions about the future of cinema. With our 2025 theme ‘Generative AI in Cinema,’ we invite exploration into how AI can expand the boundaries of cinema through creativity. The focus is on how AI technologies are used in cinema, what innovations they offer, what boundaries they push, and how they will shape cinema’s future. In addition to the special category for AI-generated short films, we aim to foster knowledge-sharing through panels, workshops, and talks – encouraging creativity and developing critical perspectives.”*
Festival Application Categories:
- Fiction
- Experimental
- Documentary
- Animation
- AI-Generated
- Video Art
- Fashion
Short film applications can be submitted via the FilmFreeway platform on the festival’s official website:
digitalfilmfestival.org
Deadline: 31 July 2025.
DFFI aims to contribute to the independent cinema ecosystem by supporting original, innovative short films with powerful narratives, shot with any digital camera equipment.
Festival Dates: 18–21 October 2025
Location: Istanbul
For detailed information about the festival:
🌐 Website: digitalfilmfestival.org
📱 Instagram: @festivaldffi
