Open Call: 23rd Verzió International Human Rights Documentary Film Festival (17–25 Nov 2026)

    Verzió 2026: Call for Entries now open

    The Verzió International Human Rights Documentary Film Festival is now accepting submissions for its 23rd edition, inviting filmmakers worldwide to present new documentary works engaging with social, environmental and human rights issues.

    Taking place 17–25 November 2026 in cinemas across Budapest and nationwide, followed by an online edition (26 November – 6 December 2026) on the Verziótéka platform, the festival continues to offer a strong platform for urgent, politically engaged storytelling.

    Who can submit?

    The call is open to documentary films produced in 2025 or 2026.
    International submissions must be available in English, while Hungarian-language films should be submitted in Hungarian. All films must include English subtitles.

    Programme & sections

    Around 50 films will be selected for the official programme, including:

    • three competition sections (International, Doc Future, Hungarian)
    • non-competitive thematic programmes
    • the Student Verzió strand for younger audiences

    Both feature-length films and short film programmes are considered. The festival prioritises international, regional and Hungarian premieres.

    Awards

    Selected films compete for several awards, including:

    • Best Human Rights Film
    • Best Documentary Film
    • Best Hungarian Film
    • Doc Future Award
    • Audience Award

    Winners are selected by international juries, with the Human Rights Award decided by a dedicated Youth Jury.

    Key details

    • Festival dates (cinema): 17–25 November 2026
    • Online edition: 26 November – 6 December 2026
    • Submission deadline: 31 May 2026
    • Entry fee: none

    Films must not have been previously screened in Hungary or submitted to Verzió, and must be available via an online screening link through the selection period.

    The Verzió festival is a key meeting point for filmmakers and audiences committed to documentary storytelling that engages critically with contemporary realities and global challenges.

    For more information and to submit your film, visit the official Verzió website.

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