Industry

Dear Filmmaker

• • Regular Deadline: September 20, 2026.
  • Format: High-Res video file (MP4/MOV). (You do not need to submit a DCP is optional)
  • Ticketing Policy: Purchased tickets are non-refundable. Exception for Nominees: Nominees receive free admission to the Awards Ceremony on October 24. If you purchase a ticket before the nominations are announced, you may sell it privately or receive a refund at the door.

• • Arboga (October 16–18) | Theme: Talent Development & Swedish Indie Cinema
    • • Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
      • Perspective: The heart and kickoff of the festival. Thanks to its strategic location—with unbeatable proximity to major cultural and university regions like Örebro, Eskilstuna, Västerås, and Stockholm—Arboga is the perfect meeting hub for filmmakers. Over three intensive, full days, we shine a spotlight on tomorrow’s storytellers, talent development, and showcase the absolute best of contemporary Swedish indie cinema.

  • Kungsör (October 19) | Theme: The Actor’s Perspective
    • • Hours: Evening, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM.
      • Perspective: We move the festival to the historic Thor Modéen Theatre. Screening a film on this particular stage places an undeniable stamp of prestige on the craft. Named after one of Sweden’s most iconic, charismatic, and beloved actors, this venue becomes our temple for acting. Here, we highlight powerful character portraits, unique on-screen chemistry, and the fine work of actors in front of the camera.

  • Köping (October 20) | Theme: Film History Perspective
    • • Hours: Evening, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM.
      • Perspective: In Köping, we step straight into the infancy of cinema. Screenings take place in a unique theatre and cinema environment preserved since 1902. This historic setting links directly to the absolute father of cinema, Georges Méliès, and his groundbreaking masterpiece A Trip to the Moon (released in 1902). Here, we celebrate the roots of indie film and showcase works that challenge visual storytelling.

  • Västerås (October 21) | Theme: Screenplay Development & Writers’ Convention
    • • Hours: Daytime (with an evening mixer at Hotel Plaza).
      • Perspective: The Mälardalen and Västerås region has nurtured many of Sweden’s greatest authors and storytellers. Therefore, we shift the focus behind the scenes, deep into the text and dramaturgy. In Västerås, we host a dedicated screenwriting convention featuring practical workshops, lectures, and nätworking events designed to develop the screenplays of tomorrow.

  • Stockholm (October 22–24) | Theme: Production & Industry Days
    • • Hours & Location: Thursday–Saturday (daytime) at the ABF Zäta Cinema (ABF House, Sveavägen 41).
      • Perspective: The tour concludes in Sweden’s absolute production hub. Here, we gather for screenings alongside two half-days focusing on how to successfully finance, manage, and distribute indie films in the current market.

• • Awards & Party: During the evening, a total of 40 awards will be presented to this year’s top visionaries, followed by an exclusive mixer and party inside the historic venue.
  • Dress Code: Smart casual / Elegant attire.
  • Information for Nominees: Official nominations will be released publicly on October 3, and all nominated filmmakers will receive direct notifications on the same day.

• • September 7: The questionnaire and film submission portal open on this landing page.
  • September 13: The official festival program is released to the public, and sales for festival passes and tickets begin.
  • September 20: Regular Deadline. The last day to submit your film file free of charge.
  • September 20–25 (Late Submission): Submissions during these dates incur a mandatory administrative handling fee of 200 SEK to cover manual technical configuration.
  • September 25 – October 1 (Last Chance Period): Submissions during this final window incur a mandatory fee of 400 SEK. After September 20, we reserve the right to fill any unused program slots with independent ”Classic” films out of competition.
  • October 1 (at 11:59 PM): Absolute Final Deadline. The submission system closes completely. No films can be accepted after this date to ensure our technical team has enough time to prepare all playlists for the premiere.
  • October 3: Official Nominations Released! All nominated films for the grand finale are publicly announced, and nominees are notified. Ticket prices for the Skandia Cinema transition from Early Bird to Standard.
  • October 16: Opening Night! The festival tour officially kicks off in Arboga.

REQUIRED

• • Format/Codec: MP4 or MOV (Apple ProRes or high-bitrate H.264).
  • Resolution: Full HD 1080p (Best possible export quality).
  • Audio: Strict Stereo 2.0. (Do not submit files with surround or multi-channel audio, as our systems bypass-test audio in stereo).
  • OPTIONAL
  • Format/Codec: DCP
  • Resolution: Flat 1:85:1 and Scope 2:39:1
  • Audio: Stereo to surround sound.5.1

• • Each selected film is allocated 2 complimentary All Access Festival Passes, intended for key team members (e.g., Director and Producer).
  • These passes grant free admission to all regular film screenings and workshops in Arboga, Kungsör, Köping, and Västerås, as well as the daytime screenings at the ABF Zäta Cinema in Stockholm.
  • Please note: These complimentary passes do not include entry to the Grand Finale and Awards Ceremony at the Skandia Cinema.

• • Pass Purchases: If your team, family, or friends wish to purchase additional festival passes or individual tickets for the tour, sales open on September 13 via our website.

• • In Arboga, Kungsör, Köping, and Västerås (Oct 16–21): At the festival box office desk inside the respective cinema during screening hours.
  • In Stockholm (Oct 22–24 / Daytime): At the ABF Zäta Cinema box office on Thursday evening, Friday evening, and Saturday daytime.
  • Pro Tip: We strongly recommend picking up your wristband during the day on Saturday to enjoy ”Fast Track” queue access for the awards ceremony and party on Saturday evening!

• • White Date Wristband (Regular Festival Pass): This wristband features all festival dates. If you hold a pass for specific days, our staff will simply cross out the invalid dates. The band must stay on your wrist for the duration of its validity.
  • Yellow Premium Wristband (Awards Ceremony): This exclusive wristband is your ticket to Saturday evening’s Grand Finale, Awards Ceremony, and afterparty at the Skandia Cinema.

• • Nominated Filmmakers: Nominated individuals attend completely free of charge. If you purchase an Early Bird ticket before October 3 and your film is subsequently nominated, your ticket will be converted to a complimentary pass and you will be refunded at the door (or you can transfer it to a guest).
  • Non-Nominees & Entourage (Family/Friends/Crew): Family, friends, and additional crew members always pay the standard ticket price. No complimentary tickets or discounts are extended to accompanying guests.

• • Tier 1 (Early Bird until October 3): 189 SEK
  • Tier 2 (Standard Ticket after October 3): 229 SEK
  • Tier 3 (Until Saturday, October 24 at 3:00 PM): 289 SEK
  • Please note: No ticket sales will be available at the door.