You bring the story.
We provide the stage.
Submissions for ITFS 2027 are now open
The International Festival of Animated Film Stuttgart (ITFS) invites animation filmmakers from around the world to submit their films to the ITFS 2027 competitions. The festival brings together filmmakers, producers and creatives from across the globe to shape the future of animated storytelling.
Submission period: from 1 September
Festival: 27 April – 2 May 2027 | Stuttgart
✅ International festival
✅ Academy Awards®-qualifying
✅ Competitions for different career stages and formats
Film Competitions
Which competition is right for your film?
ITFS International Competition
For international animated short films (up to 30 minutes in length).
Submission deadline: 15 November 2026
ITFS Student Competition
For animated short films by students or graduates of a film, art or media college (up to 30 minutes in length).
Closing date for entries: 15 November 2026
ITFS Tricks for Kids Competition
For animated short films and TV series episodes aimed at children up to the age of twelve (up to 30 minutes in length).
Closing date for entries: 15 November 2026
ITFS Trickstar Nature Award
For animated short films that explore climate action, biodiversity, the environment and sustainability (up to 30 minutes in length).
Closing date for entries: 15 November 2026
ITFS AniMovie Competition
For animated feature films from around the world with a running time of at least 60 minutes.
Submission deadline: 15 January 2027
Find out more about the terms and conditions of entry and the registration process, and get valuable information about submitting your entry for ITFS 2027.
Why submit to ITFS?
Your film on the big stage
Submitting to ITFS means more than the chance to win an award. The festival brings together animation filmmakers, producers, emerging talents, industry experts and an enthusiastic audience from around the world.
Awards & Academy Awards® qualification
Present your work to an international jury. Prizes totalling 60,000 € are up for grabs. The 10,000 € Grand Prix in the ITFS International Competition also qualifies the winning film for the Academy Awards® Longlist.
Career
For emerging talents in particular, taking part in a festival can be an important step towards gaining visibility and building connections within the industry. For many filmmakers, receiving an award at ITFS is an important milestone in their career.
Visibility
Your film becomes part of an international festival for artistic animation and reaches an engaged professional and festival audience. Through the Animated Video Market, accredited industry professionals can also watch submitted competition films online for a limited period after the festival. From autumn onwards, the best films of the festival also go on tour and are screened internationally.
Connections
Together, ITFS, the Animation Production Days and FMX form Stuttgart Animated Week – bringing together filmmakers, producers, distributors, publishers, studios and other industry professionals. Make the most of the opportunities to exchange ideas, build new connections and explore future collaborations.
What can the selected filmmakers expect?
More than a film festival
ITFS sees itself as an international platform for connection, growth and creative participation.
Selected films are screened several times during ITFS at Stuttgart’s city-centre cinemas and accompanied by Q&As with the attending directors and producers. The festival also offers numerous opportunities to connect and exchange ideas with the international animation industry: Film programmes · Talks · Panels · Workshops · Networking · Industry events
- 300+ filmmakers
- 150 events
- 70,000+ festival visitors
Our goal: Bringing the world to Stuttgart – and from Stuttgart to the world.
Become part of the global animation community and experience six days and nights filled with creativity. Get inspired, share your projects and connect with potential business partners.
