The Vrystaat Arts Festival’s Vlieks programme celebrates film as a dynamic and expressive art form with curated screenings, masterclasses, and industry discussions. For our 2027 edition, we are expanding our horizons by inviting independent, emerging, and student filmmakers from South Africa, the broader African continent, and across the globe to submit their cinematic works. Whether presenting a short film or a feature-length project, Vlieks provides a vital platform for diverse voices and innovative storytelling to connect with engaged audiences.
Below is an FAQ that answers the questions applicants most often ask and is intended to help you prepare a complete and accurate application. Please read it before starting the online form.
We welcome and encourage applications from a diverse range of creators.
Submissions are categorised into two main tracks:
We do not restrict submissions by genre; all genres and cinematic styles are welcome. Additionally, we accept both short films and feature-length films for consideration.
Yes, filmmakers are welcome to submit multiple projects. However, to ensure each film is properly reviewed, you must complete a separate application form for each individual submission.
No, your film is not required to have its premiere at the Vrystaat Arts Festival. However, we require that submitted films be relatively recent; we do not accept works published or released before January 1, 2024.
Submissions are currently open. The final deadline to submit your application and screener is November 28, 2026. Selected filmmakers will be notified of their status following the conclusion of the review process in January 2027.
No, submitting a film to Vlieks is completely free of charge. We are dedicated to keeping the platform accessible to all filmmakers without financial barriers.
All submitted films are carefully reviewed by the Vlieks curator. Final selections are made based on the project’s artistic merit, storytelling, and strict adherence to the eligibility guidelines and technical requirements outlined in the application.
Screener links must be submitted directly via URL within the application form. We recommend using secure platforms like Vimeo or YouTube. If your link is password-protected, please provide the password in the designated field. It is crucial to ensure that your link does not expire and that the password remains unchanged while applications are under review.
The festival requires a professional, exhibition-quality master file for live screening. A Digital Cinema Package (DCP) is highly preferred. If you are unable to provide a DCP, you must supply a high-quality alternative format (such as an Apple ProRes or high-bitrate H.264 file) that meets our technical team’s approval.
Yes. To guarantee that our screenings are fully accessible to all festival attendees, all films, regardless of the spoken language, must include English subtitles or closed captions.
Travel and accommodation support is not guaranteed. Indicating your availability to attend the festival on your application does not automatically result in a travel stipend. In special cases, logistical support may be considered, but this is strictly subject to a needs assessment and available funding following your film’s acceptance.
The filmmaker or designated rights holder retains all copyright and ownership of the film. By submitting your project to Vlieks, you grant the Vrystaat Arts Festival the non-exclusive right to screen the film during the festival dates, and to use brief excerpts, trailers, or stills for marketing and promotional purposes.
Yes, but with strict requirements for transparency. If Artificial Intelligence was used in any part of the filmmaking process, you must explicitly state this in your application and provide a valid motivation for its use. The curator and a designated review panel will evaluate this context to ensure the project aligns with the festival’s artistic standards and integrity.
We welcome and encourage applications from a diverse range of creators.
Submissions are categorised into two main tracks:
We do not restrict submissions by genre; all genres and cinematic styles are welcome. Additionally, we accept both short films and feature-length films for consideration.
Yes, filmmakers are welcome to submit multiple projects. However, to ensure each film is properly reviewed, you must complete a separate application form for each individual submission.
No, your film is not required to have its premiere at the Vrystaat Arts Festival. However, we require that submitted films be relatively recent; we do not accept works published or released before January 1, 2024.
Submissions are currently open. The final deadline to submit your application and screener is November 28, 2026. Selected filmmakers will be notified of their status following the conclusion of the review process in January 2027.
No, submitting a film to Vlieks is completely free of charge. We are dedicated to keeping the platform accessible to all filmmakers without financial barriers.
All submitted films are carefully reviewed by the Vlieks curator. Final selections are made based on the project’s artistic merit, storytelling, and strict adherence to the eligibility guidelines and technical requirements outlined in the application.
Screener links must be submitted directly via URL within the application form. We recommend using secure platforms like Vimeo or YouTube. If your link is password-protected, please provide the password in the designated field. It is crucial to ensure that your link does not expire and that the password remains unchanged while applications are under review.
The festival requires a professional, exhibition-quality master file for live screening. A Digital Cinema Package (DCP) is highly preferred. If you are unable to provide a DCP, you must supply a high-quality alternative format (such as an Apple ProRes or high-bitrate H.264 file) that meets our technical team’s approval.
Yes. To guarantee that our screenings are fully accessible to all festival attendees, all films, regardless of the spoken language, must include English subtitles or closed captions.
Travel and accommodation support is not guaranteed. Indicating your availability to attend the festival on your application does not automatically result in a travel stipend. In special cases, logistical support may be considered, but this is strictly subject to a needs assessment and available funding following your film’s acceptance.
The filmmaker or designated rights holder retains all copyright and ownership of the film. By submitting your project to Vlieks, you grant the Vrystaat Arts Festival the non-exclusive right to screen the film during the festival dates, and to use brief excerpts, trailers, or stills for marketing and promotional purposes.
Yes, but with strict requirements for transparency. If Artificial Intelligence was used in any part of the filmmaking process, you must explicitly state this in your application and provide a valid motivation for its use. The curator and a designated review panel will evaluate this context to ensure the project aligns with the festival’s artistic standards and integrity.
