Submit your film to AFO61!

We are now accepting submissions for the competition program of the 61st AFO, which will take place from 28 April to 3 May 2026.

As one of the world’s leading events in the field of science film, we aim to showcase science as a fascinating, ever-changing and multifaceted discipline, as well as a lens through which we view the world around us – presented through a wide spectrum of films. We are interested in works that reflect the natural, social and human sciences, and we welcome an interdisciplinary approach. Eligible for submission are projects completed between 1 January 2024 and 1 February 2026.

AFO accepts submissions in five competition sections, each offering a unique platform for filmmakers to share their passion for science:

International Competition

This category is open to films produced outside the Czech Republic and Slovakia. This year, we will be awarding films in two categories:

  • Best Film Award – Prize money 3000 USD*
    Awarded to a documentary that best combines scientific content with outstanding filmmaking.
  • Best Science Communication Award – Prize money 3000 USD*
    Awarded to a work that efficiently communicates complex scientific ideas through film.

Czech & Slovak Competition

This competition is open to all feature-length projects and series from the Czech Republic and Slovakia. In 2026, we will be awarding films in two categories:

  • Best Film Award – Prize money 50 000 Kč
    Awarded to a film that combines strong scientific content with outstanding filmmaking.
  • Best Science Communication Award – Prize money 50 000 Kč
    Awarded to a work that communicates complex scientific ideas clearly and engagingly. 

Short Film Competition

Prize money 1000 USD*

This competition is open to films of up to 30 minutes in length. If your film explores fascinating aspects of science, we encourage you to submit!

Immersive Media Competition

Prize money 1000 USD*

Open to all original works using immersive or interactive technologies (XR projects and installations, VR, AR, MR projects, 360° VR films, mobile AR applications or fulldome projects) that explore and communicate scientific knowledge.

Best First or Second Science Documentary Award

Prize money 1000 USD*

This joint competition is open to all medium-length and feature-length films from the International and Czech & Slovak competitions that qualify as a debut or sophomore feature. We support new creative voices and their first steps in filmmaking.

European Spotlight Award

Award for the best science documentary film from European production across competition categories.

What are we looking for?

A scientific documentary film brings the results of systematic research and observation – whether mapping the world around us or the world within us. We are interested in films about scientists as personalities, their approaches and their methods. Science encompasses not only natural and technical disciplines, but also social sciences and humanities. The AFO festival platform sees science as a key element of our society, examining its methods and ethical aspects and telling its stories.

You can officially submit your film via the AFO festival profile on FilmFreeway using the code: AFOsubs61web

The official submission deadline is 14 December 2025.

Don’t miss the chance to become part of a festival that has been showing for more than six decades just how inspiring science can be.

Submit your film and shape the 61st edition of AFO!

* The amounts indicated in USD are approximate. The official prize will be paid in Czech crowns (CZK) according to the exchange rate of Czech National Bank valid on the date the competition registration opened.