Submit your film!

We are thrilled to announce that the AFO Science Documentary Film Festival is now open for submissions to its prestigious competition program. As one of the most important festivals in the realm of science film, AFO aims to showcase science as a captivating, ever-evolving, and multifaceted field through an array of films spanning from STEM, natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences.

Our festival features five distinctive competitions, each offering a unique platform for filmmakers to share their passion for science:

International Competition

Films produced outside the Czech Republic and Slovakia are invited to compete in this category.

  • Best Science Communication Award: Reward collaborations that effectively communicate complex scientific ideas through film. Prize money 3000 USD* 
  • Best Film Award:  To honor the documentary that best combines scientific content with exceptional artistry in filmmaking. Prize money 3000 USD*

Czech & Slovak Competition

Calling all filmmakers from the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

  • Best Science Communication Award: Reward collaborations that effectively communicate complex scientific ideas through film. Prize money 50 000 Kč. 
  • Best Film Award: To honor the documentary that best combines scientific content with exceptional artistry in filmmaking.  Prize money 50 000 Kč.

Short Film Competition

Prize money 1000 USD*

If your film, with a maximum running time of 30 minutes, explores the wonders of science, submit it now!

Immersive Competition

Prize money 1000 USD*

We are opening a new competition! It is open to all original works, immersive and/or interactive VR experiences, and 360VR films that can be justified as science documentaries.

Best Debut or Second Film Competition

Prize money 1000 USD*

Alert for new emerging filmmakers! All medium-length and feature films from the International and Czech-Slovak Competition that meet the criteria of a debut / second feature film will compete in the joint competition of debut or second films. We want to support young talents in their filmmaking beginnings.

What defines a science documentary film for AFO? We seek films that reveal the fruits of systematic observation and exploration, whether they focus on the world within us or the world around us. Films spotlighting scientists as professionals or intriguing personalities are also warmly welcomed. Moreover, our festival celebrates science itself as an institution intertwined with our society, encompassing its ethical boundaries, methods, and procedures.

Don’t miss the chance to be part of this extraordinary celebration of science through cinema. 

Use waiver code: AFOsubs60web

The deadline for all the submissions is 13 January 2025.

For submission details and guidelines, please visit our Filmfreeway profile:

Submit your film today and join us in making the 60th edition of AFO 2024 a resounding success!

*The amounts indicated in USD are approximate. The official prize will be paid in Czech crowns (CZK) according to the exchange rate that was valid on the date the competition’s registration opened. The official exchange rate on September 3rd, 2024, according to the Czech National Bank, was 22.71 CZK per 1 USD. In the event of a win in the categories Short Film Competition, Immersive Competition, Best Debut or Second Film Competition, the prize will amount to 22,710 CZK. In the case of a win in the Best Science Communication Award and Best Film Award, the prize will be 68,130 CZK.