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The Bali International Film Festival has opened entries for its 20th edition, inviting international narrative, documentary and animated shorts ahead of the festival’s return to Sanur from 1–7 June 2027.
Submissions opened on 1 October 2026, with the final deadline set for 1 March 2027.
The festival’s 20th edition will take place from 1 to 7 June 2027 in Sanur, Bali.
For short filmmakers, Balinale’s Academy Award-qualifying status is the most significant element of the call.
Shorts of Up to 40 Minutes Can Enter
The 2027 competition accepts narrative, documentary and animated short films with a maximum running time of 40 minutes, including credits.
Films must have been completed within one year of the festival’s final submission deadline. Works-in-progress, commercials and advertisements are not accepted.
Balinale 2027 Submission Deadlines
- Submissions open: 1 October 2026
- Early-bird deadline: 1 November 2026
- Regular deadline: 1 January 2027
- Late deadline: 1 February 2027
- Final deadline: 1 March 2027
- Festival: 1–7 June 2027
International short-film fees begin at US$25 during the early-bird window and rise to US$55 at the final deadline.
Balinale’s Oscar Pathway
The festival presents awards for Best Short Narrative, Best Short Documentary and Best Short Animation. From those category winners, a Best Short Film is selected, with that film potentially becoming eligible for Academy Awards consideration under applicable Academy rules.
AI-Generated Films Are Accepted
Balinale’s 2027 rules also include a clear AI policy. Films in which a substantial portion of the imagery or audio has been produced using AI are accepted but should initially be submitted under the animation category.
What Filmmakers Should Consider
An international short costs US$25 before 1 November, compared with US$55 at the final deadline in March.
For short filmmakers planning the 2027 international festival circuit, Balinale combines a long submission window, dedicated narrative, documentary and animation competitions, a strong Asian industry presence and an Academy Award qualification pathway.
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