Tibet Film Festival Announces 17th Annual Short Film Competition and US Expansion

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ZURICH — 4 May, 2026 — The Tibet Film Festival (TFF) is proud to announce the official call for entries for its 2026 Short Film Competition. Celebrating its 17th year, the festival continues its mission to provide a platform for Tibetan storytellers to showcase their vision, creativity, and unique perspectives to a global audience. The 2026 festival marks a historic milestone as it expands its footprint across the Atlantic. Following the opening in Zurich (18–20 September), the festival will travel to London, Paris, Dharamsala, and—for the first time—the United States, with dedicated editions in Washington D.C. and New York.

"The Tibet Film Festival was born from the essential need to see our own stories on screen, told by our own people," said Kunsang Kelden, member of the TFF Organizing Committee. ""As we enter our 17th year, we remain committed to our competition as a platform to foster new voices, nurture creative freedom and promote the art of filmmaking. . Our goal is to amplify a new generation of Tibetan filmmakers who are defining the landscape of Tibetan cinema in the 21st century."

The Yak Prize & Audience Awards

The centrepiece of the competition remains the prestigious Yak Prize, honouring the "vibrant spirit and resilience" of Tibetan cinema through two categories:

• Jury Award: A $3,000 USD cash prize awarded to the best short film as selected by an international panel of film professionals, artists and academics.

• Audience Award: A $500 USD prize awarded at each festival location, determined by local audience vote.

The competition is open to all Tibetan filmmakers, from seasoned professionals to emerging talents.

Submission Guidelines

• Eligibility: A person of Tibetan heritage must have held a key creative role (Director, Writer, Producer, or Cinematographer).

• Duration: Maximum 15 minutes (including credits).

• Genre: Open to all (Documentary, Fiction, Animation, or Experimental).

• Deadline: All submissions must be received by 11:59 PM CET, July 12, 2026.

About the Tibet Film Festival

It has evolved into one of the most significant cultural events for the Tibetan community, bridging the gap between filmmakers in the diaspora and those within Tibet.

Founded in 2008 in memory of the filmmaker Dhondup Wangchen, the Tibet Film Festival is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the promotion of Tibetan filmmaking. It has grown into one of the most significant cultural events for the Tibetan community, bridging the gap between filmmakers in the diaspora and those within Tibet. 

Filmmakers can submit their work and view detailed technical requirements on the submission page.

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Media Contact: Choezin Khangsar

Email: shortfilms@tibetfilmfestival.org

Website: www.tibetfilmfestival.org

Social Media: @TibetFilmFestival (Instagram/Facebook)

Hey there, Tibetan filmmakers!

Get ready to share your stories! The Tibet Film Festival is thrilled to announce the return of the Short Film Competition for 2026. We're on the lookout for compelling narratives on any topic or theme, innovative filmmaking, and unique perspectives that resonate with the spirit of Tibet beyond conventional narratives.

Whether you're a seasoned director or a rising talent, we invite you to submit your short film (max 15 minutes) and be part of this vibrant celebration of Tibetan cinema. This is your chance to connect with a global audience, spark meaningful conversations, and win awards with cash prizes!

Check out the submission guidelines for this year’s competition and for important deadlines. We can't wait to see the incredible stories you'll bring to the screen.

Submissions for the Tibet Film Festival 2026 will open soon!

HISTORY OF THE COMPETITION

The Short Film Competition was launched in 2010. Since then, the competition has become an integral part of Tibet Film Festival, providing a platform for Tibetans to show their talent. With varying themes each year, we have been able to showcase a wide range of work from young Tibetan filmmakers spread across the Tibetan diaspora from four different continents.

His Eminence the 17th Karmapa has been a strong supporter of Tibet Film Festival. During a fundraiser meeting in the lead up to Tibet Film Festival 2012, we had the great honour and privilege to show some of the films to His Eminence the 17th Karmapa. In an audience with TFF-India Organising Team in 2013 he extended his encouragement, support, and appreciation for this initiative.

ABOUT THE AWARD

The Yak Prize was awarded for the first time in 2014. The award was designed and sponsored by Thubten Purang, a Tibetan artist living in Switzerland.

Jury Award: USD 3000
Audience Award: USD 500

In each TFF location, audience members will choose their favourite short film, and the film with the most votes will receive their location's audience award.

TFF SHORT FILM COMPETITION JURY