For Filmmakers
The Architecture Film Festival Rotterdam is the world’s leading film festival dedicated to architecture and the city. We are always on the lookout for fresh, thoughtful, and boundary-pushing work that explores how architecture, cities, and society intersect on screen. Each October, we bring together filmmakers, designers, architects, and engaged audiences to explore the social, political, and cultural dimensions of the built environment through cinema.
The next edition of AFFR takes place from 7 till 11 October 2026. The festival locations are:
- Theater Rotterdam (Opening Night)
- LantarenVenster (regular festival screenings)
- Nieuwe Instituut (immersive media exhibition)
We welcome submissions of all formats and genres, as long as there is a clear connection to architecture and the built environment.
What you need to know:
Submitting your film
If you are interested in submitting your film or immersive project for AFFR 2025, please read the Terms and Conditions for filmmakers thoroughly and consult the FAQ. Entering your work implies that you have read and accepted all entry regulations.
Film Submissions:
- Open until: 2 May 2026
- Notification: mid-August 2026
Submit via:
- The AFFR Submission Portal (without submission fee)
- Film Freeway (10€ regular / 15€ extended deadline)
Immersive Media
For Immersive Media projects the following deadlines apply:
- Open: 1 January – 31 March 2026
- Notification: May 2026
Selection Process
All entries are reviewed by the AFFR editorial team, supported by a rotating group of Critical Viewers, a cross section of our audience that provides insightful, non-binding feedback. Their voices help us stay fresh, and responsive to what our viewers value the most.
We do not require a premiere for submission, but premieres are celebrated! Dutch, European and World premieres are eligible for extra promotion and dedicated attention in our programming.
Awards
Annually, two awards are presented at AFFR:
- King Kong Award: launched in 2025, awarded by a professional jury to a recent feature length film having its premiere at AFFR.
- Audience Award: based on viewer ratings during the festival
The winner of the King Kong Award will be presented with a sculpture created by Studio Marco Vermeulen as well as a monetary prize.
AFFR bijwonen
Are you a filmmaker interested in attending the festival or participating in the AFFR Film Forum? Request an accreditation and connect with a vibrant international network of filmmakers and other professionals .
Subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram to stay informed of deadlines and updates.
Questions? Reach out to us at submissions@affr.nl
About AFFR
The Architecture Film Festival Rotterdam (AFFR) is the world’s leading film festival dedicated to film, architecture and the city. Founded in 2000, AFFR offers a vibrant platform to filmmakers, architects, urban thinkers, students and the general public to explore urgent spatial questions through cinema. Taking place annually in Rotterdam, each edition offers a carefully curated selection of documentaries, fiction films, shorts, and immersive media projects, complemented with talks, debates, masterclasses and other special programs, that expose the spatial dimensions of today’s most pressing questions.
AFFR for creators
Film Forum
Would you like to learn more about the AFFR Film Forum for Filmmakers? Registration opens shortly before the festival
