The forthcoming 12th edition of Cinelibri International Book-to-Film Festival (Cinelibri IFF) is to be held in the fall of 2026 between October 15th and November 8th. This year Cinelibri expects inventive, powerful, both topical and universally resonant book-to-screen adaptations completed over the last year or two.
Why should you apply?
Proven to be the world’s first international book-to-film festival, Cinelibri is a prestigious annual forum, inspired by the fruitful interaction of arts – cinema and literature in particular. It is held in Sofia, Bulgaria, every autumn, and shows the best examples of high-quality European/Non-European film productions and co-productions whose scripts are based on literary works – contemporary, modern or classic.
The films might be full-length feature/animated films, short films or documentaries dedicated to famous creators and thinkers. Each of the 3 competitions has a reputable international Jury, represented by undisputed professionals in the respective field: acclaimed filmmakers, writers and screenwriters, actors, producers, film composers, cinematographers etc. The session for the three film categories is open for submissions from all over the world!
FILM SUBMISSION RULES AND REGULATIONS
12th Cinelibri IFF, 15 October – 8 November 2026
Founded in 2015, Cinelibri is a high-ranking International Book-to-Film Festival which explores, identifies, selects and distributes exemplary screen adaptations of significant literary works, which belong to different epochs, genres, styles and philosophical currents.
From the very beginning the festival has a competitive program which includes three competitions; out-of-competition program; parallel program of events and tributes including special premieres/meetings with accompanying discussions, lectures and masterclasses, celebrations, retrospective events, thematic exhibitions, etc.
All movie genres are eligible. The films should be connected with the world of literature. Feature submissions might be films with adapted screenplays based on literary works, biopictures about famous writers, or original movie interpretation of works of literature.
CRITERIA FOR DETERMINING THE WINNERS
Key criteria for determining the winners in all competitive sections
- Bright, memorable and resourceful director’s approach to the interpretation of the respective literary work (in the documentary section: to real life, personality and creative work of respective writer)
- Masterfully adapted screenplay (for the full-length feature/animated films);
- Convincing acting performances and well-built characters;
- Impactful cinematography and skillful rendering/transformation of literature spirit and authorship messages into visual language with the help of music, design, editing, costumes, etc.
AWARDS
Members of the Competition Jury will present the following awards:
- Cinelibri Best Literary Adaptation Award 2026 in the Feature Film Competition
- Cinelibri Best Literary Adaptation Award 2026 in the Short Film Competition
- Cinelibri Award 2026 in the Documentary Competition
In individual cases, additional distinction(s) in the form of honorary diploma(s) or special prizes may be awarded. Cinelibri periodically bestows Grand Prize for Overall Contribution to the art of literary adaptation. Among the recipients of this honor so far are Agnieszka Holland, Ian McEwan, Volker Schlöndorff, Jiří Menzel.
DATES & DEADLINES
Earlybird Deadline: April 15, 2026
Regular Deadline: June 15, 2026
Late Deadline: August 10, 2026
Notification Date: September 14, 2026
Event Date: October 15 – November 8, 2026
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Application should be submitted here: https://filmfreeway.com/CinelibriBooktoFilmFestival.
Additional information: https://www.cinelibri.com/film-submission-rules-and-regulations/
CINELIBRI 2026 IS AWAITING FOR YOUR SHORT, FEATURE OR DOCUMENTARY FILM.