Since 2004, the Baku International Film Festival has been a beacon for filmmakers, storytellers, and cinephiles, bridging cultures through the universal language of film.
Founded in 2004 by the Young Filmmakers Centre, the festival originally launched under the name START International Short Film Festival, a grassroots initiative driven by emerging filmmakers who believed Baku deserved a world-class cinematic stage.
What began as a modest gathering for short film enthusiasts quickly evolved into something far greater. As the festival reputation grew, so did its ambition. Rebranded as the Baku International Film Festival, BIFF expanded its scope to embrace feature-length cinema, documentaries, and experimental works while never abandoning its roots in short-form storytelling.
Today, BIFF stands shoulder to shoulder with the world's great festivals, a platform where award-winning and critically acclaimed films from Cannes, Venice, Berlin, and the Academy Awards find an eager and passionate audience in the heart of the Caucasus.
We are proud to bring together the cultural, political, and social tapestry of our world, film by film, story by story, on one vibrant stage in Baku.
Each year, BIFF receives over 1,500 film submissions from every corner of the globe. From these, a curated selection of the most compelling, provocative, and artistically bold works is chosen, creating a programme that reflects the full spectrum of contemporary cinema.
But BIFF is more than a screening room. It is a meeting ground, a place where dozens of international and local directors, producers, and screenwriters converge to exchange ideas, forge collaborations, and shape the future of filmmaking.
We believe short films and debut features are the foundation of cinema. BIFF actively nurtures emerging voices, providing a launchpad for new directors whose bold visions deserve the world attention.
We shine a spotlight on Azerbaijani filmmakers by premiering new local works and presenting them alongside international cinema, fostering a dialogue between cultures.
We celebrate films that dare to see the world differently, stories told with distinctive style, original approach, and a strong point of view.
BIFF is a cultural event as much as a cinematic one. We bring together audiences, artists, critics, and industry professionals through the transformative power of film.
Founded as the START International Short Film Festival by the Young Filmmakers Centre in Baku.
The festival gained international attention, attracting submissions from over 40 countries.
The festival expanded to include feature films, documentaries, and the Golden Pomegranate award.
BIFF strengthened Baku's place on the global film festival circuit.
A hybrid format widened access for audiences around the world.
The new edition brings expanded venues, broader programming, and renewed energy.
Open call for short films, features, and documentaries. Submissions close July 15, 2026.
Film EntryJoin an exclusive network of cultural institutions, brands, and organizations that make BIFF possible.
Explore BenefitsAccreditation, press kits, and media resources for journalists and content creators.
Press Area