Antipokaz – Bad Student Film Festival

About

This festival is dedicated to bad student films — the kind that usually stay hidden on hard drives, in forgotten folders, or only in the memories of the crew. It showcases works that didn’t turn out as intended, but for that very reason can reveal more about the process of learning filmmaking than any perfect film.
The festival invites participants and audiences to look at failed films without shame or fear — with curiosity, irony, and attention. Here, “bad” cinema is not a judgment but a perspective: a way of watching films that acknowledges mistakes, unexpected outcomes, and creative risks as an essential part of artistic practice.
Viewers may encounter unintentional comedy, accidental trash cinema, student arthouse, or all of these at once. After the screenings, the films are discussed with the audience, exploring what works, what doesn’t, and why. This conversation helps emerging filmmakers learn from both their own and others’ mistakes.
The festival creates a space where imperfect films can be shown openly, laughed at, discussed, and rethought — turning creative failure into experience, insight, and the motivation to make the next film better.

Awards

– Grand Prix: “Worst Film”
– Tommy Wiseau Award for Worst Acting
– “Tilted Horizon” Award for Worst Cinematography
– Nominations: “Best of the Worst,” “Worst Direction,” “The Film the Jury Didn’t Finish,”
as well as other categories—including some the jury may invent especially for your outstanding film.

The jury lineup will be announced on June 1.

Rules

Only “bad” short films with a runtime of up to 30 minutes are accepted, in any genre and on any subject. We welcome submissions from students of film schools, universities, and colleges, as well as from anyone who makes films simply out of love for the process.

The country of production does not matter to us. The year of release is also not important—but if you’re submitting a film from the future, please make sure its format and codec are compatible with modern physical media.

You may submit as many films as you like. Participation is free of charge.

Premiere Requirements

No premiere requirement