CINEFANTASY RIO - International Fantastic Film Festival

About

CINEFANTASY is one of the leading fantastic film festivals in Latin America. Since 2006, the festival has promoted genre cinema, encouraged cultural exchange and introduced Brazilian audiences to innovative films from around the world.

After two previous editions presented as showcases, CINEFANTASY RIO becomes a competitive international festival in its third edition, taking place from March 23 to 28, 2027, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The festival welcomes short and feature films exploring horror, fantasy, science fiction, thriller, magical realism, animation and hybrid forms. Its programme includes competitive screenings, special programmes, meetings, debates and activities connecting filmmakers, professionals and audiences.

CINEFANTASY has received more than 1,500 submissions from 89 countries in a single edition and has screened films from more than 70 countries throughout its history. The festival seeks original and daring works that challenge boundaries and expand the possibilities of fantastic cinema.

Awards

The winners will receive the CINEFANTASY Trophy – José Mojica Marins.

FEATURE FILMS
• Best Film
• Best Director
• Best Screenplay
• Best Actress
• Best Actor

SHORT FILMS
• Best Horror Short Film
• Best Fantasy Short Film
• Best Science Fiction Short Film
• Best Animation Short Film
• Best Brasil Fantástico Short Film
• Best Brazilian Student Short Film
• Best Rio de Janeiro Short Film

The juries may also grant Honourable Mentions at their discretion. No cash prize is offered.

Rules

1. The 3rd CINEFANTASY RIO – International Fantastic Film Festival will take place from March 23 to 28, 2027, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

2. The festival accepts works in horror, fantasy, science fiction, thriller, magical realism, animation and hybrid forms.

3. Eligible films must have been completed on or after January 1, 2025.

4. International short films must have a maximum running time of 25 minutes.

5. International feature films must have a minimum running time of 60 minutes. Brazilian feature films must have a minimum running time of 70 minutes.

6. Films may be submitted to the following categories:
• International Feature Films
• Horror Short Films
• Fantasy Short Films
• Science Fiction Short Films
• Animation Short Films
• Brasil Fantástico – Brazilian Short Films
• Brazilian Student Short Films
• Rio de Janeiro Short Films

7. Films submitted for evaluation must include subtitles in Portuguese, English or Spanish. Films without subtitles in at least one of these languages may not be considered.

8. The person submitting the film declares that they hold or have obtained all necessary rights and authorizations for its submission and screening.

9. Submission does not guarantee selection. The festival’s curatorial decisions are final.

10. Selected filmmakers authorize the festival to use excerpts, trailers, posters, photographs and other promotional materials for the communication and promotion of the event.

11. If selected, the filmmaker or rights holder must provide the exhibition copy and all requested promotional materials by the deadline established by the festival.

12. Submission of a film implies full acceptance of these rules and regulations.

Premiere Requirements

No premiere requirement

Jury and Organizers

FESTIVAL ORGANIZATION

Festival Director and Artistic Director:
Eduardo Santana

Curatorial Coordinator:
Marcos DeBrito

Executive Producer:
Renata Lang

The films will be evaluated by independent curators and juries composed of film professionals, filmmakers, critics, researchers and representatives of the audiovisual sector.

The members of the official juries will be announced closer to the festival dates. Jury decisions are final and cannot be appealed.