Kraken
International
Film Festival
You might walk away with up to $2,000 in prizes!
•
You might walk away with up to $2,000 in prizes! •
Win $2,000 in cash treasures!
Beyond Boundaries, Below the Surface: Where Cinematic Treasures Rise.
WELCOME TO THE ABYSS
Welcome to the Kraken Film Festival, a cinematic adventure like no other!
Our festival is not just an event; it's a celebration of the undiscovered, a journey into the depths of storytelling that will leave you questioning.. Reality.
At Kraken, we believe in elevating cinematic treasures from the abyss, welcoming all genres that stir the audience on a profound level.
Buy Tickets
🌊
Buy Tickets 🌊
An exceptional prize
🦑
An exceptional prize 🦑
Up to 2000$ in prizes.
We get how it's a hustle to fund your movie or put in the hours for that killer script.
The cash prize is the sweet icing on the cake, providing an opportunity to potentially gain income for your hard work, or perhaps to set funds for your next project, who knows!
Who can submit?
*
Who can submit? *
Whether you're an emerging or established filmmaker, you might find a category for you.
At Kraken, artists from all stages are equally considered.
What about genres?
Kraken Fest is not confined to a genre; whether you have a short, feature, music video, or more, we invite filmmakers to submit projects that push the boundaries of storytelling.
Submit your project and let the Kraken push your storytelling into the extraordinary.
$2000 with the Kraken; $200 extra with the Mermaid.
Submit your short film today, it can be worth money!
Kraken Film Festival
Celebrating the exceptional talent recognized by our festival. Explore the notable winners who have made significant contributions to the world of cinema and entertainment.
Disclaimer: The Kraken Film Festival does not own the copyright to the images displayed on this page. All images are used for informational and educational purposes to showcase the notable winners of our festival. The copyright for these images remains with their respective owners.
Qin Jie won $500
Filmmker Qin Jie won $500 with her student short film “Diving”, at the Kraken Film Festival.
Ken won $1000
Director Ken McMullen won $1000 with the Kraken Film Festival after submitting the feature film "Hamlet Within".
Terry won $350
Screenwriter Terry Podnar won $350 with his feature screenplay “Richard Spong”, at the Kraken Film Festival.
Kata Varga won $150
*
Kata Varga won $150 *
Screenwriter Kata Varga won $150 with the Kraken Film Festival after submitting her short screenplay "Virgin Mojito".
“Mangata”, a winning short film at the Kraken Film Festival, is now straming on Disney Plus.
Our testimonials.
-
![]()
"An excellent festival! There are no problems in communication. They are always remarkably composed and friendly. Many thanks from the whole group for the prizes and appreciation of our work! We will be friends as much as the current situation in the world allows us."
Dmitri Frolov, filmmaker
-
![]()
"I like those film festivals and screenplay competitions where the artist, the writer, is not just a number. I’m honored to participate at the Kraken Film Festival again" "Your ’Gold Award’ for my comedy short script baby ’Virgin Mojito’ was an elevating moment, and it gave a good lift to my soul."
Kata Varga, screenwriter
-
![]()
“Excellent festival with an interesting and refreshing slate of films. Really enjoyed the experience. Definitely would recommend to anyone with a film that is a little too different to be at home in the run of the mill festivals. Thanks for showcasing my work! Will certainly return.”
Jack Schurman, filmmaker
-
![]()
"Thank you very much to the Kraken International Film Festival for including my short film "Terra Draconis: posterity and prosperity of fossils in the modern age" in your lineup this year. The festival, exposure, and communication were superb with their team! It's been an honor to be a part of it."
Braeden Meyer, filmmaker
-
![Person operating a film camera indoors next to a window]()
"Incredible experience being a part of the 1st ever KIFF! The communication was excellent and you can tell they truly care about the film community. I highly recommend this festival to any filmmakers."
Andrew Littlefield, filmmaker
-
![Portrait of an older man with short hair, wearing a dark blue shirt, standing in front of a brick wall.]()
"Kraken is an extremely well run festival with great communication. They were timely and kept you informed at every stage of the festival. It was a thoroughly great experience. I'm honored my screenplay, Richard Spong, was awarded as the Winner for Best Script. Keep up your terrific work!"
Terry Podnar, screenwriter
-
![Person with glasses and cap making a framing gesture with hands]()
“Absolutely loved having the opportunity to participate in the KIFF. Submission fee was very reasonable, i like the seasonal approach and the communication with everyone has been top notch. Very informative and clear, no fuss whatsoever! Loved the experience and cant wait for the annual festival!.”
Vincent Rosas, filmmaker & VFX artist
-
![A man illuminated by red light looking at the camera beside a large camera lens, with a squinting expression.]()
"This is a really good festival! One of my absolute favorites and I can't wait to apply my next work to them. Thank you for letting be a part of your festival! Great communcation. They answer any questions you have which is especially good if you're new in the industry and want to make sure you're doing everything the right way. They also keep you updated on how it's going for your film. Nothing but good vibes here! Highly recommended!"
Johan Andrén, filmmaker
-
![Man with sunglasses and plaid shirt outdoors in urban setting]()
"The Kraken Int. Film Festival has been a wonderful experience for me. People there are most sympathetic - and I really can say that your film projects are going to be appreciated."
Olaf Lenz, artist
-
![Gaby Day]()
"This is the best festival I've been in thus far. One love guys!"
Gaby Day, screenwriter
-
![Two people smiling and holding hands outdoors, standing in front of a wooden structure.]()
"We are thrilled and honored to win the Best TV Pilot/Web Series Award for Elixir: After Time at the 2025 Winter Kraken International Film Festival. This festival provided an amazing platform for creative storytelling, and we’re grateful for the recognition. A huge thank you to the organizers, jurors, and everyone involved for their support. We’re excited for what’s next and proud to be part of such a talented community."
Michelle Deniesse Lugo, Alexandra Alvarez Pilonieta
-
![Giulio Fulchignoni]()
So excited that my short film "Embryom Chronicles: Ashfall" has received an Honorable Mention at your festival. A big thank you to the festival team for this recognition.
Giulio Fulchignoni, filmmaker
-
![]()
"This is a fantastic festival! The team behind it are incredibly kind and thoughtful. Communication was top notch and everything was incredibly clear. They made me feel so welcomed and happy to be a part of their festival. Definitely take a look at them!"
Patrick Pizzolorusso, filmmaker
-
!["Yellow Daisy Butterfly"]()
"A wonderful Festival that really captures the essence of celebrating film making. Always communicating and giving updates which was highly appreciated. Highly recommend to enter your film into. We were so happy that our Film "Yellow Daisy Butterfly" got best animation for the winter 2024 Festival. Thank you so much."
Bianca O’Neill, producer
Win $200 extra cash with your female story
Whether you’re a female filmmaker or just someone (any genre) with a story that puts women front and center, this is your chance to reel in some recognition.
“The Steak” a winning short film at the Kraken, and directed by Kiarash Dadgar, was also a Slamdance Award Winner
Support the Kraken Film Festival today and discover all your benefits!
Join our crew today and win big
Emmy Award winning cinematographer Jack Schurman’s short film - “Popcorn Shrimp and DIshwater” was awarded at the Kraken Film Festival
Kraken International Film Festival's 2025 Live Event
Kiro Ebra (Tiktoker with 3 Million followers) was our special guest.
Our special location.
The festival’s location was at historical Anteo Palazzo del CInema in the center of Milan, Italy.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Enter your project now, and
explore our additional services.
-
Order a review/analysis for your film
-
A festival for women. Win $200 at our partner festival
A thank you video.
Filmmaker Qin Jie thanks the Kraken after receiving $500 cash.
An aperitif in Milan, 2025.
How to submit?
Write or film your masterpiece
Submit it to the Kraken festival via FilmFreeway or our website
Tag us on social media and check the deadline!
FAQ
-
The festival will never showcase a film without the author's permission.
The seasonal competition will host its celebration through a vibrant annual live event in May 2026. Our mission is to promote every winning project though our social media and website, and screen a selection of winning films from the annual competition in Milan, Italy.
This will provide the project with visibility, quality custom-made promotion, and the possibility of obtaining waiver codes for other festivals.
-
Kraken Fest is not confined to a genre; whether you have a short, feature, music video, or more, we invite filmmakers to submit projects that push the boundaries of storytelling.
Submit your project and let the Kraken surge, pushing your storytelling into the extraordinary.