Kraken

International

Film Festival

You might walk away with up to $2,000 in prizes!

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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

A surreal image of an old camera with octopus tentacles, set in a foggy landscape with a cargo ship in the background.

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.

An exceptional prize

🦑

An exceptional prize 🦑

Person holding a tablet displaying a digital check with a 'PAID' stamp.

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!

Two people lying on blankets outdoors at night, looking upward.

Who can submit?

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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.

Surreal scene with a large, old-fashioned camera on a tripod in the foreground, and a dome-shaped structure with tentacle-like extensions in the background, set in a dystopian landscape.

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.

A woman in a yellow dress and a child face a large, whimsical sea creature with pink-tipped tentacles and big eyes underwater. The scene has a magical, fantasy atmosphere with colorful sea life surrounding them.
Person with blue painted face wearing a lacy white dress and black boots, arms outstretched, against a blue textured background.

$2000 with the Kraken; $200 extra with the Mermaid.

Submit your short film today, it can be worth money!

Explore some of the

competition's winners.

  • Sir. Ian McKellen

    The Lord of The Rings (2001)
    The Hobbit (2013)

  • Cara Buono

    Stranger Things (2016-Now)
    The Girl Who Escaped (2023)

  • Reginald VelJohnson

    Family Matters (1989-1997)
    Die Hard (1988)

  • A person with short gray hair wearing a light blue scarf and a dark top against a black background in a portrait.

    Alan Cumming

    The Traitor (2023-2025)
    The Mask 2 (2005)

  • Seth Green

    Family Guy (1999-Now)
    Scooby Doo 2 (2003)

  • A man in a dark suit jacket with a gray zip-up sweater stands in front of a brown promotional backdrop featuring "Prix Lumières."

    Dominique Pinon

    Amélie (2001)
    Alien: Resurrection (1997)

  • Portrait of a woman with short blonde hair, wearing a light-colored top, looking directly at the camera with a neutral expression.

    Hannah van der Westhuysen

    Netflix's Fate (The Winx Saga) (2021) Lamborghini (2022)

  • Person in a sheer lace dress at a branded event

    Cristiana Dell'Anna

    Francesca Cabrini (2024)
    Gomorrah (2016 - 2019)

  • Young woman with long hair looking down, wearing a black jacket, with a blurred outdoor background.

    Eliot Salt

    Netflix's Fate (The Winx Saga) (2021) Normal People (2020)

  • Person with short blonde hair, wearing a black turtleneck, a gray scarf, and a conference lanyard, looking serious.

    Dee Wallace

    E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
    Cujo (1983)

  • Person with wavy hair in a shiny jacket, sitting against a red background.

    Jer Lau

    Pop singer

  • A person with curly hair wearing a denim overall and a sleeveless top against a blue background.

    Jess Salgueiro

    Frasier (2023 - 2024)
    The Boys (2019)

  • A woman with long, wavy hair wearing a black sleeveless top and dark pants, sitting against a dark background.

    Lauren Howe

    BlackBerry (2023)
    Reacher (2022)

  • Black and white image of a film set in a kitchen with two people talking, a cameraman operating a camera with headphones, and various kitchen items on the counter.

    Derek Frey

    Dumbo (2019)
    Sweeney Todd (2007)

  • Woman with long blonde hair and a black sleeveless top sitting on a chair, with hands folded.

    Giedre Jackyte

    Barbie (2023)

  • Man smiling in a close-up portrait

    Damian Chapa

    Blood In Blood Out (1993)
    Last Kiss in Paris (2024)

Black and white portrait of a person with long hair wearing a light-colored blazer over a dark shirt, looking to the side against a dark background.

Qin Jie won $500

Filmmker Qin Jie won $500 with her student short film “Diving”, at the Kraken Film Festival.

Black and white portrait of an older man, wearing a dark turtleneck, with a serious expression, arms crossed.

Ken won $1000

Director Ken McMullen won $1000 with the Kraken Film Festival after submitting the feature film "Hamlet Within".

Kata Varga won $150

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Kata Varga won $150 *

Screenwriter Kata Varga won $150 with the Kraken Film Festival after submitting her short screenplay "Virgin Mojito".

Smiling person holding an award or certificate with decorative hearts and text overlay reading "Kraken Film Festival." Yellow background with shelf and objects visible.

“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

  • "Great experience. Really happy that my first work received some recognition here."

    Jose Varghese, filmmaker

  • "I would like to thank the festival directors for making the films more visible. I hope to participate in the festival in future editions."

    Majid Farzolahi, filmmaker

  • "Thanks a lot, it was great to see my very first screenplay "From the darkness" selected as finalist in your festival. You encouraged me to participate to other festivals obtaining other fantastic results."

    Attilio Marinò, screenwriter

  • "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

Donation form for Kraken International Film Festival, featuring amount options and payment methods including PayPal and credit card.

Emmy Award winning cinematographer Jack Schurman’s short film - “Popcorn Shrimp and DIshwater” was awarded at the Kraken Film Festival

Person in denim outfit standing in front of Kraken International Film Festival sign with octopus and camera illustration.

Kraken International Film Festival's 2025 Live Event

Kiro Ebra (Tiktoker with 3 Million followers) was our special guest.

Marquee of the Palazzo del Cinema with "Anteo" sign, modern building against blue sky.

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.

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 February 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.

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