OFFICIAL REGULATIONS
FIACAFI IMAGEM SHOWCASE 2026
Ibero-American and African Film, Audiovisual, Training and Creative Industries Festival
Article 1 - The Programme
Mostra Imagem forms part of the official programme of FIACAFI 2026 – the Ibero-American and African Film, Audiovisual, Training and Creative Industries Festival, to be held from 9 to 16 August 2026. It is a competitive section dedicated to the promotion, circulation and recognition of author-driven, innovative cinematic works that engage with aesthetic and narrative diversity, originating from Brazil, Latin America, Africa, Europe and their diasporas.
The programme operates as a curated platform for independent and contemporary cinema, with a focus on emerging film languages and the expansion of the aesthetic and political boundaries of the moving image. It brings together works that offer singular perspectives on memory, territory, identity, social justice and cultural transformation.
Central to the programme are films that foreground Black and Afro-diasporic cinema, Indigenous cinema, works directed by women, and LGBTQIAPN+ narratives, alongside broader cinematic practices committed to cultural, territorial, racial, gender and formal diversity.
In order to foster territorial circulation and international exchange, the city of São Paulo will serve as the festival’s main hub, with simultaneous screenings taking place across a national circuit in Salvador, Brasília, Porto Alegre, Rio de Janeiro and Belo Horizonte throughout the official festival period.
FIACAFI is organised by EVA Filmes Ltda., in co-production with Inova Filmes and Ori Imagem & Som, and operates as both a national and international platform connecting culture, training, industry and social impact. The festival is committed to amplifying narratives by women, Black and Afro-diasporic creators, Indigenous peoples, and filmmakers from historically underrepresented territories.
The festival benefits from institutional and technical cooperation with the Ministry of Human Rights and Citizenship of Brazil and UNESCO, as well as the support of embassies and diplomatic representations from various countries, including European and African partners. FIACAFI positions itself as a strategic platform for exchange between Brazil, Latin America, Europe, Africa and the Francophone world.
Article 2 - Categories
The Mostra Imagem competition is structured into the following categories:
I. Short Films - works with a minimum duration of 10 minutes and a maximum duration of 30 minutes, including end credits;
II. Feature Films - works with a minimum duration of 70 minutes and a maximum duration of 120 minutes, including end credits.
The selection is open to works across all genres, including fiction (drama, comedy and other subgenres), documentary, children’s films and animation, as well as hybrid and experimental formats.
Article 3 – Eligibility
Cinematic works submitted to Mostra Imagem must comply with the criteria set out in these Regulations and meet the following conditions:
I. Origin and Context
Eligible works include those produced or co-produced in Latin America, Africa and Europe, as well as within their diasporas. Works originating from other regions may also be considered, provided they demonstrate a clear artistic, cultural or thematic connection to the geopolitical and curatorial contexts of the programme.
II. Filmmaker Profile and Content
Eligible works include:
a) films directed or produced by Black and Afro-diasporic filmmakers, Indigenous filmmakers, women, or LGBTQIAPN+ creators; or
b) films whose content, themes or aesthetic approach engage meaningfully with issues related to racial, ethnic, cultural, territorial and gender diversity, sexuality, or accessibility.
III. Production Date
Films completed between 2019 and 2026 are eligible.
Premiere status is not required.
IV. Curatorial Principles and Priorities
The selection will prioritise works that:
a) meaningfully reflect the social, cultural and historical realities of the territories and communities represented;
b) contribute to the expansion of aesthetic, racial, cultural, territorial and gender diversity in contemporary audiovisual practices;
c) demonstrate authorial vision, innovation, or a commitment to expanding cinematic language.
V. Diversity within Creative Teams
Particular attention will be given to works that demonstrate meaningful diversity within their creative teams, encouraging the participation of professionals from historically underrepresented groups, including Black and Afro-diasporic communities, Indigenous peoples, women, LGBTQIAPN+ individuals, and creators from peripheral territories.
As a guiding principle, projects featuring at least 60% representation from these groups will be especially valued.
VI. Additional Provisions
The festival organisation reserves the right to assess exceptional cases at its sole discretion, including works that may not fully meet the above criteria but demonstrate significant artistic merit or strong alignment with the programme’s curatorial principles.
Article 4 – Language and Accessibility
Submitted works may be in any language.
For the purposes of screening and evaluation, films must include subtitles or dubbing in at least one of the following languages: Portuguese, Spanish or English.
Subtitles must be delivered as a separate file, in a technical format compatible with the festival’s specifications, preferably in . SRT or .VTT format, and properly synchronised with the film.
The applicant is solely responsible for the technical quality, linguistic accuracy and synchronisation of the subtitles.
Selected works must fully comply with the subtitling requirements within the deadlines established by the festival. Failure to do so may result in the inability to screen the film, at the sole discretion of the festival.
FIACAFI encourages the adoption of audiovisual accessibility resources in order to broaden access for diverse audiences. Whenever possible, the submission of works including the following is strongly recommended:
I. Subtitles for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (SDH);
II. Audio description;
III. Brazilian Sign Language (Libras) interpretation or equivalent accessibility resources.
Films that include accessibility features must clearly indicate and describe such elements at the time of submission.
The festival organisation may, where applicable, request additional materials or specific versions of selected works in order to ensure technical compliance and enhance accessibility during screenings.
Article 5 – Submissions
Submissions to Mostra Imagem FIACAFI 2026 must be made exclusively through the festival’s official platform, available at:
https://www.fiacafi.com.br/mostra-fiacafi-imagem-2026, within the deadlines established in these Regulations.
The applicant is solely responsible for the accuracy of the information provided and for the complete submission of all required materials at the time of entry.
For a submission to be considered valid, the following materials must be provided:
I. A screening link to the film on a digital platform, accompanied by a password that remains valid throughout the entire selection period;
II. Full technical specifications (credits) of the work;
III. A short synopsis and a full synopsis;
IV. Director’s and producer’s statement of intent;
V. Press materials and promotional images (official stills);
VI. Trailer and making-of links, where available;
VII. Individual photographs of the director and producer;
VIII. Proof of copyright ownership or authorisation for the use of image and related rights, where applicable;
IX. A duly signed screening authorisation, issued by the director, producer, or the production/distribution company, in accordance with the model provided by the festival.
Failure to provide any of the required materials may result in the invalidation of the submission or disqualification of the work at any stage of the selection process, at the sole discretion of the festival.
FIACAFI shall not be held responsible for technical issues, inaccessible links, invalid passwords, or any other problems that prevent the proper viewing of the film during the selection process.
Materials submitted may be used by the festival exclusively for evaluation purposes and, in the case of selected works, for institutional promotion, in full respect of copyright and image rights.
Article 6 - Schedule
The submission, selection and implementation process of Mostra Imagem FIACAFI 2026 will follow the schedule below:
I. Submission period: from 23 March 2026 to 10 May 2026, until 23:00 (Brasília time – GMT-3);
II. Curatorial process: until 25 June 2026;
III. Announcement of selected works: until 27 June 2026;
IV. Confirmation of participation by selected works: until 30 June 2026;
V. Official opening of the festival: 9 August 2026;
VI. Closing ceremony and awards presentation: 16 August 2026.
The festival organisation reserves the right to amend the above dates for technical, logistical or institutional reasons, subject to prior notice through FIACAFI’s official communication channels.
Article 7 - Curatorship and Selection Process
The selection of works submitted to Mostra Imagem FIACAFI 2026 will be carried out by a national and international selection committee, composed of eight professionals with recognised experience in the fields of audiovisual, culture and the creative industries, representing diverse countries and cultural contexts.
The composition of the committee will reflect principles of diversity, gender equity, plurality of perspectives and international representation, in line with FIACAFI’s curatorial and institutional framework.
The selection process will be conducted in a rigorous, independent and merit-based manner, taking into account the artistic quality of the works, the consistency of their aesthetic and narrative proposals, and their alignment with the programme’s curatorial principles.
All decisions of the selection committee are final, collective and not subject to appeal.
The FIACAFI organisation reserves the right to determine the final programme of selected works, including dates, screening times, formats, sessions and venues, in accordance with curatorial, technical, institutional and logistical criteria.
Submission of a work does not guarantee its selection. The final decision rests solely with the selection committee.
The committee may, at its discretion, recommend works for different sections of the programme, regardless of the category initially indicated at the time of submission.
Article 8 - Competition and Awards
All works selected for Mostra Imagem FIACAFI 2026 will be part of the festival’s official competition and will be eligible for awards as defined by the festival organisation.
Award categories may include, but are not limited to:
I. Best Innovative Narrative;
II. Best First Feature (Debut Film);
III. Best Documentary;
IV. Best Social Impact Film;
V. Best Representation and Diversity;
VI. Best International Film;
VII. Best Short Film;
VIII. Best Director;
IX. Best Cinematography;
X. Best Editing;
XI. Best Screenplay (Original or Adapted);
XII. Best Performance (including leading and supporting roles);
XIII. Best Original Score;
XIV. Best Sound Design;
XV. Best Production Design;
XVI. Audience Award;
XVII. Best Distribution Strategy / Impact Campaign;
XVIII. Best Costume Design;
XIX. Best Visual Effects (VFX).
The festival organisation reserves the right to create, modify or withdraw award categories at its sole discretion, in accordance with its curatorial and institutional guidelines.
The official awards ceremony will take place on 16 August 2026 in the city of São Paulo, the festival’s main hub.
The evaluation criteria and the value of the awards will be defined by the festival organisation and communicated in due course through FIACAFI’s official channels.
Awards may include, among others: financial support, academic and training scholarships, post-production services, distribution consultancy, participation in international markets and platforms, circulation initiatives, and the presentation of the festival’s official trophy, FIACAFI N’Tama - Spirit of Creation.
In addition, special awards may be granted by partner institutions and sponsors. Such awards may consist of financial contributions, services, scholarships, institutional support or other benefits, and will be granted according to the independent criteria established by each partner, without interference from the festival organisation.
Awards granted do not, under any circumstances, imply any obligation of commercial distribution of the awarded works.
Article 9 - Copyright and Screening Rights
The submission of a work implies full acceptance of these Regulations and grants the festival a non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to screen the film as part of FIACAFI 2026 (9 -16 August 2026), through in-person public screenings within the festival’s cultural programme.
Screenings will be predominantly free of charge; however, a symbolic ticket fee may be applied in certain cases, without constituting any form of commercial exploitation of the work.
The applicant declares that they hold all copyright, neighbouring rights and image rights necessary for the screening of the work, and fully indemnifies the festival organisation against any claims by third parties.
Selected works may be screened in the city of São Paulo, the festival’s main hub, as well as within a simultaneous circuit in the cities of Salvador, Brasília, Porto Alegre, Rio de Janeiro and Belo Horizonte, exclusively during the official festival period.
The FIACAFI organisation is authorised to use, free of charge, excerpts, images, stills and promotional materials from submitted and selected works solely for institutional communication, promotional purposes and the dissemination of the festival and its activities, across all media and territories.
This authorisation does not constitute any transfer or assignment of commercial exploitation rights, which remain fully vested in the rights holders.
Article 10 - General Provisions
Submission to FIACAFI 2026 implies full and unconditional acceptance of all provisions set forth in these Regulations by the legal representatives of the submitted work.
Any matters not expressly provided for herein, as well as any questions regarding interpretation, shall be resolved by the festival organisation, whose decisions shall be final and not subject to appeal, in accordance with the principles of good faith, reasonableness and cultural interest.
The FIACAFI organisation reserves the right to modify dates, venues, screening formats and programme details for technical, logistical, institutional or force majeure reasons, without incurring any obligation of compensation or liability towards participants.
These Regulations shall enter into force on the date of their publication and shall apply in full to the FIACAFI 2026 edition.
Article 11 - Delivery of Materials and Screening Copies
The representatives of selected works must submit, within the deadlines established by the festival organisation, all technical and promotional materials requested by the FIACAFI Film Department, in accordance with specifications to be communicated in due course.
The delivery of the final screening copy is mandatory and must be completed prior to the official opening of the festival, via a digital platform or an accredited delivery agent designated by the organisation.
Accepted screening formats include DCP (Digital Cinema Package) and/or digital files compliant with the festival’s technical standards. Full technical specifications (format, resolution, codec, audio and subtitling) will be provided by the organisation and must be strictly adhered to.
An additional backup copy, including a subtitled version, may be requested in accordance with the festival’s technical requirements.
Failure to deliver the final screening materials within the specified deadline will result in the automatic withdrawal of the work from the programme, with no possibility of extension.
Applicants authorise the use of excerpts, images and promotional materials provided, exclusively for the festival’s institutional communication and promotional purposes, across all media and territories.
The festival organisation shall not be held responsible for technical issues arising from the submission of materials that do not comply with the specified requirements.
Article 12 - Costs, Transport and Liability
All costs related to submission, delivery of materials for selection, translation, subtitling, as well as any applicable customs duties (import and re-export), shall be borne exclusively by the producers or legal representatives of the works.
Expenses related to the transport, shipment, return and insurance of screening copies, including DCPs and/or digital files, shall likewise be the responsibility of the rights holders, unless otherwise agreed in writing with the festival organisation.
FIACAFI shall be responsible for the safekeeping and storage of screening materials only for the period during which they are under its control, within official festival venues or authorised circuits.
In the event of damage, loss or deterioration of materials while under the festival’s responsibility, any liability on the part of FIACAFI shall be strictly limited to the replacement value of the physical carrier or the technical cost of restoring the file, as declared by the applicant. No additional compensation, including loss of profits or indirect damages, shall be due.
The festival shall not be held responsible for delays, loss or damage occurring during transport when such transport is carried out by third parties or services contracted by the rights holders.
Article 13 - Authority and Jurisdiction
The organisation of FIACAFI – the Ibero-American and African Film, Audiovisual, Training and Creative Industries Festival shall be the competent authority to interpret these Regulations and to rule on any matters not expressly provided for, as well as on exceptional situations related to submission, selection, programming, screening and other operational aspects of the festival.
Decisions taken by the festival organisation within the scope of its authority shall be final, binding and not subject to appeal.
Any disputes arising from these Regulations shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of the District of São Paulo, Brazil, with express waiver of any other jurisdiction, however privileged it may be.
Article 14 - Hospitality and Institutional Support
FIACAFI may, at its sole discretion and subject to budgetary availability, grant institutional hospitality support to representatives of selected works, with the aim of promoting participation and geographical diversity within the festival.
Such support may be allocated to filmmakers and/or representatives based outside Brazil, as well as those residing in the North, Northeast, South and Central-West regions of the country.
Support may cover, in full or in part, expenses related to transport, accommodation, meals and insurance, in accordance with institutional, technical and logistical criteria defined by the festival organisation.
The amount and conditions of such support shall be determined on a case-by-case basis and may reach, on a non-binding reference basis:
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up to USD 3,000 (three thousand US dollars) for international guests;
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up to BRL 2,500 (two thousand five hundred Brazilian reais) for filmmakers residing in the aforementioned regions.
The granting of such support does not constitute any entitlement, and remains subject to prior approval by the festival organisation.
For further information or institutional enquiries, contact must be made through FIACAFI’s official channels:
Direction: direcao@fiacafi.com.br
Programming: programacao@fiacafi.com.br
Press: imprensa@fiacafi.com.br
Article 15 – Acceptance and Interpretation of the Regulations
Participation in FIACAFI 2026 implies full and unconditional acceptance of these Regulations, as well as compliance with all conditions set forth herein.
In the event of any discrepancy in interpretation, the official Portuguese-language version of these Regulations shall prevail and shall be considered the definitive text for all legal purposes, regardless of any translated versions.
These Regulations apply to all programmes, sections and official activities of FIACAFI 2026, unless otherwise provided for in specific regulations.