The Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival has opened submissions for its 29th edition, set to run from March 4 to 14, 2027. TiDF remains one of Europe’s most significant documentary gatherings and is qualified to submit its winning feature directly for Academy Award consideration.

Early bird entries are open until September 18, 2026 at a fee of €40 per submission. A standard window follows from September 19 through the final deadline of November 30, 2026, with fees rising to €60. Immersive and XR projects run on a separate, fee-free track, with submissions accepted until January 8, 2027.

The festival’s Feature Length International Competition will select twelve to fourteen films over 70 minutes for two prizes, the Golden Alexander (€12,000) and the Silver Alexander (€5,000). The Golden Alexander winner earns automatic Oscar-qualifying status in the Documentary Feature category. Eligible works must be a world, international or European premiere, unreleased in Greece, delivered in DCP format and completed within the twelve months before the festival.

A parallel Newcomers International Competition is reserved for directors on their first or second feature, showcasing ten to twelve films over 50 minutes for the Golden Alexander \”Dimitri Eipides\” award (€10,000) and a Silver Alexander (€4,000).

The >>Film Forward International Competition, dedicated to formally experimental documentary work, will present eight to ten films over 45 minutes, competing for a Golden Alexander (€6,000) and Silver Alexander (€3,000).

Rounding out the program, the Immersive: All Around Cinema International Competition gathers XR, AR and VR projects completed within the preceding 24 months and not yet publicly screened in Greece.

Submissions for all sections can be made through the festival’s official portal at filmfestival.gr.