The “Uhvati film” (Seize the Film) Festival takes place in Novi Sad (Serbia), Rijeka (Croatia) and Kotor (Montenegro).

Through a thematically and artistically distinctive film selection, the festival aims to promote the potential of persons with disabilities, raise public awareness about the challenges they face (with special attention to multiply marginalized groups), and contribute to the advancement of disability rights.

The Call for Entries is open from March 5 to April 15, 2026.

We invite filmmakers and producers to submit films that promote dignity, equality, and authentic perspectives of persons with disabilities.

Submission Requirements

• At least one person with a disability must be a protagonist or a significant participant in the film.

• Maximum running time: 30 minutes.

• Technical standard: minimum HD quality (1280×720).

• The film must contain subtitles in Serbian, Croatian, Bosnian, Montenegrin, or English.

Accessibility (Mandatory)

• Films from Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro must include SDH (Subtitles for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing) in the original language of the film.

• Films from other countries must submit an English SDH .srt subtitle file.

We especially value films that, in addition to mandatory SDH subtitles, include sign language interpretation and/or audio description (or a submitted audio description script).

Films that portray disability as a disease, tragedy, punishment, or that reinforce stereotypes will not be considered.

Selection and Screening

Films will be selected by a professional jury. Selected films will be screened at the 23rd “Uhvati film” Festival, which will take place in October 2026 in Novi Sad, Serbia.

Subject to available funding, selected films will be audio described and dubbed into Serbian in order to ensure broader accessibility.

Films selected for the Novi Sad program will enter consideration for screenings in Rijeka and Kotor, as well as for post-production programs.

The festival organizers (KAO Parnas – Serbia, Spirit Association – Croatia, NGO Art 365 – Montenegro) will personally contact the authors of the selected films.

Some films may not be included in the main Novi Sad program but may become part of the “Uhvati film Kids” program. Authors will be informed accordingly.

Rights and Usage

All shipping costs and risks are borne by the sender. Submitted films will remain in the festival archive.

The organizers commit not to use the films for commercial purposes. No screening fees will be paid for festival or post-production screenings.

The organizers reserve the right to use excerpts of up to 3 minutes solely for festival promotion purposes.

Awards

The best films will receive plaques for:

• Best Film

• Best Screenplay

• Best Director

The jury may also grant special awards.