We are excited to announce that the 2025 Kalimantan International Indigenous Film Festival is officially accepting submissions! This year’s theme, "Preserving Indigenous Ecological Knowledge," underscores the invaluable wisdom that Indigenous communities have cultivated over centuries in harmony with nature.
Indigenous peoples have long been regarded as stewards of the Earth, and Indigenous knowledge is not just a cultural heritage; it is an essential component in the global dialogue for climate mitigation. Communities around the world possess profound insights about biodiversity, land management, and climate resilience that can inform and enrich contemporary conservation efforts. As climate change continues to threaten our planet, the insights derived from Indigenous practices offer a unique and powerful perspective on sustainable living and environmental stewardship. This festival aims to amplify these voices, showcasing films that highlight the stories, struggles, and triumphs of Indigenous peoples globally.
We invite filmmakers, storytellers, and visionaries from all backgrounds to contribute their work—documentaries, features, and short films—that delve into this pressing issue. Whether you are an experienced filmmaker or just starting out, your perspective matters. Your films have the potential to spark dialogue, inspire change, and foster a deeper understanding of our interconnection with nature and respect for Indigenous ecological knowledge, igniting conversations about preservation and collaborative solutions for our planet's future.
KIIFF 2024 attended by more than 1,000 live audiences and reached 174,448 online users globally.
KIFF and its network are a platform for regional and international indigenous filmmakers to showcase their works, to form collaboration and solidarity, and to be able to share their stories with the global audience. Share this call for submissions with your networks, and encourage fellow creators to join this important movement in recognizing and preserving the rich wisdom of Indigenous cultures as we navigate the challenges ahead.
The KIIFF 2025 currently is set to happen on 4-9 August 2025.
General Eligibility:
Director or producer belong to Indigenous/first nation group
HD quality (minimum 1080p, format 16:9)
English subtitle
Production year before 2021 will not be considered
Eligibility for Each Category
Documentary: non fiction, conveying the culture, traditions and lifestyles, struggles or success stories from Indigenous communities, maximum 40-minute length
Feature Film: fiction, original screenplay and story, genres includes but not limited to drama, comedy, horror, folk stories within Indigenous theme, maximum 60-minute length
Short Video: fiction/non-fiction, genre includes but not limited to music video, advertisement, animation, advocacy video, video message within Indigenous theme, maximum 5-minute length
Filmmaker Tabela: director maximum age 18 years old from Indigenous groups/First Nations, fiction/non-fiction, all genres within Indigenous theme, unlimited duration
Female Director: Female director from Indigenous group/First nations, fiction/non-fiction, all genres within Indigenous theme, unlimited duration
Please kindly check the submission details before you fill out the form and ensure that you fill it in according to the requirements.
Submit your films, tell your stories, and play a part in this crucial movement towards environmental justice.
KIIFF 2025 Programming Committee