Arkin University of Creative Arts and Design (ARUCAD) has announced that applications are now open for the first edition of the Cinematic Seeds Festival—a new international platform where student and recent graduate filmmakers from around the world can showcase their creativity.
The festival will take place in Kyrenia in February 2026 and will present a wide range of short films, from narrative to experimental works, and from documentaries to hybrid productions. Participants can compete in the following categories:
First-Year Films, featuring debut works by students at the beginning of their cinematic journey; Experimental Films, highlighting innovative works that push the boundaries of form; Documentary, focusing on real stories and social issues; Short Fiction Films, including fictional works up to fifteen minutes in length; and Hybrid Narratives and Visual Experiments, blending fictional and non-fictional elements.
Awards will be presented in the categories of Best First-Year Film, Best Experimental Film, Best Documentary, Best Short Fiction Film, Best Hybrid Narrative, and the Audience Award. Applications will remain open until December 31, 2025. The official selections and festival program will be announced in December, and the festival will take place in February 2026.
The submitted films will be evaluated by a distinguished jury composed of internationally recognized directors, academics, and industry professionals, based on the criteria of originality and creativity, technical execution, narrative strength, and artistic and cultural impact.
Organized by ARUCAD, the Cinematic Seeds Festival aims to bring young filmmakers together with an international audience, foster a creative exchange among students, academics, and industry professionals, and support the development of new forms of storytelling through cinema.
For detailed information and applications: arucad.edu.tr/arucad-cinematic-seeds-festival-2026