Profile

In 2026, IFFG marks its 13th edition and continues its journey into fostering local and international talent and creating a hub for independent cinema in Scotland. We connect audiences, filmmakers and industry professionals, build a living education platform for independent cinema, and amplify underrepresented voices.

This edition celebrates our growth and our commitment to an open, inclusive and accessible festival, inviting everyone to discover independent cinema from around the world. IFFG is presented by World of Film, a non‑profit bringing audiences closer to international independent cinema and supporting emerging artists.

Our extensive education platform, Glasgow Film Club, offers free year-round events for young audiences, in collaboration with schools around Glasgow and Lanarkshire. These workshops, screenings, masterclasses and interactive events are aimed at under 16s audiences, and support the inclusion of screen education in the curriculum, while also offering career opportunities and a window for young audiences to explore types of cinema unavailable elsewhere in their community.

Join us this November as we come together to exchange ideas, showcase new work and dive into the evolving conversation around independent film.

Our focus remains global and independent across three core strands: First Features, Perspectives and Focus on Balkan Cinema, showcasing the work of new local and international talent, women and gender expansive creators and eastern European cinema. We also return with the 9th Animation Day in Glasgow (in collaboration with Animaze, Glasgow Life, The Grosvenor Picture Theatre and partners) and an expanded education platform—screenings and workshops for youth and under‑16s, masterclasses, talks, panels, curated programmes for children and students, networking, Q&As and more.

Competitions

  • First Feature Film Competition
  • Best Short Film Competition
  • Feature in the Female Perspectives Competition
  • Best Short Film in Female Perspectives Competition
  • Best Feature Film: Focus on Balkan Cinema
  • Best Short Film: Focus on Balkan Cinema
  • Best Animation

In more detail, the IFFG 2026 programme will include the following sections (please check regularly the website for news and updates):

  • First Feature Competition: Successful submissions from first feature film directors.
  • Perspectives: Films with powerful representation, from women, LGBTQIA+ and gender expansive creators, to 50%+ female crews, and empowering on-screen representations.
  • Focus on Balkan Cinema: A selection of short and feature films from Eastern European countries, with communities and current topics from those regions in the spotlight.
  • Special Screenings (Out of Competition): A selection of films from the festival circuit.
  • Animation programme as part of the 9th Animation Day in Glasgow, with animation for adult audiences, as well as under 16s and school education screenings & workshops.
  • Reel Tasty: Our food and film experiences, where audiences can enjoy gastronomic creations matched with short and feature films and embark on a unique, interactive journey of senses.
  • Youth programming: Film programmes and specially curated workshops for youth, stimulating engagement with younger audiences (under 16 years of age).