Greece’s Beyond Borders opens call for submissions
- The international documentary festival held on Kastellorizo returns for its tenth edition, inviting filmmakers to submit their works by 30 April

The Beyond Borders – Kastellorizo International Documentary Festival is gearing up for its milestone tenth edition, set to take place from 24-31 August on the breathtaking Greek island of Kastellorizo. Building on the legacy of previous editions, the festival continues its commitment to showcasing powerful documentary storytelling that transcends borders and fosters international dialogue. Once again, the island will be transformed into a hub for filmmakers, industry professionals and cinephiles eager to engage with thought-provoking works from around the world.
The festival has officially opened its call for submissions, welcoming entries from Greek and international documentary filmmakers since 3 January, with the deadline set for 30 April. Following last year’s strong turnout of 763 submissions from 95 countries, Beyond Borders aims to surpass expectations once again.
The competitive programme of the tenth edition will feature 42 films, divided into two sections. The Main Competition will showcase medium-length (31-60 minutes) and feature-length (61 minutes and above) movies, while the μicro Competition will include short films (up to 30 minutes) and is exclusively for filmmakers who have directed no more than three films. In recognition of outstanding documentary storytelling from both emerging and seasoned filmmakers, the gathering will grant 11 awards, with a total prize pool of €27,500, offering substantial support to documentary creators.
Staying true to its vision, Beyond Borders will continue to highlight documentaries that explore historical events and personalities, sociopolitical issues, human rights and cross-border themes. These films capture pressing contemporary concerns while reflecting the ever-evolving landscape of global documentary filmmaking. Eligible films must have been produced within the last three years, from 2023-2025.
Marking its tenth anniversary, Beyond Borders aims to solidify its role as a vital hub for the international documentary scene. This year, the festival will shine a spotlight on Greek documentary cinema, showcasing its rich storytelling and growing global influence. With a thoughtfully curated selection of films, the programme will connect Greece’s cultural heritage with modern perspectives, emphasising the country's artistic impact on the world stage.
Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Aegean Sea and Kastellorizo, Beyond Borders provides a distinctive platform for creative exchange, industry networking and cultural discovery. Welcoming filmmakers, professionals and documentary enthusiasts, the festival offers an immersive cinematic experience. Submissions are open via the FilmFreeway platform or the dedicated form on the festival’s website, where participation guidelines and entry requirements can also be found.
Beyond Borders is organised by the Hellenic History Foundation (IDISME) in collaboration with Ecrans des Mondes (France). The festival is supported by PPC SA, the leading energy company in Southeast Europe.
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