About PIFF
The Plovdiv International Film Festival is a new international film festival based in Plovdiv, Bulgaria — one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities and European Capital of Culture 2019.
Created as a meeting point for cinema, culture and industry, PIFF aims to bring together filmmakers, producers, critics, distributors, international film professionals and audiences in a city shaped by history, creativity and cultural exchange. The festival is dedicated to presenting bold independent cinema from Bulgaria, the Balkans, Europe and the wider world, while supporting new opportunities for international collaboration and co-production.
At the heart of PIFF is the belief that film festivals should be more than screening platforms. They should be spaces where ideas are exchanged, professional relationships are formed, and future projects begin. Through curated screenings, filmmaker Q&As, industry conversations, networking events and cultural encounters, PIFF seeks to connect Bulgarian film talent with the global film community and introduce international voices to audiences in Plovdiv.
Hosted at Lucky Cinema, one of the city’s most symbolic independent cinemas and a landmark of Plovdiv’s cultural revival, the festival honours the cinematic past while building a new platform for contemporary film. PIFF is designed to be intimate, ambitious and deeply connected to the space. We are a festival that celebrates cinema as an art form, a cultural bridge and a catalyst for future creative partnerships.
selection criterion
PIFF applies a selective and structured programming process. All submissions are reviewed on artistic, technical and cultural merit, with priority given to films that demonstrate a clear cinematic voice, strong craft and meaningful engagement with their subject matter.
Films will be assessed according to the following criteria:
Artistic Vision
The film must demonstrate a clear directorial identity, original perspective and purposeful creative choices. PIFF prioritises films that feel authored rather than generic.Storytelling and Structure
The film must show strong narrative, documentary or formal construction. Whether fictional, non-fiction, experimental or hybrid, the work must have a clear internal logic and a compelling reason for its form.Technical Quality
The film must meet a professional standard of image, sound, editing and presentation. Technical limitations may be accepted only when they are clearly justified by the artistic approach and do not prevent the audience from engaging with the work.Cultural and Thematic Value
The film should contribute meaningfully to contemporary cinema, cultural dialogue or social reflection. PIFF is particularly interested in works that reveal specific local, regional or personal perspectives with wider international relevance.Originality and Risk
Preference will be given to films that take creative risks, challenge convention or offer a distinctive approach to subject, style, performance or cinematic language.Relevance to the Festival’s Mission
Selected films must align with PIFF’s aim to connect Bulgarian cinema with the international film community, encourage cross-cultural exchange and support future collaboration between filmmakers, producers and industry professionals.Audience and Programme Fit
The film must contribute to the overall balance, quality and identity of the festival programme. Selection is not based only on individual merit, but also on how the film fits within the wider curatorial structure of PIFF.
All films are reviewed by the programming team. Shortlisted films may be subject to further review by senior programmers or invited advisors. Final selection decisions are made by the festival and are final.
PIFF does not select films on the basis of popularity, premiere status, filmmaker reputation or production budget alone. A film with limited resources may be selected if it demonstrates strong artistic purpose and cinematic integrity. Equally, a technically polished film may be rejected if it lacks originality, clarity or meaningful artistic value.
Selection to PIFF is competitive. Submission does not guarantee selection, and the festival is not obliged to provide individual feedback on unsuccessful submissions.