Thai PBS is inviting emerging filmmakers, independent directors, students and the general public to submit short films and short documentaries for the VIPA International Film Festival 2026 (VIFF2026), with submissions open until 20th July 2026. Selected works will compete for prizes worth more than ฿800,000 in total and be showcased at the festival this September.
Organised by Thai Public Broadcasting Service (Thai PBS), in collaboration with the Thai PBS Foundation, Thai PBS Digital Media Division and VIPA, together with the Thai Media Fund’s Department of Cultural Promotion and the Thai Independent Film Association, VIFF2026 is a major step forward in developing Thailand's next generation of filmmakers and strengthening connections with the international film community.
According to Adisak Limparungpatanakij, Deputy Director-General for Technology at Thai PBS, this year's festival represents a significant evolution from previous VIPA Film Festivals, which have been held successfully for the past three years.
VIFF2026 is more than a film festival. It is a platform designed to nurture emerging filmmakers throughout their creative journey, from idea development and professional workshops to film competition, public screenings and opportunities to connect with the international film industry.
The festival welcomes the submission of short films and documentaries of up to 60 minutes' duration that reflect issues aligned with Thai PBS's public service mission, including anti-corruption, contemporary arts and culture, as well as climate change.
Entries will compete across three award categories, with a total prize pool exceeding ฿800,000.
In addition, films developed through the VIPA Pitching Project 2026, supported by The Association of Thai Independent Filmmakers, Thai Media Fund and the Department of Cultural Promotion, will also be featured during the festival. The project provides intensive filmmaking workshops for 20 youth teams aged 23 and under, helping to transform their ideas into completed productions ready for public screening.
The VIPA International Film Festival 2026 will take place from 11th-25th September 2026 as a hybrid film festival, combining screenings at the Thai PBS Mini-Theatre, outdoor cinema events and online streaming via the VIPA platform, Thai PBS’s streaming platform.
The festival will feature more than 46 films and documentaries from Thailand and abroad, alongside panel discussions, exhibitions and professional workshops designed to foster dialogue and collaboration across the creative industry.
“Our long-term vision is for the VIPA International Film Festival to become a hub connecting filmmakers and audiences,” Adisak added. “In the medium term, we aim to expand partnerships across ASEAN and ultimately establish VIFF as a distinctive international platform that brings Thai and Southeast Asian stories to global audiences."
For submission guidelines and more information, please visit www.VIPA.me/VIFF2026
