Call for entries now open for 10th Zsigmond Vilmos International Film Festival
Call for entries is now open for the 10th Zsigmond Vilmos International Film Festival, which honors outstanding achievements in cinematography. The event will be held May 13–17, 2026, at the Belvárosi Cinema in Szeged, the organizers shared in a press release.
The festival, launched in 2017 and named after Academy Award-winning cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond, a native of Szeged, is unique in Hungary for focusing on visual storytelling and image composition. Over the past decade, it has evolved into a leading international showcase for films distinguished by creative camera work and innovative visual approaches.
Entries are accepted through FilmFreeway in the categories of feature film, short film, documentary, and music video. Eligible works must have been completed after Jan. 1, 2023, and submitted by midnight on Jan. 15, 2026, in accordance with festival regulations. A registration fee applies.
The jury will evaluate submissions based not only on cinematography but also on overall artistic quality. The final competition lineup will be announced by Feb. 3, 2026, following the decision of a professional pre-selection jury.
The main festival jury will again be chaired by cinematographer Gábor Szabó, recipient of the Béla Balázs Award. Additional honors will be presented by a critics’ jury and a student jury. The Hungarian Cinematographers Association (HCA) and the Association of Hungarian Film Directors will also recognize cinematographers in their own categories.
The program will feature the return of Hungarian Cinematographers’ Week, a curated selection showcasing highlights from the past three years of Hungarian filmmaking. Additional screenings and special anniversary events will round out the festival’s schedule.
The Zsigmond Vilmos International Film Festival continues to celebrate the art of cinematography and visual expression from around the world — and will once again take place at Szeged’s historic Belvárosi Cinema.
More info on the festival’s website.
Source: Zsigmond Vilmos International Film Festival
