
Welcome to the Abyss
Welcome to the inaugural Kraken Film Festival, a cinematic adventure like no other! Our festival is not just an event; it's a celebration of the undiscovered, a journey into the depths of storytelling that will leave you questioning.. Reality.
At Kraken, we believe in elevating cinematic treasures from the abyss, welcoming all genres that stir the audience on a profound level.
Who can submit?
Whether you're an emerging or established filmmaker, you might find a cathegory for you.
At Kraken, artists from all stages are equally considered.
Up to 2000$ in prizes
An exceptional prize $$$
The Kraken aims not only to reward filmmaker's exceptional works with a the certification made by industry professionals, but also offers a monetary prize, a feature not common to all festivals.
We get how it's a hustle to fund your movie or put in the hours for that killer script. The cash prize is the sweet icing on the cake, providing an opportunity to potentially gain income for your hard work, or perhaps to set funds for your next project, who knows!


Where can I see the Kraken selection?
The festival will never showcase a film without the author's permission.
The seasonal competition will host its celebration through a vibrant annual live event in February 2025. Our mission is to promote every winning project though our social media and website, and screen a selection of winning films from the annual competition in Milan, Italy.
This will provide the project with visibility, quality custom-made promotion, and the possibility of obtaining waiver codes for other festivals.



We accept any genre.
Kraken Fest is not confined to a genre; whether you have a short, feature, music video, or more, we invite filmmakers to submit projects that push the boundaries of storytelling.
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Submit your project and let the Kraken surge, pushing your storytelling into the extraordinary.
What about genres ?
How to submit?
01
Film or write your masterpiece
02
Submit it to the Kraken festival via FilmFreeway
03
Tag us on social media and check the deadline!
They won $1000
Producer Martin McQuillan and director Ken McMullen
They won $100 with the Kraken Film Festival after submitting the feature film "Hamlet Within".
She won $150
Screenwriter Kata Varga
Kata won $150 with the Kraken Film Festival after submitting her short screenplay "Virgin Mojito".

Our testimonials
Explore some of the competition's winners:
Kraken International
Film Festival's 2025 Live Event
February the 7th, MILAN | 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM
The Kraken International Film Festival is a unique cinematic experience celebrating creativity and innovation in the world of independent cinema. The festival’s first edition will take place on February 7, 2025, in Milan, offering an exclusive selection of films from around the world, from captivating short films to an extraordinary feature film.โ

The program features unforgettable screenings, including:
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Hamlet Within (UK) – Directed by Ken McMullen – 1h 26m
A modern adaptation of Hamlet, starring Ian McKellen, exploring the psyche of a young man seeking vengeance for his father’s death. The director and producer will be present for a Q&A session.
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Ekko (France) – Directed by Alejandro Iglesias – 15m
A comedy about Julia, a stressed businesswoman who enters an unusual café for an urgent meeting. Mysterious events force her to confront her past. The director of photography will be present.
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Just Like Dad (UK | London) – Directed by David Marks – 20m
A drama about Kimani, a devoted father involved in crime, trying to influence his son's future for the better. The director will be present.
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Just Kids (Italy | Rome) – Directed by Roberto Urbani – 12m
A drama about Giulia, who faces the challenge of accepting the new arrival Marilena, who has captured the attention of her best friend Nadine. The director will be present.
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Mourning (Ireland) – Directed by Jackie Walsh – 6m 39s
A short film about the search for a lost dog leading to a shocking discovery.
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Diving (China) – Directed by Qin Jie – 39m 41s
A romantic drama where a girl attempts to infiltrate another couple’s life before an important operation, but something unexpected happens. The director will be present.
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Hira (Italy) – Directed by Emanuele Colognese – 10m 24s
Set in modern Milan, this film intertwines stories of life—not love—in a fascinating exploration of relationships. The director will be present.



Event schedule.

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14:00 – Doors open at Anteo Palazzo del Cinema, with photo opportunities at the official festival stand.
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14:30 – Official presentation in the theater and the start of screenings.
An unmissable opportunity for film students, enthusiasts, and art critics, with the chance to dive into narratives that challenge the boundaries of reality. It’s not just a festival, but a journey into the unexplored, an opportunity to discover the finest of independent cinema.
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Join us for a one-of-a-kind cinematic experience.
Explore the custom-made categories:
Grand-prix feature film $

Grand-prix short film $

Best Low Budget Film

Best Short Screenplay
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Best Documentary

Best Female Filmmaker
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Best Feature Screenplay

Best Animation
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Best Experimental

Best TV Pilot/Web Series

Best Music Video

Best Student Film

Best Actress
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Best Actor

Best Soundtrack / Song
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Best Poster

Best Trailer

Ready to create a buzz?