Festival invites science documentaries

The 62nd edition of Academia Film Olomouc (AFO), an international festival of science documentary films, is now accepting submissions for its competition programme. The event is scheduled to take place from 27 April to 2 May 2027 and seeks films that explore the natural, social, and human sciences, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches.

AFO’s history and mission

Founded in 1966, AFO has become one of Europe's leading festivals dedicated to science film. Its programme aims to present science as an attractive, dynamic, and diverse field through documentary filmmaking, bringing significant Czech and international works to both general audiences and the academic community.

Festival highlights past and present

Alongside contemporary productions, the festival revisits the history of science film through dedicated programme sections, with an annual thematic focus bringing together films and guests from around the world. Over the years, its guests have included Albert Barillé, the creator of Once Upon a Time... Life; Jeff Lieberman, host of Time Warp; and science communicator Lord Robert Winston.

Submission guidelines and deadlines

Eligible projects must have been completed between 1 January 2025 and 1 February 2027. The festival features five competition sections, including International Competition, Czech & Slovak Competition, Short Film Competition, Immersive Media Competition, and European Spotlight. A reduced submission fee is available until 1 November 2026, with the final deadline set for 13 December 2026.

Awards and categories

The International Competition is open to films produced outside the Czech Republic and Slovakia, with two awards of $3,000 each for Best Film and Best Science Communication. The Czech & Slovak Competition is open to feature-length projects and series from the two countries, with prizes of CZK 50,000 for Best Film and Best Science Communication.

Additional awards and focus areas

A separate Best First or Second Feature award is also open to qualifying debut and sophomore features selected for the International and Czech & Slovak competitions. The Short Film Competition welcomes works of up to 30 minutes and offers a prize of approximately $1,000. The Immersive Media Competition is open to original works using immersive and interactive technologies that explore and communicate scientific knowledge.

Scope of eligible films

AFO is looking for documentaries presenting the results of systematic research and observation, as well as films dedicated to scientists and their approaches and methods. Its remit extends beyond the natural and technical sciences to encompass the social sciences and humanities, examining the role of science in society, its ethical dimensions, and the stories it can tell.

Further information available

Further information and the full submission rules are available on the official AFO website.