From May 25-30 2027 the NEISSE NYSA NISA FILM FESTIVAL (abbr. NFF) once again brings current cinema from Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic into the border region along the Neisse River. For the 24th festival season, a new programme structure is being planned. The three competitions for feature films, documentaries and short films remain the heart of the festival. At the same time new and improved sections create more room for genre cinema, especially attractive films, regional perspectives, films from eastern and central Europe, as well as productions for a younger audience. "The new structure is meant to appeal to a wider audience, to better reflect the cinematic breadth of the three countries as well as to increase the relevance of the festival for the interconnectedness of the three countries," explains festival co-director Clemens Meyer. Entries for the 24th NFF may be submitted as of now.

For the three competitions, Feature Film, Documentaries and Short Films from the three neighbouring countries as well as appropriate coproductions, submissions are being welcomed which were created in the years 2026 and 2027. The NFF will be granting twelve Neisse Fish, the festival award sculptures. In connection with that, prize monies totalling 27,500 euros will be awarded. In addition to the Best Films in each category and the Audience Favourites, awards will go to Best Acting, Best Script and Best Production Design. The Special Prize of the festival will go to a film selected from the entire programme which approaches other countries and cultures with respect, thereby paving the way for dialogue. A Youth Jury will also select a full-length and a short film which especially speak to young people.

New: Entries welcomed also for non-competitive categories 

For the upcoming festival, the NFF is expanding its Call for Entries for the first time to include several non-competitive categories. Current full-length films from Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic are welcomed which complement the festival programme with specific perspectives and offerings for our audiences:

Strange Waters presents current full-length films from Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic which fall into select forms of genre cinema.

Big Fish presents current, popular or especially attractive full-length films from Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic.

Regionalia collects films which were created in Upper Lusatia or the bordering Polish or Czech border regions, by filmmakers from the region, or which deal primarily with the region, its inhabitants, history, current situation or culture.

Young Waves directs its attention to a young audience and presents current full-length films from Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic for children and young people from roughly 6 to 18 years of age.

The NEISSE NYSA NISA FILM FESTIVAL thus opens its Call for Entries beyond the established competitions for more forms of contemporary cinema. In addition, films will be presented in the following, curated sections: Beyond the Triangle, broadening the scope beyond the three festival countries and presenting contemporary cinema from central and eastern Europe. The already-established Fokus, Midnight Special and Panorama Weekend film series' are also on the schedule. Direct entry submission for these categories is not possible.

Entries for the NEISSE NYSA NISA FILM FESTIVAL 2027 may be sent in starting now via the festival website and the branch platforms FilmFreeway or Miralot. 

The scheduled deadline for entries is 15 December 2026. 

Further information on eligibility requirements and submission may be found online here...