NRW FilmFestival
NRW Film Festival is an independent, privately operated cultural film festival organized by Nilesh Tambe (registered sole proprietor)
NRW FILM FESTIVAL 2026
The NRW Film Festival is an emerging international platform dedicated to discovering and celebrating bold, original, and inspiring voices in cinema. Launched in 2025, the festival returns in 2026 for its second edition, continuing its mission to support independent filmmakers, emerging talent, and high-quality storytelling.
The festival takes place in North Rhine–Westphalia, one of Germany’s most culturally vibrant regions, and brings together audiences, filmmakers, and industry professionals for a carefully curated cinematic experience.
Film Categories
The NRW Film Festival focuses on two main formats:
- Feature Films with a runtime of 60 to 90 minutes
- Short Films with a maximum runtime of 15 minutes
Films are accepted from all genres, including narrative, documentary, social-impact cinema, and commercial or entertainment-driven works.
Competition Sections
The festival presents awards in both international and regional (NRW / Germany) categories, including:
- Best Feature Film (International – under 90 min)
- Best Feature Film (NRW / Germany – under 90 min)
- Best Short Film (International – under 15 min)
- Best Short Film (NRW / Germany – under 15 min)
- Best Short Documentary (under 15 min)
In addition, the festival honors outstanding cinematic craft through individual awards such as:
- Best Director (Feature Film / Short Film)
- Best Actor & Best Actress (Feature Film / Short Film)
- Best Editing (Feature Film / Short Film)
- Best Cinematography (Feature Film / Short Film)
- Best Social Short Film
- Best Student Short Film
- Best Music Video
Festival Structure
Throughout the year, selected films are curated as part of the festival’s rolling monthly selection process. These selections culminate in a grand annual screening event in 2026, where the most outstanding feature films and short films of the year are showcased on the big screen.
Festival Vision
The NRW Film Festival aims to create a dynamic and inclusive space where filmmakers can connect, exchange ideas, and gain visibility. By highlighting both emerging voices and strong cinematic craftsmanship, the festival ensures that independent films are seen, heard, and valued on an international stage.
The NRW Film Festival strives to create a space where filmmakers can connect, exchange ideas, and inspire change through the power of storytelling. We ensuring that independent voices have a chance to be seen and heard.
The festival is founded and inaugurated by film director Nilesh Tambe, who has over 12 years of experience in filmmaking and trained in film direction at MIT Berlin, bringing a passion for discovering and nurturing independent voices in cinema.
NRW FILM FESTIVAL 2026
The NRW Film Festival is an emerging international platform dedicated to discovering and celebrating bold, original, and inspiring voices in cinema. Launched in 2025, the festival returns in 2026 for its second edition, continuing its mission to support independent filmmakers, emerging talent, and high-quality storytelling.
The festival takes place in North Rhine–Westphalia, one of Germany’s most culturally vibrant regions, and brings together audiences, filmmakers, and industry professionals for a carefully curated cinematic experience.
Film Categories
The NRW Film Festival focuses on two main formats:
- Feature Films with a runtime of 60 to 90 minutes
- Short Films with a maximum runtime of 15 minutes
Films are accepted from all genres, including narrative, documentary, social-impact cinema, and commercial or entertainment-driven works.
Competition Sections
The festival presents awards in both international and regional (NRW / Germany) categories, including:
- Best Feature Film (International – under 90 min)
- Best Feature Film (NRW / Germany – under 90 min)
- Best Short Film (International – under 15 min)
- Best Short Film (NRW / Germany – under 15 min)
- Best Short Documentary (under 15 min)
In addition, the festival honors outstanding cinematic craft through individual awards such as:
- Best Director (Feature Film / Short Film)
- Best Actor & Best Actress (Feature Film / Short Film)
- Best Editing (Feature Film / Short Film)
- Best Cinematography (Feature Film / Short Film)
- Best Social Short Film
- Best Student Short Film
- Best Music Video
Festival Structure
Throughout the year, selected films are curated as part of the festival’s rolling monthly selection process. These selections culminate in a grand annual screening event in 2026, where the most outstanding feature films and short films of the year are showcased on the big screen.
Festival Vision
The NRW Film Festival aims to create a dynamic and inclusive space where filmmakers can connect, exchange ideas, and gain visibility. By highlighting both emerging voices and strong cinematic craftsmanship, the festival ensures that independent films are seen, heard, and valued on an international stage.
The NRW Film Festival strives to create a space where filmmakers can connect, exchange ideas, and inspire change through the power of storytelling. We ensuring that independent voices have a chance to be seen and heard.
The festival is founded and inaugurated by film director Nilesh Tambe, who has over 12 years of experience in filmmaking and trained in film direction at MIT Berlin, bringing a passion for discovering and nurturing independent voices in cinema.