GFN25 Film Festival open to submissions

The GFN Film Festival 2025 is now open to submissions. Following the outstanding success of the first GFN Film Festival held in 2024, the event returns with a $500 cash prize for the entry deemed “Best in Fest”. Held during the Global Forum on Nicotine conference, which will take place at the Warsaw Presidential Hotel from 19-21 June 2025, the event sees filmmakers, creators and advocates being invited to submit work that highlights the importance of tobacco harm reduction (THR) as a key public health strategy. Utilising the power of visual storytelling, the event’s organisers launched this festival with the aim of raising awareness, educating, and inspiring positive change in individuals and society concerning tobacco use and its associated risks.

All films need to focus on the theme of tobacco harm reduction, which is a potentially life-saving intervention for millions of people across the world. To those who use high-risk tobacco products, like cigarettes and some oral tobaccos, THR offers the chance to switch to a range of safer nicotine products that pose fewer risks to their health. These include nicotine vapes (e-cigarettes), snus, nicotine pouches and heated tobacco products. Films submitted to the festival should highlight the strategies, benefits, challenges, success stories, and ongoing efforts in reducing tobacco-related harm.

Entries, which must be in English or have English subtitles, can fall under one of the following five categories:



Documentary: These will be real-life stories, experiences, and expert insights that showcase the impact of tobacco harm reduction strategies on individuals and communities.



Narrative/Short Film: Filmmakers can produce fictional narratives or short films that creatively address the challenges of tobacco use and the potential benefits of harm reduction.



Animation: Creators can also utilise animation to communicate complex concepts related to tobacco harm reduction, its effects, and successful strategies.



Public Service Announcements (PSAs): For this category, filmmakers should craft compelling PSAs that encourage a broader audience to consider the importance of tobacco harm reduction and its positive effects on public health.



Educational Videos: The final theme aims to develop informative and engaging videos that break down the science behind tobacco harm reduction and present it in an accessible manner.

Speaking about the second edition of the GFN Film Festival, the event’s organiser, Jon Derricott, says:

"Last year we were delighted with the submissions to the festival and a high bar was set. However, I’m confident that this year will be even better. I am very fortunate to work closely with brilliant Zambian film maker Emmanuel Mwape on the organisation and delivery of the event. We are both thrilled to be doing it again and can’t wait to see what arrives in our inboxes this year!”

There is no submission fee and films must be submitted by 14 May 2025, after entrants have completed an online submission form.

All of the films, which must be original works, should be accurate, well-researched, and supported by credible sources. Any scientific or medical claims should be based on reliable evidence.



The preferred format for the films will be a high-resolution digital file (1920x1080 or higher) in MP4 or MOV. Submissions must be uploaded to a designated platform.



The films will then be reviewed by a panel of experts including professionals from the fields of tobacco harm reduction, public health and the film industry.



As well as winning $500 cash, the filmmaker awarded “Best in Fest” will be presented with a trophy alongside a special showing of their film, followed by a drinks reception at the Warsaw Presidential Hotel on Friday 20 June. The second and third placed, and audience choice filmmakers will each receive a certificate from the organisers and selected films will be screened during the Global Forum on Nicotine conference and promoted through various channels.



If you would like to enter the GFN Film Festival 2025, please fill out the online submission form and upload your film at https://gfn.events/films/submit/. Provide all necessary information, including film title, category, synopsis, and contact details.