As part of the initiative “Crete – European Region of Gastronomy 2026”, the Region of Crete and the Educational Development Organisation PLOIGOS invite filmmakers and short-film makers to represent Crete as a region by submitting their entries on the theme of Cretan food culture to the Food Film Menu 2026 competition organised by the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism (IGCAT)
Deadline for the submission of applications: Monday, 29 June 2026
Description
IGCAT’s Food Film Menu is the annual selection of a list of award-winning short films that showcase regional culinary cultures and traditions from around the world. Through 14 incredible food stories, filmmakers capture the unique relationship between food, cultural heritage and local identity.
Each year, an international jury of IGCAT experts selects the best films from submissions sent to IGCAT from around the world. The selected films form a permanent ‘Food Film Menu’ and become part of IGCAT’s collection of wonderful films that highlight its aim of preserving and promoting the uniqueness of food. Films from this selection are then put to a social media vote to determine the Audience Favourite Film.
The winning films are published annually on the IGCAT website, social media and partner media channels. They are also screened at film festivals around the world.
By highlighting regional gastronomy, you and your short food film can play a key role in raising awareness of the importance of regional cultural and nutritional distinctiveness, and help promote culinary heritage, sustainable practices and regional storytelling through the power of audiovisual media.
Over the centuries, diverse diets, food cultures, food traditions and food knowledge have shaped the cultural, architectural and local heritage of regions around the world, creating an incredible mosaic of unique eating habits that deserve to be preserved and promoted.
In an increasingly globalised world, it is vital to reassess and promote local food as part of our cultural heritage, and as a means of ensuring sustainable development and community well-being in the future.
Unleash your creativity and become an ambassador for Crete’s cultural and culinary diversity!
TOPIC: FOOD STORIES
Every region harbours countless fascinating food stories just waiting to be told. Local food products, recipes, food producers, chefs, food traditions, food innovations, food techniques and practices, food-related landscapes or architectural heritage linked to regional gastronomy – to name but a few – are all potential subjects for your own short film.
Eligible thematic categories for short films:
EDUCATION FOR OUR FUTURE
Short films in this category should focus on culinary and cultural education, promoting responsible production and consumption. Understanding the importance of local and healthy food choices and fostering pride in them is crucial for the future health and well-being of citizens, as well as for sustainable development.
YOUNG CHEFS AMBASSADORS (aged 18–35)
Short films in this category should showcase an up-and-coming young chef from Crete. We are looking for future leaders and ambassadors, so their philosophy and values, as well as their culinary talent, should be clearly evident.
REGENERATIONAL PATHS
Short films in this category should raise awareness of the benefits of incorporating local foods, recipes and traditions into tourism offerings to promote greater environmental, economic and cultural sustainability, particularly in rural areas.
FEEDING THE PLANET
Short films in this category aim to spark discussion about where our food comes from and the challenge of ensuring healthy food for all. Topics such as the conservation of biodiversity, sourcing food locally, sustainable agriculture, the importance of pollinators, food waste and other issues critical to global food security are encouraged.
YOUNG FOOD PRODUCERS (aged 18–35)
Short films in this category should feature young farmers, fishermen and/or food producers from Crete. We are looking for future leaders and ambassadors, so their philosophy and values, as well as their talent, should be clearly evident.
INNOVATION, CREATIVITY AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Short films in this category should showcase new creative products, services, experiences and/or business opportunities inspired by the culinary heritage and culture of Crete. They should also promote education for young people and adults and the development of new skills to ensure a supply of qualified professionals for the hospitality industry.
CULINARY TRAVELS
Short films in this category should enable viewers to discover the flavours and traditions of Crete, taking them on an intimate journey through the local culinary landscapes.
FOOD HERITAGE AND TRADITIONS
Short films in this category should explore the rich history and traditional customs of unique culinary practices that have been passed down from generation to generation.
EUROPEAN GASTRONOMY REGION
Short films in this category should showcase the gastronomic identity, food, traditions, landscapes, eating habits and people of award-winning Crete, a European Region of Gastronomy under the IGCAT programme, as well as the many connections that food creates between them.
HEALTH AND WELLBEING
Short films in this category should focus on promoting healthier lifestyles and sustainable food systems. This includes raising consumer awareness of product ingredients and the nutritional value of local foods, promoting culinary skills, and encouraging citizens to take part in natural farming and outdoor recreation.
CONNECTION BETWEEN URBAN AND RURAL ENVIRONMENTS
Short films in this category should focus on reconnecting the rural and urban environments of Crete, encouraging a reassessment of traditional and indigenous knowledge of food customs and systems in order to bridge the gap between rural and urban areas, particularly in the fields of food and culture.
ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY
Short films in this category should explore the interconnection between food, ecology, biodiversity and ethical practices, emphasising sustainable methods and the impact of our culinary choices on the planet.
NEW DIRECTOR (FEMALE)
Eligible short films in this category may fall into any of the above categories, demonstrating the exceptional technical skills of young filmmakers aged 18–35.
HOW TO TAKE PART
Please read the rules set out below carefully.
If the short film on Cretan food culture meets the standards and regulations mentioned, you may proceed to complete the submission form.
RULES & RESTRICTIONS
- The film must have a maximum duration of 5 minutes.
- All languages are acceptable, but the film MUST include English subtitles.
- The film must have been created after 1 January 2021.
- All genres are eligible for submission EXCEPT animations and films depicting sexual pornography or extreme violence.
- Campaigns comprising several films may enter, but only as individual films. Each film will be judged individually .
- Submissions must have signed consent forms from all contributors so that IGCAT and all IGCAT partners may use and publish their work and the photographs provided.
- The filmmaker(s) is/are responsible for purchasing the music rights for the sound used in the film.
- Filmmakers must have written permission to feature locations and people appearing on screen.
- Filmmakers must also provide the following with each film they submit:
a. A high-resolution digital version of the film upon acceptance.
b. (minimum) 2 high-resolution stills from the film for press distribution and use on the IGCAT website and social media (minimum 2000px and 72ppi on the longest side). - If accepted, your film may be used for promotional purposes and you grant IGCAT full rights (free of charge) to use and/or promote it. Please note that this right does not extend to the commercial use of the film.
- If selected, You cannot withdraw your short film from the Food Film Menu and You must provide a YouTube link to your film trailer. This enables us at IGCAT to showcase your trailer on our website and social media accounts.
- If selected, you authorise IGCAT partners to publish your work on their websites, social media, at film festivals and at events.
- If selected, it should include the official logo of the ‘Crete European Region of Gastronomy 2026’ initiative.
- Filmmakers of all ages, professionals, amateurs and production companies are invited to submit entries in any category; however, the New Director, New Food Producers and New Chef Ambassador categories are exclusively for applicants aged 18–35 at the time of submission.
- IGCAT reserves the right not to award any short film, provided that the submissions do not comply in line with the required theme and standards.
- All rules and regulations are subject to translation by IGCAT.
- The jury’s decision is final.
AWARDS & PRIZES
- An international jury of experts will select and award prizes to up to 14 short films (chosen from among eligible entries; see Rule 14 above).
- Among these, the Audience Favourite Film will be selected via online voting.
- All winners will be promoted at film festivals around the world.
- All winners will be permanently featured in the ‘Food Film Menu’ section on the IGCAT website and YouTube channel, and will be promoted via IGCAT’s social media accounts (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn).
SUBMISSION LINKS
Short films must be submitted via email.
Download and complete the submission form below. Then send it to partnerships@igcat.org along with a link to your film – you can upload it as a password-protected file to Vimeo.com or YouTube (unlisted) if this is the film’s first screening.
Further information
- IGCAT Food Film Menu page: HERE
- Stella Lazari | Project Coordination, “Crete, European Region of Gastronomy 2026” International Implementation Manager
- Email: slazari@ploigos-culture.gr
- Telephone: 2810 792 207 (ext. 37) – Office hours: 9.00–14.00
Source: ibo.crete.gov.gr