Porto Alegre, Brazil – The inaugural Tobacco Harm Reduction Film Festival (THR Film Festival) has officially opened its call for submissions for 2025, inviting filmmakers worldwide to explore one of today’s most pressing public health challenges through the lens of creativity and cinema.
The event, set to take place from May 26 to June 1, 2025, will feature a hybrid format, combining in-person screenings in Porto Alegre, Brazil, with free online access, mainly aimed at engaging audiences across Latin America.
A Unique Platform for Film and Dialogue
The THR Film Festival provides a one-of-a-kind platform for cinematic works that delve into the complexities of tobacco harm reduction: its impacts, controversies, and potential solutions.
Through the art of storytelling and visual narrative, the festival aims to inform, provoke thought, engage audiences, and spark essential dialogue about how societies can navigate the tension between tobacco consumption and public health.
In line with its commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, the festival ensures free entry, removing economic barriers for participants.
While the event is non-competitive, outstanding films will not go unnoticed—special mentions or invitations to participate in associated events may be awarded, recognizing the talent and creativity of filmmakers.
Key Dates:
• Submissions Deadline: March 21, 2025
• Notification Date: April 4, 2025
• Festival Dates: May 26 – June 1, 2025
Who Can Participate?
The festival welcomes a diverse range of cinematic voices across four categories:
- Feature Films (60 minutes or longer)
- Short Films (under 30 minutes)
- One-Minute Films (60 seconds or less)
- Documentaries
Language Requirements: Films not in English or Spanish must include subtitles in one of these languages.
Accepted Formats: Projection formats include ProRes, H264, and MP4. Exceptions may be considered upon prior agreement with the organizing committee.
Submission Process: Submissions are open via FilmFreeway until March 14, 2025, at 11:59 PM. Filmmakers are encouraged to submit multiple projects with no limit on entries.
Cinema as a Catalyst for Change
The THR Film Festival is more than a showcase —it is a call to action. The festival aspires to drive meaningful conversations and amplify solutions to the global tobacco crisis by merging the transformative power of cinema with the urgency of harm reduction strategies.
Through compelling narratives, the event invites audiences to reflect on the complex intersections of public health, global policy, and personal stories, harnessing cinema as a tool for social change.
For complete submission guidelines and updates, visit the festival’s official page on FilmFreeway.
