Telling Food Stories Through Film — Food Film Menu 2026 Global Call for Submissions

The World Shiology Forum (WSF) and the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism (IGCAT), headquartered in Spain, have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a strategic partnership. As the first major initiative of this collaboration, WSF is inviting global food researchers, filmmakers, and audiences to participate in IGCAT’s flagship event — Food Film Menu 2026: International Short Film Competition on Gastronomy.

About Food Film Menu

Founded by IGCAT, Food Film Menu is an annual international competition celebrating short films that showcase the richness and diversity of global food culture, traditions, and regional culinary heritage. Each year, a professional jury selects up to 14 outstanding films from submissions worldwide. Selected films are showcased on IGCAT’s website and social media, and the “Audience Favorite” award is determined by global online voting.

Food is not only a foundation for survival but also a carrier of cultural memory, community identity, and sustainable practices. Food Film Menu encourages filmmakers worldwide to capture stories of food producers, the preservation of culinary traditions, innovative sustainable practices, and the deeper cultural significance behind food.

The 2025 Food Film Menu Awards Ceremony was held on Gozo Island, Malta.

Food Film Menu 2026 Submission Categories

Food Film Menu 2026 features categories reflecting multiple dimensions of food and gastronomy:

• Regenerative Pathways — Focusing on sustainable, locally rooted tourism practices Category Partner: Regenerative Vanua
• Feeding the Planet — Exploring food origins, biodiversity, and food security Category Partner: Slow Food
• Educating for Our Future — Highlighting food education and sustainable consumption Category Partner: Future Food Institute
• Culinary Journeys — Immersive storytelling showcasing local cuisine and traditions
• Innovation, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship — Celebrating emerging enterprises and creative practices in the food sector
• Food Heritage and Traditions — Documenting the historical and cultural significance of regional culinary heritage
• Young Director Award — Recognizing innovative food storytelling by filmmakers aged 18–35

Submission Guidelines

• Deadline: June 29, 2026
• Film Length: Maximum 5 minutes
• Languages: All languages accepted; English subtitles required
• Submission: Complete the submission form on the IGCAT website and email it along with a link to your film to partnerships@igcat.org

International Collaboration Network

Food Film Menu partners with renowned film festivals and cultural institutions worldwide, including:

• Aarhus Food Film Festival, Denmark
• Girona Film Festival, Spain
• EATSA Arts & Tourism Film Festival, Portugal
• Amorgos Tourism Film Festival, Greece
• Cineciok Festival, Italy
• Terres Travel Festival, Spain
• Thai Food Film Festival
• Urla International Gastronomy Film Festival, Turkey
• San Miguel Food Film Festival, Mexico

Selected films may be screened on these international platforms, gaining broader exposure.

About IGCAT

The International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism (IGCAT), founded in 2012 and based in Spain, is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness of regional food, culture, arts, and natural assets. By empowering local communities, IGCAT promotes sustainable and balanced tourism and development strategies. IGCAT is the founder of the World/European Capitals of Gastronomy awards and serves as the official secretariat for the respective platforms.

WSF & IGCAT Collaboration

Both the World Shiology Forum (WSF) and IGCAT are committed to advancing global awareness and governance of food-related issues. Through this Memorandum of Understanding, they will collaborate closely in knowledge dissemination, cultural event promotion, and international exchange, jointly promoting the development of global food culture.

For more details and to submit your film: https://www.foodfilmmenu.org

Learn more about IGCAT: https://www.igcat.org

Contact Email: partnerships@igcat.org