The Department of Education (DepEd) has announced the Goethe-Institut’s 2026 Science Film Festival, inviting eligible Philippine schools to participate in an educational film showcase focused on artificial intelligence (AI). Running from October 29 to December 1, 2026, the festival aims to help learners explore the possibilities, challenges, and responsible use of AI through science-related films.
According to a DepEd memorandum dated September 21, 2026, the activity will feature 25 science-related films organized for primary, secondary, and university or general public audiences. The initiative encourages students to examine how artificial intelligence can support innovation while considering sustainability, human values, and responsible technological development.
Schools interested in participating should review the official registration requirements, screening schedule, download deadline, and reporting guidelines before organizing their activities.
What Is the Goethe-Institut’s 2026 Science Film Festival?
The Goethe-Institut’s Science Film Festival is an educational initiative that uses films to introduce scientific concepts and encourage audiences to engage with important developments in science and technology.
For 2026, the festival’s central theme is Artificial Intelligence. Through its film showcase, learners and other audiences will have opportunities to explore AI-related topics and reflect on the technology’s potential applications and implications.
The festival is organized by the Goethe-Institut, with the Goethe-Institut Philippinen serving as a partner of DepEd in implementing the Special Program in Foreign Language (SPFL)-German.
DepEd’s Bureau of Curriculum Development–Special Curricular Programs Division is responsible for disseminating the announcement to concerned education officials and schools.
2026 Science Film Festival Schedule and Important Dates
Schools planning to participate should take note of the following dates and requirements stated in the DepEd memorandum.
September 21, 2026: Date of the DepEd memorandum announcing the festival.
October 15, 2026: Deadline for downloading the film showcase files through the designated download link.
October 29, 2026: Opening date of the festival and start of film access.
December 1, 2026: Final day of the official festival period.
December 7, 2026: Deadline for submitting regional viewer reports to DepEd.
The download deadline comes before the festival opens. Schools that intend to download the available files should therefore plan ahead and follow the conditions governing their use.
The memorandum states that the films will be accessible during the official festival period beginning October 29, 2026.
Who Can Participate in the Science Film Festival?
The memorandum invites learners from public and private secondary schools to participate. It particularly identifies the following schools and programs:
Regional Science High Schools (RSHSs)
Legislated Science High Schools (LSHSs)
Schools implementing the Science, Technology, and Engineering (STE) program
Special Science Elementary Schools (SSESs)
Schools implementing the Special Program in Foreign Language (SPFL)-German
Other concerned schools and education stakeholders may refer to the official memorandum for applicable instructions.
The festival offers participating schools an opportunity to incorporate science-related films into appropriate learning activities while encouraging students to consider the role of artificial intelligence in society.
How to Register for the 2026 Science Film Festival
Schools planning to join the Goethe-Institut’s 2026 Science Film Festival must register through the official registration link provided in the DepEd memorandum.
Registration link: https://tinyurl.com/SFF2026Registration
School coordinators should complete the registration process and coordinate with the appropriate school officials before scheduling screenings.
The memorandum also provides a separate link for downloading the film showcase.
Film download link: https://tinyurl.com/SFF2026Downloads
The downloadable files are available only until October 15, 2026, according to the memorandum. As of October 28, 2026, that stated deadline has already passed. Schools that did not download the files before the deadline should contact the Goethe-Institut Philippinen or consult the appropriate education officials to clarify whether another authorized access option is available.
Filipino-Dubbed Films and Available Learning Resources
To make the films more accessible to Filipino learners, most of the showcase titles have been dubbed in Filipino. The memorandum particularly notes that Filipino dubbing is available for films dealing with more complex subject matter.
This accessibility measure can help students engage with scientific ideas more effectively and participate in discussions about artificial intelligence.
The memorandum also refers to an attachment containing the list of films and their synopses. Teachers and school coordinators should consult that attachment when selecting films appropriate for their learners' age groups and learning needs.
Because the actual film list is not reproduced in the memorandum text presented here, specific film titles and individual summaries should be verified using the official attachment.
Rules for Screening and Using the Festival Films
Participating schools must observe the film-use restrictions outlined in the DepEd memorandum.
The films are intended exclusively for free educational screenings during the official festival period, from October 29 to December 1, 2026.
Schools must not reproduce, copy, modify, upload, or distribute the films in any form. Participation does not grant permission to publish the films on social media, share unauthorized copies, or use them outside the permitted conditions.
School administrators and teachers should ensure that screenings comply with these restrictions and any additional instructions provided by the festival organizers.
Guidelines on Class Schedules and Student Contributions
The memorandum emphasizes that participation must follow the no-disruption-of-classes policy under DepEd Order No. 9, s. 2026, titled Guidelines on the Implementation of the Three-Term School Calendar.
Film screenings should take place during relevant subject periods or after class hours within school premises. Schools must organize their schedules to avoid unnecessary disruption of regular classes.
The activity is also subject to the no-collection policy cited in Section 3 of Republic Act No. 5546, which prohibits the sale of tickets and the collection of contributions from students and teachers for covered projects or purposes in public and private educational institutions.
Accordingly, schools should not impose screening fees or solicit prohibited contributions from students and teachers for participation in the festival.
Teacher and Learner Evaluation Forms
To gather feedback and assess the implementation of the festival, participating teachers and learners are requested to complete their respective evaluation forms.
Teacher evaluation form: https://tinyurl.com/SFF2026EvaluationforTeachers
Learner evaluation form: https://tinyurl.com/SFF2026EvaluationforLearners
Teachers and school coordinators should remind participants to accomplish the appropriate forms and follow any additional instructions issued by the organizers.
These evaluations will help gather feedback about the activity and its implementation in participating schools.
Regional Reporting Requirements and Submission Deadline
Each region, through its Education Program Supervisors or Regional Focal Persons in charge of Science/STEM and SPFL, is requested to submit a written report indicating the total number of viewers throughout the festival.
The report should follow the format provided in Appendix A of the memorandum.
Submission email: bcd.od@deped.gov.ph
Deadline: December 7, 2026
Regional coordinators should coordinate with participating schools to consolidate viewer counts and prepare the required report before the deadline. Schools should maintain accurate attendance records during their screenings to support regional reporting.
Where to Get More Information
For questions or clarification regarding the Goethe-Institut’s 2026 Science Film Festival, concerned parties may contact Ms. Grace T. Panganiban of the Goethe-Institut Philippinen.
Telephone: (02) 840-5723 to 24
Schools may also consult their respective division and regional education offices for guidance on participation, scheduling, reporting, and compliance with the memorandum.
Final Reminder for Participating Schools
The Goethe-Institut’s 2026 Science Film Festival provides an opportunity for eligible Philippine schools to introduce learners to artificial intelligence through educational films and guided classroom activities.
Before participating, schools should review the official memorandum, register through the designated channel, observe the authorized screening period, follow all film-use restrictions, complete the required evaluation forms, and coordinate with the appropriate regional personnel.
With proper planning and compliance, schools can make the festival a meaningful learning opportunity while respecting class schedules, student welfare, and copyright requirements.