Festival Tool — a free service by Div Productions

Find the festivals
that really matter
for your short film.

For young filmmakers. Describe your film: Festival Tool checks the eligibility rules (runtime, premiere, country, date, subtitles), compares your film with the programming line of 387 recognised festivals — Oscar®, BAFTA, BIFA, European Film Awards, CNC, Île-de-France — and builds a complete distribution plan with calendar and budget. No account, no external AI: everything stays in your browser.

387festivals mapped

164Oscar®-qualifying

146BAFTA / BIFA-qualifying

0 €free, forever

Analyse my film Browse the directory

Step 1 — your film

Describe your film

The more specific you are, the sharper the plan. Nothing leaves your browser.

A · Eligibility facts These decide which festivals your film can enter.

Film title

Work type

Runtime (minutes) ≤ 40 min = short (Academy rule) · 40–60 = mid-length · 60+ = feature.

Completion date

Most festivals refuse films older than 24 months.

Production countries (several for co-productions)

Spoken language(s)

Subtitles Most international festivals require English subtitles.

Premiere status A premiere cannot be renewed: a public online release closes the major festivals.

B · Creative fit Used only to rank festivals by taste — never to exclude.

Production context (optional)

Genre

Sensibility / aesthetic

Themes

Festival budget (optional)

Total entry fees over a year.

Synopsis

Director’s statement (optional)

Anything else? (optional)

🔒 100% local analysis: your texts are never sent to a server or an AI.

All 387 recognised festivals in the database

Oscar®, BAFTA and BIFA-qualifying festivals, the European Film Awards network, the CNC festival bursary, festivals supported by Île-de-France, and the key specialists (documentary, animation, genre, LGBTQ+, children, student films). Submission windows and fees estimated from past editions.

Search Recognition Work type Region Open now

387 festivals

Animafest Zagreb — World Festival of Animated FilmZagreb, CroatiaCareer-launcher
Oscar® · animated
Historic animation festival devoted to auteur animation.
Submissions ~Nov–FebFestival JuneFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts animation
Annecy International Animation Film FestivalAnnecy, FranceCareer-launcher
Oscar® · animatedBAFTA · British shortBAFTA · British animationBIFACNC · festival bursary
The reference animation festival and market, from auteur shorts to student and commissioned films.
Submissions ~Oct–FebFestival JuneFee ~€30Max. runtime no capAccepts animation
Berlinale — Competition, Panorama & ForumBerlin, GermanyCareer-launcher
BIFAFIAPF
The most political of the A-list festivals; Forum champions radical and essay cinema.
Submissions ~Aug–NovFestival FebruaryFee FreeMax. runtime 60 min minimumAccepts fiction, documentary, experimentalWorld premiere required
Berlinale — Generation Kplus / 14plusBerlin, GermanyCareer-launcher
FIAPF
Films about and for young people, told from their perspective — shorts and features.
Submissions ~Aug–OctFestival FebruaryFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, animation, documentaryInternational premiere required
Berlinale ShortsBerlin, GermanyCareer-launcher
Oscar® · live actionBAFTA · British shortBIFAEuropean Film AwardsFIAPF
Politically engaged and formally daring shorts up to 30 min; the Teddy Award honours queer cinema.
Submissions ~Aug–OctFestival FebruaryFee FreeMax. runtime ≤ 30 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimentalWorld premiere required
BFI London Film FestivalLondon, UKCareer-launcher
BAFTA · British shortBIFA
The UK's leading festival: international auteurs and strong British shorts programmes.
Submissions ~Mar–JunFestival OctoberFee ~€0–30Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary, experimental
Busan International Film FestivalBusan, South KoreaCareer-launcher
Asia's leading festival and market; New Currents champions first Asian features.
Submissions ~Apr–JulFestival OctoberFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary
Cinéma du RéelParis, FranceCareer-launcher
Région Île-de-France
Centre Pompidou’s international documentary festival; auteur, essayistic cinema of the real.
Submissions ~Sep–NovFestival MarchFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts documentaryInternational premiere required
Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film FestivalClermont-Ferrand, FranceCareer-launcher
Oscar® · live actionBAFTA · British shortBIFAEuropean Film AwardsCNC · festival bursary
World's largest short festival and market: every genre and form, strong on social and auteur fiction. Shortfilmdepot only.
Submissions ~May–SepFestival FebruaryFee ~€13Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental
CPH:DOXCopenhagen, DenmarkCareer-launcher
BAFTA · British shortBIFA
Bold, hybrid and politically engaged documentary; one of the most influential doc platforms.
Submissions ~Aug–NovFestival MarchFee ~€20–55Max. runtime no capAccepts documentary, experimental
FESPACO — Pan-African Film & Television Festival of OuagadougouOuagadougou, Burkina FasoCareer-launcher
Oscar® · documentary
Africa’s largest festival (biennial, odd years); African and diaspora films.
Submissions ~Jul–OctFestival FebruaryFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary, animation, experimental
Festival de Cannes — La CinefCannes, FranceCareer-launcher
FIAPF
Cannes selection reserved for film-school works: looks for a singular voice already visible in a student film. Proof of enrolment required.
Submissions ~Nov–FebFestival MayFee FreeMax. runtime ≤ 60 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimentalWorld premiere required
Festival de Cannes — Official Selection (features)Cannes, FranceCareer-launcher
BIFAFIAPF
The world's most prestigious feature platform: established and emerging auteurs, strict world premiere.
Submissions ~Oct–MarFestival MayFee FreeMax. runtime 60 min minimumAccepts fiction, documentaryWorld premiere required
Festival de Cannes — Short Film CompetitionCannes, FranceCareer-launcher
Oscar® · live actionBAFTA · British shortBIFAEuropean Film AwardsFIAPF
Short Film Palme d'or: rigorous auteur shorts of 15 min max with a strong formal signature. World premiere only, a few films from thousands.
Submissions ~Dec–FebFestival MayFee FreeMax. runtime ≤ 15 minAccepts fiction, animation, experimentalWorld premiere required
FIDMarseilleMarseille, FranceCareer-launcher
Radical international festival for documentary, fiction and hybrid forms; premieres only.
Submissions ~Jan–AprFestival JulyFee ~€0–40Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary, experimentalInternational premiere required
Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary FestivalToronto, CanadaCareer-launcher
Oscar® · documentaryBAFTA · British shortBIFA
North America’s largest documentary festival and market.
Submissions ~Aug–JanFestival AprilFee ~€45–100Max. runtime no capAccepts documentary
IDFA — International Documentary Film Festival AmsterdamAmsterdam, NetherlandsCareer-launcher
Oscar® · documentaryBAFTA · British shortBIFA
The world’s leading documentary festival and market; creative, author-driven non-fiction.
Submissions ~Mar–JulFestival NovemberFee ~€25–85Max. runtime no capAccepts documentary
International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR)Rotterdam, NetherlandsCareer-launcher
BIFAEuropean Film Awards
Adventurous, independent and experimental cinema; a home for first features and artists’ film.
Submissions ~Jul–OctFestival JanuaryFee ~€0–50Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary, experimentalInternational premiere required
Karlovy Vary International Film FestivalKarlovy Vary, CzechiaCareer-launcher
FIAPF
A-list platform for Central and Eastern European features; strong first-feature competition.
Submissions ~Jan–AprFestival JulyFee FreeMax. runtime 60 min minimumAccepts fiction, documentaryInternational premiere required
Locarno — Pardi di domaniLocarno, SwitzerlandCareer-launcher
Oscar® · live actionBAFTA · British shortEuropean Film AwardsFIAPF
Shorts by directors who have not yet made a feature; prizes formal risk and personal vision. Fee rises by deadline.
Submissions ~Dec–AprFestival AugustFee ~€37–80Max. runtime ≤ 59 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimentalInternational premiere required
Locarno Film Festival — ConcorsoLocarno, SwitzerlandCareer-launcher
BIFAFIAPF
Bold, auteur-driven features, first and second films in Cineasti del presente.
Submissions ~Jan–MayFestival AugustFee ~€50–120Max. runtime 60 min minimumAccepts fiction, documentary, experimentalWorld premiere required
New York Film FestivalNew York, USACareer-launcher
BAFTA · British shortBIFA
Cinephile curation; the Currents section welcomes innovative shorts and features.
Submissions ~Apr–JulFestival SeptemberFee ~€0–40Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary, experimental
Ottawa International Animation FestivalOttawa, CanadaCareer-launcher
Oscar® · animated
North America’s leading animation festival; independent and auteur animation.
Submissions ~Mar–MayFestival SeptemberFee ~€0–40Max. runtime no capAccepts animation
Quinzaine des cinéastes (Directors’ Fortnight)Cannes, FranceCareer-launcher
Independent, daring auteur cinema — shorts and features with formal risk and a free spirit.
Submissions ~Dec–MarFestival MayFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimentalWorld premiere required
San Sebastián International Film FestivalSan Sebastián, SpainCareer-launcher
BIFAFIAPF
FIAPF A-list; key bridge for Spanish and Latin-American auteur features.
Submissions ~Mar–JulFestival SeptemberFee FreeMax. runtime 60 min minimumAccepts fiction, documentaryInternational premiere required
Semaine de la Critique (Cannes Critics’ Week)Cannes, FranceCareer-launcher
BAFTA · British short
Dedicated to first and second works; discovery-driven and open to auteur films that play with genre.
Submissions ~Dec–FebFestival MayFee FreeMax. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, animation, experimentalWorld premiere required
Sheffield DocFestSheffield, UKCareer-launcher
Oscar® · documentaryBAFTA · British shortBIFA
The UK’s premier documentary festival and market, open to immersive and hybrid forms.
Submissions ~Oct–FebFestival JuneFee ~€20–60Max. runtime no capAccepts documentary, experimental
Sitges — International Fantastic Film Festival of CataloniaSitges, SpainCareer-launcher
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · animatedBIFA
The world’s leading fantastic-genre festival; Oscar-qualifying shorts.
Submissions ~Apr–JunFestival OctoberFee ~€0–25Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, animation
Student Academy AwardsLos Angeles, USACareer-launcher
The Academy’s competition for student films; check the school-eligibility rules.
Submissions ~Jan–AprFestival OctoberFee FreeMax. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental
Sundance Film FestivalBoulder, USACareer-launcher
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · animatedOscar® · documentaryBAFTA · British shortBIFA
Independent voices, identity-driven stories, bold docs and the Midnight genre strand. Fee rises by deadline.
Submissions ~Mar–SepFestival JanuaryFee ~€45–110Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimentalWorld premiere required
Taipei Golden Horse Film FestivalTaipei, TaiwanCareer-launcher
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · animatedOscar® · documentary
The leading awards for Chinese-language cinema.
Submissions ~May–JulFestival NovemberFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary, animation
Telluride Film FestivalTelluride, USACareer-launcher
BAFTA · British shortBIFA
Intimate, curated Labor-Day launch for awards-season films; tiny Filmmakers of Tomorrow shorts slate.
Submissions ~Mar–JulFestival SeptemberFee ~€60–100Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentaryWorld premiere required
Tokyo International Film FestivalTokyo, JapanCareer-launcher
FIAPF
FIAPF A-list; Asia's major competitive feature platform.
Submissions ~Apr–JulFestival OctoberFee FreeMax. runtime 60 min minimumAccepts fictionInternational premiere required
Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)Toronto, CanadaCareer-launcher
Oscar® · live actionBAFTA · British shortBIFA
Huge audience and industry launchpad; Short Cuts programme is Oscar-qualifying.
Submissions ~Feb–JunFestival SeptemberFee ~€55–120Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary
Venice — Orizzonti Short FilmsVenice, ItalyCareer-launcher
Oscar® · live actionBAFTA · British shortEuropean Film AwardsFIAPF
New aesthetic and expressive trends: formally inventive shorts up to 20 min, world premiere.
Submissions ~Mar–JunFestival SeptemberFee FreeMax. runtime ≤ 20 minAccepts fiction, animation, experimentalWorld premiere required
Venice International Film Festival (features)Venice, ItalyCareer-launcher
BIFAFIAPF
A-list auteur premieres and the traditional launch of the awards season.
Submissions ~Mar–JunFestival SeptemberFee FreeMax. runtime 60 min minimumAccepts fiction, documentaryWorld premiere required
Visions du RéelNyon, SwitzerlandCareer-launcher
Oscar® · live action
Auteur documentary of the highest formal ambition; premiere status matters.
Submissions ~Sep–DecFestival AprilFee ~€0–45Max. runtime no capAccepts documentaryInternational premiere required
Aesthetica Short Film FestivalYork, UKStrong
BAFTA · British shortBIFA
Large York festival with many genre strands, including music video.
Submissions ~Jan–MayFestival NovemberFee ~€15–40Max. runtime ≤ 30 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental, music video
AFI FestLos Angeles, USAStrong
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · animatedOscar® · documentaryBAFTA · British shortBIFA
Hollywood showcase of international cinema; Oscar-qualifying shorts competition.
Submissions ~Apr–AugFestival OctoberFee ~€40–70Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, animation, documentary
Anima — Brussels International Animation Film FestivalBrussels, BelgiumStrong
Oscar® · animatedBAFTA · British short
Belgium’s major animation festival, Oscar- and BAFTA-qualifying.
Submissions ~Aug–NovFestival FebruaryFee ~€0–20Max. runtime no capAccepts animation
Ann Arbor Film FestivalAnn Arbor, USAStrong
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · animated
The oldest avant-garde festival in North America.
Submissions ~Sep–DecFestival MarchFee ~€35–60Max. runtime no capAccepts experimental, animation
Aspen ShortsfestAspen, USAStrong
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · animatedOscar® · documentaryBAFTA · British short
Intimate, highly selective Oscar-qualifying short festival.
Submissions ~Sep–DecFestival AprilFee ~€40–65Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary
BAFICI — Buenos Aires Independent Film FestivalBuenos Aires, ArgentinaStrong
Premier Latin-American independent and experimental festival.
Submissions ~Oct–JanFestival AprilFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary, experimental
BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film FestivalLondon, UKStrong
BAFTA · British shortBIFA
The BFI’s LGBTQIA+ festival, the UK’s longest-running queer film event.
Submissions ~Aug–NovFestival MarchFee ~€0–30Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary, animation, experimental
BFI Future Film FestivalLondon, UKStrong
BAFTA · British short
For filmmakers aged 16–25; free entry, BAFTA-qualifying.
Submissions ~Sep–NovFestival FebruaryFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental, music video
Brest European Short Film FestivalBrest, FranceStrong
BAFTA · British shortCNC · festival bursary
European shorts festival; BAFTA-qualifying and part of the CNC festival bursary.
Submissions ~Apr–JulFestival NovemberFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental
Brive — Rencontres du moyen métrageBrive-la-Gaillarde, FranceStrong
The European festival for mid-length films (30–60 min). Ideal for films too long for short festivals.
Submissions ~Nov–JanFestival AprilFee FreeMax. runtime 30–60 minAccepts fiction, documentary, experimental
Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFAN)Bucheon, South KoreaStrong
Asia’s leading genre festival.
Submissions ~Feb–AprFestival JulyFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, animation
Busan International Short Film FestivalBusan, South KoreaStrong
Oscar® · live actionBAFTA · British short
Asia’s major Oscar- and BAFTA-qualifying short festival. Free.
Submissions ~Nov–JanFestival MayFee FreeMax. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental
Cairo International Film FestivalCairo, EgyptStrong
Oscar® · live actionFIAPF
Oldest Arab-world A-list festival; Oscar-qualifying short competition.
Submissions ~May–SepFestival NovemberFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary
Chicago International Film FestivalChicago, USAStrong
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · animatedOscar® · documentaryBAFTA · British short
Historic US festival; Gold Hugo short awards are Oscar-qualifying.
Submissions ~Mar–JulFestival OctoberFee ~€40–70Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary
Cinemed — Montpellier Mediterranean FFMontpellier, FranceStrong
Cinema from the Mediterranean and its neighbours.
Submissions ~Apr–JulFestival OctoberFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary, animation
Clermont-Ferrand — Lab CompetitionClermont-Ferrand, FranceStrong
CNC · festival bursary
The experimental strand of Clermont: shorts that bend form, narrative and image.
Submissions ~May–SepFestival FebruaryFee ~€13Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts experimental, animation
Cleveland International Film FestivalCleveland, USAStrong
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · animatedOscar® · documentary
Big audience festival; Oscar-qualifying in all short categories.
Submissions ~Aug–NovFestival MarchFee ~€40–65Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary
Cork International Film FestivalCork, IrelandStrong
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · animatedOscar® · documentaryBAFTA · British shortBIFAEuropean Film Awards
Ireland’s oldest film festival; Oscar, BAFTA, BIFA and EFA pathways.
Submissions ~Apr–JulFestival NovemberFee ~€10–30Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental
Côté court — PantinPantin, FranceStrong
CNC · festival bursaryRégion Île-de-France
Bold French-language auteur shorts and experimental work; a key launchpad in France.
Submissions ~Dec–FebFestival JuneFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary, animation, experimental
Curtas Vila do CondeVila do Conde, PortugalStrong
Oscar® · live actionBAFTA · British shortEuropean Film Awards
Cinephile auteur festival; experimental and personal shorts. Fee rises by deadline.
Submissions ~Dec–AprFestival JulyFee ~€20–30Max. runtime ≤ 60 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental
DOC NYCNew York, USAStrong
Oscar® · documentaryBAFTA · British short
America’s largest documentary festival; Oscar-qualifying doc shorts.
Submissions ~Mar–AugFestival NovemberFee ~€40–85Max. runtime no capAccepts documentary
Doclisboa International Film FestivalLisbon, PortugalStrong
Oscar® · documentary
Radical, politically and formally free cinema of the real.
Submissions ~Mar–JunFestival OctoberFee ~€0–30Max. runtime no capAccepts documentary, experimental
DOK LeipzigLeipzig, GermanyStrong
Oscar® · animatedOscar® · documentaryBAFTA · British short
Major festival for documentary and animated documentary.
Submissions ~Mar–JulFestival OctoberFee ~€20–40Max. runtime no capAccepts documentary, animation
DokuFest — Documentary & Short Film FestivalPrizren, KosovoStrong
BAFTA · British shortEuropean Film Awards
Engaged documentary and short-film festival in a vibrant summer setting.
Submissions ~Feb–MayFestival AugustFee ~€0–15Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary, experimental
Durban International Film FestivalDurban, South AfricaStrong
Oscar® · live action
Africa’s oldest international festival; Oscar-qualifying short award.
Submissions ~Feb–AprFestival JulyFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary
Edinburgh International Film FestivalEdinburgh, UKStrong
BAFTA · British shortBIFA
Historic festival focused on discovery and new voices.
Submissions ~Feb–AprFestival AugustFee ~€20–45Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary, experimental
El Gouna Film FestivalEl Gouna, EgyptStrong
Egyptian festival promoting cinema with a humanist perspective.
Submissions ~May–JulFestival OctoberFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary
Encounters Film FestivalBristol, UKStrong
BAFTA · British shortBAFTA · British animationBIFAEuropean Film Awards
The UK’s leading short and animation festival; supportive of new talent.
Submissions ~Feb–MayFestival SeptemberFee ~€15–35Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental
EnergaCAMERIMAGEToruń, PolandStrong
Oscar® · documentary
Festival of the art of cinematography; strong student and documentary competitions.
Submissions ~May–AugFestival NovemberFee ~€10–30Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary
Entrevues — Festival international du film de BelfortBelfort, FranceStrong
First, second and third films and auteur shorts; a discovery festival.
Submissions ~May–AugFestival NovemberFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary, experimental
Fantasia International Film FestivalMontréal, CanadaStrong
BIFA
North America’s largest genre festival.
Submissions ~Jan–AprFestival JulyFee ~€20–50Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, animation
Fantastic FestAustin, USAStrong
BIFA
Austin’s genre festival: horror, sci-fi, fantasy and action.
Submissions ~Mar–JunFestival SeptemberFee ~€30–60Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, animation
Fantoche International Animation Film FestivalBaden, SwitzerlandStrong
Oscar® · animatedBAFTA · British short
Adventurous, independent animation; Oscar- and BAFTA-qualifying.
Submissions ~Feb–AprFestival SeptemberFee ~€0–20Max. runtime no capAccepts animation
Festival des 3 Continents — NantesNantes, FranceStrong
Feature films from Asia, Africa and Latin America.
Submissions ~May–AugFestival NovemberFee FreeMax. runtime 60 min minimumAccepts fiction, documentary
Festival du nouveau cinéma (Montréal)Montréal, CanadaStrong
Oscar® · live action
Francophone Montréal festival devoted to new, adventurous cinema.
Submissions ~Apr–JulFestival OctoberFee ~€20–45Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary, experimental
Festival Internacional del Nuevo Cine Latinoamericano (Havana)Havana, CubaStrong
Historic showcase of new Latin-American cinema.
Submissions ~Jun–AugFestival DecemberFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary, animation, experimental
Filmfest Dresden — International Short Film FestivalDresden, GermanyStrong
One of Germany’s major short festivals, strong in animation.
Submissions ~Oct–DecFestival AprilFee FreeMax. runtime ≤ 30 minAccepts fiction, animation, experimental
Filmschoolfest MunichMunich, GermanyStrong
Invitation-style competition of the world’s film-school films.
Submissions ~May–JulFestival NovemberFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary, animation, experimental
FIPADOC — BiarritzBiarritz, FranceStrong
International documentary festival with short, student and impact competitions.
Submissions ~Jul–SepFestival JanuaryFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts documentary
Flickerfest International Short Film FestivalSydney, AustraliaStrong
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · animatedOscar® · documentaryBAFTA · British short
Australia’s leading Oscar- and BAFTA-qualifying short festival.
Submissions ~Jul–SepFestival JanuaryFee ~€20–45Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental
Frameline San Francisco International LGBTQ+ Film FestivalSan Francisco, USAStrong
BAFTA · British short
The longest-running and largest LGBTQ+ film festival.
Submissions ~Nov–FebFestival JuneFee ~€25–50Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary, animation, experimental
Full Frame Documentary Film FestivalDurham, USAStrong
Oscar® · documentary
Intimate, filmmaker-focused documentary festival in North Carolina.
Submissions ~Aug–NovFestival AprilFee ~€30–60Max. runtime no capAccepts documentary
Galway Film FleadhGalway, IrelandStrong
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · animatedOscar® · documentaryBAFTA · British short
Ireland’s premier showcase for Irish film, with international strands.
Submissions ~Jan–AprFestival JulyFee ~€0–25Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, animation, documentary
Gérardmer — Festival international du film fantastiqueGérardmer, FranceStrong
France’s historic fantastic-film festival; short competition for French-language films.
Submissions ~Sep–NovFestival JanuaryFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, animation
Giffoni Film FestivalGiffoni Valle Piana, ItalyStrong
The world’s biggest festival for children and young audiences, judged by young jurors.
Submissions ~Jan–AprFestival JulyFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, animation
Glasgow Short Film FestivalGlasgow, UKStrong
BAFTA · British shortBAFTA · British animationBIFA
Scotland’s short festival; bold, curious, sometimes radical programming.
Submissions ~Sep–NovFestival MarchFee ~€8–20Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental
Go Short — International Short Film Festival NijmegenNijmegen, NetherlandsStrong
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · animatedOscar® · documentaryBAFTA · British shortEuropean Film Awards
The Netherlands' largest short festival: young European talent, fiction, doc and animation.
Submissions ~Sep–DecFestival AprilFee ~€10–15Max. runtime ≤ 30 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental
Göteborg Film FestivalGothenburg, SwedenStrong
Oscar® · live action
The largest Nordic festival; strong Nordic competitions including shorts.
Submissions ~Aug–OctFestival JanuaryFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary
Guadalajara International Film Festival (FICG)Guadalajara, MexicoStrong
Oscar® · animated
Leading Ibero-American festival and market.
Submissions ~Nov–FebFestival JuneFee ~€0–25Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary, animation
Hiroshima Animation SeasonHiroshima, JapanStrong
Oscar® · animated
Prestigious Japanese animation event rooted in a message of peace.
Submissions ~Jan–AprFestival AugustFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts animation
HollyShorts Film FestivalLos Angeles, USAStrong
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · animatedOscar® · documentaryBAFTA · British short
Industry-facing LA short festival; Oscar-qualifying in all short categories.
Submissions ~Dec–MayFestival AugustFee ~€45–80Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary
Hong Kong International Film FestivalHong Kong, Hong KongStrong
Oscar® · live action
Major Asian festival; Oscar-qualifying short competition.
Submissions ~Sep–DecFestival AprilFee ~€0–30Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary, experimental
International Short Film Festival OberhausenOberhausen, GermanyStrong
Oscar® · live actionBAFTA · British shortEuropean Film Awards
The world's oldest short festival: artists' film, essay, experimental and a music-video prize. First 5 entries free.
Submissions ~Sep–JanFestival MayFee ~€0–20Max. runtime ≤ 45 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental, music video
Internationale Kurzfilmtage WinterthurWinterthur, SwitzerlandStrong
Oscar® · live actionBAFTA · British shortEuropean Film Awards
Switzerland's major short festival: auteur and experimental work with a political edge. Free entry.
Submissions ~Apr–JulFestival NovemberFee FreeMax. runtime ≤ 45 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental, music video
Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Film FestivalCardiff, UKStrong
BAFTA · British shortBIFA
Home of one of the world’s biggest LGBTQ+ short-film prizes.
Submissions ~Feb–MayFestival OctoberFee ~€0–15Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, documentary, animation, experimental
Istanbul Film FestivalIstanbul, TurkeyStrong
Turkey’s leading festival; international competition for features.
Submissions ~Nov–JanFestival AprilFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary
Jeonju International Film FestivalJeonju, South KoreaStrong
Independent, alternative and digital cinema.
Submissions ~Dec–FebFestival MayFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary, experimental
Ji.hlava International Documentary Film FestivalJihlava, CzechiaStrong
Central Europe’s largest documentary festival; strong on creative and experimental doc.
Submissions ~Apr–JulFestival OctoberFee ~€0–25Max. runtime no capAccepts documentary, experimental
Journées Cinématographiques de CarthageTunis, TunisiaStrong
The oldest festival of Arab and African cinema.
Submissions ~Jun–AugFestival DecemberFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary
Krakow Film FestivalKrakow, PolandStrong
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · animatedOscar® · documentaryBAFTA · British shortEuropean Film Awards
Documentary-heavy, with animation and fiction shorts up to 30 min.
Submissions ~Oct–JanFestival MayFee ~€15Max. runtime ≤ 30 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental
Kurzfilm Festival HamburgHamburg, GermanyStrong
BAFTA · British shortBIFAEuropean Film Awards
Irreverent, adventurous programming with a soft spot for humour, absurdity and three-minute films.
Submissions ~Dec–FebFestival JuneFee ~€0–10Max. runtime ≤ 30 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental, music video
Les Arcs Film FestivalBourg-Saint-Maurice, FranceStrong
CNC · festival bursary
European independent cinema in the Alps, with industry village and short competition.
Submissions ~Jun–SepFestival DecemberFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary
London Short Film FestivalLondon, UKStrong
BAFTA · British shortBIFA
Edgy, artist-led London shorts festival with a strong UK focus.
Submissions ~Jul–SepFestival JanuaryFee ~€10–25Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental
MAMI Mumbai Film FestivalMumbai, IndiaStrong
India’s leading festival; South Asia competition.
Submissions ~May–JulFestival OctoberFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary
Manchester Animation FestivalManchester, UKStrong
Oscar® · animatedBAFTA · British animationBIFA
The UK’s main animation festival; Oscar, BAFTA and BIFA qualifying.
Submissions ~Mar–JulFestival NovemberFee ~€10–30Max. runtime no capAccepts animation
Mar del Plata International Film FestivalMar del Plata, ArgentinaStrong
FIAPF
Latin America's only FIAPF A-list festival.
Submissions ~May–AugFestival NovemberFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentaryInternational premiere required
Marrakech International Film FestivalMarrakech, MoroccoStrong
Competition for first and second feature films.
Submissions ~May–AugFestival DecemberFee FreeMax. runtime 60 min minimumAccepts fiction, documentaryInternational premiere required
Melbourne International Film FestivalMelbourne, AustraliaStrong
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · animatedOscar® · documentaryBAFTA · British shortBIFA
Major Australian festival; short awards qualify for Oscars and BAFTA.
Submissions ~Jan–MarFestival AugustFee ~€20–45Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental
Morelia International Film FestivalMorelia, MexicoStrong
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · animatedOscar® · documentary
Showcase for Mexican cinema; competitions mainly for Mexican filmmakers.
Submissions ~Mar–JunFestival OctoberFee ~€0–20Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, animation, documentary
Mostra Internacional de Cinema de São PauloSão Paulo, BrazilStrong
Large São Paulo festival with a new-directors competition.
Submissions ~Jun–AugFestival OctoberFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary
New Orleans Film FestivalNew Orleans, USAStrong
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · animatedOscar® · documentary
Inclusive Southern festival championing diverse voices.
Submissions ~Mar–JulFestival NovemberFee ~€35–65Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary
NIFFF — Neuchâtel International Fantastic Film FestivalNeuchâtel, SwitzerlandStrong
Switzerland’s fantastic and Asian genre festival.
Submissions ~Feb–AprFestival JulyFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, animation
Open City Documentary FestivalLondon, UKStrong
BAFTA · British shortBIFA
Non-fiction as an art form: essayistic, experimental and hybrid documentary.
Submissions ~Mar–MayFestival SeptemberFee ~€10–30Max. runtime no capAccepts documentary, experimental
Outfest Los Angeles LGBTQ+ Film FestivalLos Angeles, USAStrong
BAFTA · British short
Major LGBTQ+ festival in Los Angeles with industry reach.
Submissions ~Jan–MarFestival JulyFee ~€30–60Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary, animation, experimental
Palm Springs International ShortFestPalm Springs, USAStrong
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · animatedOscar® · documentaryBAFTA · British shortBIFA
North America’s largest short festival and market; crowd-pleasing, emotionally strong shorts.
Submissions ~Oct–FebFestival JuneFee ~€45–75Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental
PÖFF ShortsTallinn, EstoniaStrong
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · animatedOscar® · documentaryBAFTA · British shortEuropean Film Awards
Short-film arm of Tallinn Black Nights; Oscar, BAFTA and European Film Awards pathways.
Submissions ~Apr–AugFestival NovemberFee ~€15–30Max. runtime ≤ 30 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental
Premiers Plans — AngersAngers, FranceStrong
BAFTA · British shortCNC · festival bursary
European first films and film-school shorts; a reference for debut directors.
Submissions ~Jul–OctFestival JanuaryFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary, animation
Raindance Film FestivalLondon, UKStrong
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · animatedOscar® · documentaryBAFTA · British shortBIFA
Europe’s leading independent festival; Oscar-qualifying in all short categories.
Submissions ~Nov–MarFestival JuneFee ~€30–70Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental, music video
Red Sea International Film FestivalJeddah, Saudi ArabiaStrong
Competitions for Arab, Asian and African films; strong funding and industry arm.
Submissions ~May–AugFestival DecemberFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary, animation
Rencontres Henri Langlois — PoitiersPoitiers, FranceStrong
International festival of film-school films only.
Submissions ~May–AugFestival DecemberFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary, animation, experimental
San Francisco International Film Festival (SFFILM)San Francisco, USAStrong
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · animatedOscar® · documentary
The oldest film festival in the Americas; Golden Gate short awards.
Submissions ~Sep–DecFestival AprilFee ~€40–70Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary
São Paulo International Short Film Festival (Kinoforum)São Paulo, BrazilStrong
Latin America’s largest short-film festival. Free.
Submissions ~Mar–MayFestival AugustFee FreeMax. runtime ≤ 30 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental
Sarajevo Film FestivalSarajevo, Bosnia and HerzegovinaStrong
Oscar® · live actionEuropean Film Awards
Key platform for South-East European cinema; social and political stories, strong student strand.
Submissions ~Feb–MayFestival AugustFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary, experimental
Seattle International Film FestivalSeattle, USAStrong
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · animatedOscar® · documentary
One of the largest audience festivals in the US.
Submissions ~Sep–JanFestival MayFee ~€35–65Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary
Seminci — Valladolid International Film FestivalValladolid, SpainStrong
European Film Awards
Historic auteur festival with a European short-film competition.
Submissions ~May–AugFestival OctoberFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary
Shanghai International Film FestivalShanghai, ChinaStrong
FIAPF
FIAPF A-list festival with a strong Asian and Chinese-language focus.
Submissions ~Dec–MarFestival JuneFee FreeMax. runtime 60 min minimumAccepts fiction, documentaryInternational premiere required
Short Shorts Film Festival & AsiaTokyo, JapanStrong
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · animatedOscar® · documentary
Asia’s largest short festival; Oscar-qualifying in all categories, max ~25 min.
Submissions ~Nov–FebFestival JuneFee FreeMax. runtime ≤ 25 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental
Singapore International Film FestivalSingapore, SingaporeStrong
Oscar® · live action
Southeast-Asian auteur platform; Oscar-qualifying short competition.
Submissions ~May–AugFestival NovemberFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary, experimental
Slamdance Film FestivalLos Angeles, USAStrong
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · animatedBAFTA · British short
By filmmakers, for filmmakers: first-time directors and low-budget daring work.
Submissions ~Jun–OctFestival JanuaryFee ~€45–80Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental
Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film (ITFS)Stuttgart, GermanyStrong
Oscar® · animated
One of Europe’s biggest animation festivals.
Submissions ~Oct–JanFestival MayFee ~€0–20Max. runtime no capAccepts animation
SXSW Film & TV FestivalAustin, USAStrong
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · animatedOscar® · documentaryBAFTA · British shortBIFA
Discovery-driven and genre-friendly, with buzzy indie premieres and a music-video competition.
Submissions ~Aug–OctFestival MarchFee ~€45–85Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental, music video
Sydney Film Festival — Dendy AwardsSydney, AustraliaStrong
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · animatedBAFTA · British short
Dendy Awards for Australian short films (Oscar and BAFTA qualifying).
Submissions ~Jan–MarFestival JuneFee ~€20–40Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, animation
Tallinn Black Nights Film FestivalTallinn, EstoniaStrong
BAFTA · British shortFIAPF
FIAPF-accredited, welcoming to new directors, strong Nordic and Baltic focus.
Submissions ~Apr–AugFestival NovemberFee ~€50–80Max. runtime 60 min minimumAccepts fiction, documentaryInternational premiere required
Tampere Film FestivalTampere, FinlandStrong
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · documentaryBAFTA · British shortEuropean Film Awards
One of the oldest short festivals; humane, socially aware fiction and documentary up to 30 min.
Submissions ~Aug–NovFestival MarchFee ~€16–18Max. runtime ≤ 30 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental
Tehran International Short Film FestivalTehran, IranStrong
Oscar® · live action
Iran’s Oscar-qualifying short festival; humane, socially observant cinema. Free.
Submissions ~Apr–JulFestival OctoberFee FreeMax. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental
Thessaloniki Documentary FestivalThessaloniki, GreeceStrong
Major southern-European documentary festival with Agora doc market.
Submissions ~Oct–DecFestival MarchFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts documentary
Thessaloniki International Film FestivalThessaloniki, GreeceStrong
Strong for first and second features from Southern and Eastern Europe.
Submissions ~Jun–SepFestival NovemberFee FreeMax. runtime 60 min minimumAccepts fiction, documentary
Tokyo FILMeXTokyo, JapanStrong
Auteur feature films from Asia.
Submissions ~Jun–AugFestival NovemberFee FreeMax. runtime 60 min minimumAccepts fiction, documentary
Tribeca FestivalNew York, USAStrong
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · animatedOscar® · documentaryBAFTA · British shortBIFA
Large New York festival with a big shorts programme and strong US industry presence.
Submissions ~Sep–JanFestival JuneFee ~€45–95Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental
True/False Film FestColumbia, Missouri, USAStrong
Celebrates non-fiction that blurs the line with fiction; adventurous, form-forward.
Submissions ~Aug–NovFestival MarchFee ~€30–55Max. runtime no capAccepts documentary
UK Music Video AwardsLondon, UKStrong
The UK’s leading music-video awards; paid per category.
Submissions ~Jun–SepFestival NovemberFee ~€60–150Max. runtime no capAccepts music video
VIENNA SHORTSVienna, AustriaStrong
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · animatedBAFTA · British shortEuropean Film Awards
Curious, contemporary programming across fiction, animation, music video and avant-garde.
Submissions ~Jul–JanFestival MayFee ~€5–23Max. runtime ≤ 30 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental, music video
Warsaw International Film FestivalWarsaw, PolandStrong
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · animatedOscar® · documentaryFIAPF
FIAPF-accredited, with Oscar-qualifying short competitions and a first-films focus.
Submissions ~Apr–JulFestival OctoberFee ~€20–40Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, animation, documentary
Yamagata International Documentary Film FestivalYamagata, JapanStrong
Asia’s historic documentary festival (biennial, odd years).
Submissions ~Jan–AprFestival OctoberFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts documentary
ZINEBI — Bilbao Documentary & Short Film FestivalBilbao, SpainStrong
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · documentaryBAFTA · British shortEuropean Film Awards
Historic Basque festival of documentary and short film.
Submissions ~Jun–AugFestival NovemberFee FreeMax. runtime ≤ 60 minAccepts fiction, documentary, experimental
Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF)Lagos, NigeriaSolid
Lagos festival for African storytellers, with training programmes.
Submissions ~May–AugFestival NovemberFee ~€0–10Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary, animation
Ajyal Film FestivalDoha, QatarSolid
Doha Film Institute’s youth festival; films judged by young jurors.
Submissions ~Jun–AugFestival NovemberFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary, animation
ALCINE — Alcalá de Henares Film FestivalAlcalá de Henares, SpainSolid
Oscar® · live action
Spain's veteran short festival; national and European competitions.
Submissions ~Jun–SepFestival NovemberFee ~€0–10Max. runtime ≤ 30 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental
Alexandria Short Film FestivalAlexandria, EgyptSolid
Oscar® · live action
Egypt’s Oscar-qualifying short festival.
Submissions ~Nov–JanFestival AprilFee FreeMax. runtime ≤ 30 minAccepts fiction, documentary, animation, experimental
American Black Film FestivalMiami, USASolid
Oscar® · live actionBAFTA · British short
Leading showcase of Black storytellers.
Submissions ~Dec–MarFestival JuneFee ~€35–60Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, documentary
Amman International Film Festival — Awal FilmAmman, JordanSolid
Arab first films, features and shorts.
Submissions ~Feb–AprFestival JulyFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary
Anifilm — International Festival of Animated FilmsLiberec, CzechiaSolid
Oscar® · animated
Czech animation festival, Oscar-qualifying.
Submissions ~Nov–JanFestival MayFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts animation
ANIMAFILM Baku International Animation FestivalBaku, AzerbaijanSolid
BAFTA · British shortBAFTA · British animation
Azerbaijani animation festival on the BAFTA qualifying list.
Submissions ~Apr–JulFestival OctoberFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts animation
AnimatekaLjubljana, SloveniaSolid
Central and Eastern European auteur animation.
Submissions ~May–JulFestival DecemberFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts animation
Animation DingleDingle, IrelandSolid
Oscar® · animated
Irish animation festival close to students and new talent.
Submissions ~Oct–JanFestival MarchFee ~€0–15Max. runtime no capAccepts animation
Animator International Animated Film FestivalPoznań, PolandSolid
Oscar® · animated
Polish animation festival with a strong auteur tradition.
Submissions ~Feb–AprFestival JulyFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts animation
Animayo — Gran CanariaLas Palmas, SpainSolid
Oscar® · animated
Animation, VFX and games summit with an Oscar-qualifying competition.
Submissions ~Nov–FebFestival MayFee ~€0–10Max. runtime no capAccepts animation
Animest International Animation Film FestivalBucharest, RomaniaSolid
Oscar® · animated
Romania’s animation festival, Oscar-qualifying.
Submissions ~Apr–JulFestival OctoberFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts animation
Athens International Film + Video FestivalAthens, Ohio, USASolid
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · animated
Long-running independent and experimental festival.
Submissions ~Oct–JanFestival AprilFee ~€25–45Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, animation, experimental
Atlanta Film FestivalAtlanta, USASolid
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · animatedOscar® · documentary
Diverse Southern festival; Oscar-qualifying shorts and a music-video category.
Submissions ~Sep–JanFestival AprilFee ~€40–70Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, music video
Austin Film FestivalAustin, USASolid
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · animatedOscar® · documentary
The writers’ festival: story and screenplay first.
Submissions ~Mar–JulFestival OctoberFee ~€45–75Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary
Beirut Shorts International Film FestivalBeirut, LebanonSolid
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · animatedOscar® · documentary
Oscar-qualifying in all short categories; window on Arab and world shorts.
Submissions ~Jan–AprFestival JuneFee ~€0–15Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental
Belfast Film FestivalBelfast, UKSolid
BAFTA · British shortBIFA
Northern Ireland’s biggest film festival.
Submissions ~Oct–JanFestival AprilFee ~€10–25Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary, experimental
Bengaluru International Short Film FestivalBengaluru, IndiaSolid
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · animatedOscar® · documentary
Oscar-qualifying in all short categories.
Submissions ~Feb–MayFestival AugustFee ~€10–30Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental
Berlin Music Video AwardsBerlin, GermanySolid
Europe’s major independent music-video festival.
Submissions ~Oct–FebFestival MayFee ~€20–60Max. runtime no capAccepts music video
BIFFF — Brussels International Fantastic Film FestivalBrussels, BelgiumSolid
Brussels’s exuberant fantastic-film festival.
Submissions ~Nov–JanFestival AprilFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, animation
Big Sky Documentary Film FestivalMissoula, USASolid
Oscar® · documentary
Documentary-only festival in Montana; Oscar-qualifying for doc shorts.
Submissions ~Jul–OctFestival FebruaryFee ~€30–55Max. runtime no capAccepts documentary
BlackStar Film FestivalPhiladelphia, USASolid
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · documentaryBAFTA · British short
Celebrates Black, Brown and Indigenous filmmakers, including experimental work.
Submissions ~Feb–AprFestival AugustFee ~€0–20Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary, experimental
BOGOSHORTS — Bogotá Short Film FestivalBogotá, ColombiaSolid
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · animatedOscar® · documentary
Latin America’s leading Oscar-qualifying short festival.
Submissions ~May–AugFestival DecemberFee FreeMax. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental
Bolton Film FestivalBolton, UKSolid
BAFTA · British shortBAFTA · British animationBIFA
Fast-rising festival on both BAFTA lists (short and animation).
Submissions ~Jan–MayFestival SeptemberFee ~€10–25Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental
Bradford International Film FestivalBradford, UKSolid
BAFTA · British short
Festival in UNESCO City of Film Bradford, on the BAFTA qualifying list for British shorts.
Submissions dates to checkFestival —Fee ~€5–25Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, animation, documentary
British Urban Film Festival (BUFF)London, UKSolid
BAFTA · British shortBIFA
Platform for Black and diverse British filmmakers.
Submissions ~Mar–JunFestival SeptemberFee ~€10–30Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary
BronzeLens Film FestivalAtlanta, USASolid
Oscar® · live action
Atlanta festival for films by and about people of colour.
Submissions ~Mar–JunFestival AugustFee ~€30–50Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, documentary
Brooklyn Horror Film FestivalNew York, USASolid
Bold, auteur-minded horror programming.
Submissions ~Apr–JulFestival OctoberFee ~€25–50Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, animation
Brussels Short Film FestivalBrussels, BelgiumSolid
Oscar® · live action
Popular Belgian short festival with international and national competitions.
Submissions ~Oct–JanFestival AprilFee ~€0–10Max. runtime ≤ 30 minAccepts fiction, animation, experimental
Bucharest International Experimental Film FestivalBucharest, RomaniaSolid
BAFTA · British short
Artists' moving image and experimental film.
Submissions ~Oct–JanFestival AprilFee ~€0–10Max. runtime no capAccepts experimental
Bucheon International Animation Festival (BIAF)Bucheon, South KoreaSolid
Oscar® · animated
Korea’s leading animation festival.
Submissions ~May–JulFestival OctoberFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts animation
Calgary International Film FestivalCalgary, CanadaSolid
Oscar® · live action
Western Canada’s major festival.
Submissions ~Mar–JunFestival SeptemberFee ~€30–60Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, documentary
Cambridge Film FestivalCambridge, UKSolid
BAFTA · British shortBIFA
One of the UK’s oldest film festivals.
Submissions ~Apr–JulFestival OctoberFee ~€10–25Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, animation, documentary
Camden International Film FestivalCamden, Maine, USASolid
Oscar® · documentaryBAFTA · British short
Creative documentary festival with strong industry Points North programme.
Submissions ~Mar–JunFestival SeptemberFee ~€30–60Max. runtime no capAccepts documentary
Cartagena de Indias International Film Festival (FICCI)Cartagena, ColombiaSolid
Oscar® · live action
The oldest festival in Latin America.
Submissions ~Sep–DecFestival MarchFee ~€0–20Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary
Chéries-Chéris — Festival du film LGBTQIA+ de ParisParis, FranceSolid
Région Île-de-France
Paris’s LGBTQIA+ and queer film festival.
Submissions ~May–AugFestival NovemberFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary, animation, experimental
Chicago International Children’s Film FestivalChicago, USASolid
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · animated
The largest North-American festival of films for children.
Submissions ~Mar–JunFestival OctoberFee ~€20–45Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, animation
Cinanima — EspinhoEspinho, PortugalSolid
Oscar® · animated
One of the oldest animation festivals in Europe.
Submissions ~May–JulFestival NovemberFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts animation
Cinekid FestivalAmsterdam, NetherlandsSolid
International film and media festival for children.
Submissions ~Apr–JunFestival OctoberFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary, animation
Cinema Jove — Valencia International Film FestivalValencia, SpainSolid
Festival for young filmmakers and young audiences.
Submissions ~Jan–MarFestival JuneFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental
Cinéma Vérité — Iran International Documentary FFTehran, IranSolid
Iran’s international documentary festival.
Submissions ~Jun–SepFestival DecemberFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts documentary
Cinequest Film FestivalSan Jose, USASolid
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · animated
Silicon Valley festival mixing film and innovation.
Submissions ~Feb–MayFestival AugustFee ~€35–60Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary
Curta Cinema — Rio de Janeiro Int. Short Film FestivalRio de Janeiro, BrazilSolid
Oscar® · live actionBAFTA · British short
Brazil’s main short festival; Oscar and BAFTA pathways.
Submissions ~May–AugFestival NovemberFee FreeMax. runtime ≤ 30 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental
Dallas International Film FestivalDallas, USASolid
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · animatedOscar® · documentary
Texan festival with Oscar-qualifying short awards.
Submissions ~Oct–JanFestival AprilFee ~€40–70Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary
deadCenter Film FestivalOklahoma City, USASolid
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · animatedOscar® · documentary
Oklahoma’s festival, Oscar-qualifying in all short categories.
Submissions ~Dec–MarFestival JuneFee ~€35–60Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary
DeaffestWolverhampton, UKSolid
BIFA
The UK’s deaf-led film and arts festival.
Submissions ~Dec–MarFestival MayFee ~€0–10Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary, animation, experimental
Dharamshala International Film FestivalDharamshala, IndiaSolid
Independent Indian and world cinema in the Himalayas.
Submissions ~May–AugFestival NovemberFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary
Dinard Festival du film britanniqueDinard, FranceSolid
British and Irish cinema only, features and shorts.
Submissions ~May–JulFestival OctoberFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary
DMZ International Documentary Film FestivalGoyang, South KoreaSolid
Documentary festival on peace, life and communication, near the Korean DMZ.
Submissions ~Mar–MayFestival SeptemberFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts documentary
Doc Edge FestivalAuckland, New ZealandSolid
Oscar® · documentary
New Zealand’s documentary festival; Oscar-qualifying for doc shorts.
Submissions ~Nov–FebFestival JuneFee ~€25–50Max. runtime no capAccepts documentary
Docaviv International Documentary Film FestivalTel Aviv, IsraelSolid
Oscar® · documentary
Israel’s documentary festival; Oscar-qualifying for doc shorts.
Submissions ~Nov–FebFestival MayFee ~€0–30Max. runtime no capAccepts documentary
DocsBarcelonaBarcelona, SpainSolid
Barcelona documentary festival and pitching forum.
Submissions ~Nov–JanFestival MayFee ~€0–30Max. runtime no capAccepts documentary
DOK.fest MünchenMunich, GermanySolid
One of Europe’s biggest documentary festivals, features and mid-length.
Submissions ~Oct–JanFestival MayFee ~€0–30Max. runtime no capAccepts documentary
Drama International Short Film FestivalDrama, GreeceSolid
Oscar® · live actionBAFTA · British shortEuropean Film Awards
Long-running Greek short festival; became BAFTA-qualifying for British shorts in 2026.
Submissions ~Mar–JunFestival SeptemberFee ~€0–10Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental
Edmonton International Film FestivalEdmonton, CanadaSolid
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · animatedOscar® · documentary
Canadian festival Oscar-qualifying in all short categories.
Submissions ~Mar–JulFestival OctoberFee ~€25–50Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary
Encounters South African International Documentary FFCape Town, South AfricaSolid
Documentary festival with a South African and African focus.
Submissions ~Jan–MarFestival JuneFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts documentary
Fajr International Film FestivalTehran, IranSolid
Iran’s international festival; international section open to world cinema.
Submissions ~Nov–JanFestival AprilFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary
FantasportoPorto, PortugalSolid
Porto’s historic fantastic-film festival.
Submissions ~Oct–DecFestival MarchFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, animation
Fest Anča International Animation FestivalŽilina, SlovakiaSolid
Oscar® · animated
Independent, playful and experimental animation.
Submissions ~Feb–AprFestival JulyFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts animation
Festival CinébanlieueSaint-Denis, FranceSolid
CNC · festival bursary
Films about and from the banlieues; diversity and new voices.
Submissions ~Jun–SepFestival NovemberFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary
Festival de Cine de LimaLima, PeruSolid
Latin-American and Peruvian cinema.
Submissions ~Mar–MayFestival AugustFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary
Festival des cinémas différents et expérimentaux de ParisParis, FranceSolid
Région Île-de-France
Experimental, artisanal and avant-garde film (16mm, super-8, digital).
Submissions ~Jun–SepFestival DecemberFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts experimental
Festival du film court de VilleurbanneVilleurbanne, FranceSolid
CNC · festival bursary
European short-film competition near Lyon.
Submissions ~May–AugFestival NovemberFee FreeMax. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, documentary, animation
Festival du film court en plein air de GrenobleGrenoble, FranceSolid
CNC · festival bursary
Historic open-air short festival with a CNC bursary.
Submissions ~Jan–MarFestival JulyFee FreeMax. runtime ≤ 30 minAccepts fiction, documentary, animation, experimental
Festival européen du film fantastique de StrasbourgStrasbourg, FranceSolid
European fantastic-film festival (Méliès network).
Submissions ~Apr–JunFestival SeptemberFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, animation
Festival International de Films de Femmes de CréteilCréteil, FranceSolid
Région Île-de-France
Films directed by women; one of the oldest such festivals in the world.
Submissions ~Sep–NovFestival MarchFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary, animation, experimental
Festival international des cinémas d’Asie de VesoulVesoul, FranceSolid
Asian cinema from the Near East to the Far East.
Submissions ~Sep–NovFestival FebruaryFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary
Festival international du film de La Roche-sur-YonLa Roche-sur-Yon, FranceSolid
Cinephile festival of auteur cinema.
Submissions ~May–JulFestival OctoberFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary, experimental
Festival international du film de Saint-Jean-de-LuzSaint-Jean-de-Luz, FranceSolid
First and second feature films.
Submissions ~May–JulFestival OctoberFee FreeMax. runtime 60 min minimumAccepts fiction
Festival international Jean RouchParis, FranceSolid
Ethnographic and anthropological documentary.
Submissions ~Apr–JunFestival NovemberFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts documentary
Festival national du film d’animation (AFCA)Rennes, FranceSolid
The national festival of French animation, including school films.
Submissions ~Nov–JanFestival AprilFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts animation
Festival SilhouetteParis, FranceSolid
Région Île-de-France
Free open-air short festival in Paris, with a music-video competition.
Submissions ~Mar–MayFestival AugustFee FreeMax. runtime ≤ 30 minAccepts fiction, documentary, animation, experimental, music video
FICUNAMMexico City, MexicoSolid
Radical auteur cinema at Mexico’s national university.
Submissions ~Sep–NovFestival MarchFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary, experimental
FICValdiviaValdivia, ChileSolid
Chilean festival of independent and auteur cinema.
Submissions ~May–JulFestival OctoberFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary, experimental
FICX — Gijón International Film FestivalGijón, SpainSolid
Oscar® · live action
Independent-minded festival; Oscar-qualifying short award.
Submissions ~Jun–SepFestival NovemberFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary, experimental
FIFIB — Festival international du film indépendant de BordeauxBordeaux, FranceSolid
Independent, auteur and boundary-pushing cinema.
Submissions ~May–JulFestival OctoberFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary, experimental
Flatpack FestivalBirmingham, UKSolid
BAFTA · British shortBIFA
Playful, eclectic festival of moving image in Birmingham.
Submissions ~Oct–JanFestival MayFee ~€8–20Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, animation, experimental
Florida Film FestivalOrlando, USASolid
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · animatedOscar® · documentary
Respected Orlando festival with a strong shorts slate.
Submissions ~Sep–DecFestival AprilFee ~€40–65Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary
Foyle Film FestivalDerry~Londonderry, UKSolid
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · animatedBAFTA · British shortBIFA
Northern Ireland festival; Oscar-qualifying for live-action and animated shorts.
Submissions ~Apr–JulFestival NovemberFee ~€10–25Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, animation, documentary
FrightFestLondon, UKSolid
The UK’s biggest horror festival.
Submissions ~Feb–MayFestival AugustFee ~€20–40Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, animation
GLAS Animation FestivalBerkeley, USASolid
Independent, auteur-driven animation festival.
Submissions ~Oct–DecFestival AprilFee ~€15–35Max. runtime no capAccepts animation
Glasgow Film FestivalGlasgow, UKSolid
BIFA
Big audience festival for features (no short competition).
Submissions ~Sep–NovFestival MarchFee ~€0–30Max. runtime 60 min minimumAccepts fiction, documentary
GrimmfestManchester, UKSolid
BIFA
Manchester’s horror and fantastic festival.
Submissions ~Feb–JulFestival OctoberFee ~€10–30Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, animation
Guanajuato International Film FestivalGuanajuato, MexicoSolid
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · animatedOscar® · documentary
Mexican festival, Oscar-qualifying in all short categories.
Submissions ~Jan–AprFestival JulyFee ~€0–25Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, animation, documentary
Haifa International Film FestivalHaifa, IsraelSolid
Oscar® · live action
Israeli festival with an Oscar-qualifying short award.
Submissions ~May–JulFestival OctoberFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary
Hamptons International Film FestivalEast Hampton, USASolid
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · documentaryBAFTA · British short
Awards-season-adjacent festival; Oscar-qualifying narrative and doc shorts.
Submissions ~Apr–JulFestival OctoberFee ~€40–70Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, documentary
Hawaiʻi International Film FestivalHonolulu, USASolid
Oscar® · live action
Bridge between Asia-Pacific and North-American cinema.
Submissions ~Mar–JulFestival OctoberFee ~€35–60Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, documentary
Hot Springs Documentary Film FestivalHot Springs, USASolid
Oscar® · documentary
One of the oldest documentary festivals in North America.
Submissions ~Feb–JunFestival OctoberFee ~€30–55Max. runtime no capAccepts documentary
Huesca International Film FestivalHuesca, SpainSolid
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · documentary
Spanish short festival with Oscar-qualifying fiction and documentary awards.
Submissions ~Jan–MarFestival JuneFee ~€0–10Max. runtime ≤ 30 minAccepts fiction, documentary
ifva Awards (Hong Kong)Hong Kong, Hong KongSolid
Independent short film and video awards with an Asian New Force category.
Submissions ~Aug–OctFestival MarchFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental
Imagine Fantastic Film FestivalAmsterdam, NetherlandsSolid
BIFA
Amsterdam’s fantastic film festival.
Submissions ~Nov–JanFestival AprilFee ~€0–20Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, animation
imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts FestivalToronto, CanadaSolid
Oscar® · live action
The world’s largest Indigenous film festival. Free entry.
Submissions ~Feb–JunFestival OctoberFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary, experimental
In the Palace International Short Film FestivalSofia, BulgariaSolid
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · animatedOscar® · documentary
Bulgarian short festival, Oscar-qualifying in all three short categories.
Submissions ~Jan–AprFestival JuneFee ~€10–20Max. runtime ≤ 30 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental
Indy Shorts International Film FestivalIndianapolis, USASolid
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · animatedOscar® · documentaryBAFTA · British short
One of the largest US Oscar-qualifying short festivals (Heartland Film).
Submissions ~Dec–AprFestival JulyFee ~€40–65Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary
Inside Out Toronto 2SLGBTQ+ Film FestivalToronto, CanadaSolid
Canada’s largest 2SLGBTQ+ film festival.
Submissions ~Nov–JanFestival MayFee ~€0–25Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary, animation, experimental
interfilm International Short Film Festival BerlinBerlin, GermanySolid
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · animated
Wide-ranging Berlin short festival, open to bold, eco and political work.
Submissions ~Apr–JulFestival NovemberFee ~€10–15Max. runtime ≤ 20 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental
International Documentary & Short Film Festival of KeralaThiruvananthapuram, IndiaSolid
Oscar® · documentary
Kerala’s documentary and short festival; Oscar-qualifying for doc shorts.
Submissions ~May–JulFestival AugustFee ~€0–10Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary
Ismailia International Film Festival for Documentary & ShortsIsmailia, EgyptSolid
Historic festival for documentaries and short films.
Submissions ~Oct–DecFestival MarchFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary, animation, experimental
It’s All True — International Documentary Film FestivalSão Paulo, BrazilSolid
Oscar® · documentary
Latin America’s leading documentary festival.
Submissions ~Nov–JanFestival AprilFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts documentary
Itinérances — Festival Cinéma d’AlèsAlès, FranceSolid
CNC-eligible
Itinérances festival with a CNC-eligible short-film competition.
Submissions ~Oct–DecFestival MarchFee FreeMax. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, documentary, animation
Izmir International Short Film FestivalIzmir, TurkeySolid
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · animated
Turkish short festival with Oscar-qualifying awards.
Submissions ~May–AugFestival NovemberFee ~€0–10Max. runtime ≤ 30 minAccepts fiction, animation, experimental
Jerusalem Film FestivalJerusalem, IsraelSolid
Oscar® · live action
Israeli festival with an Oscar-qualifying short award.
Submissions ~Feb–AprFestival JulyFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary
Jogja-NETPAC Asian Film FestivalYogyakarta, IndonesiaSolid
Asian cinema in Indonesia, features and shorts.
Submissions ~Jun–SepFestival DecemberFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary, experimental
KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film FestivalMumbai, IndiaSolid
South Asia’s largest LGBTQIA+ film festival.
Submissions ~Jan–MarFestival JuneFee ~€0–15Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary, animation, experimental
KLIK / Kaboom Animation FestivalUtrecht, NetherlandsSolid
Oscar® · animated
Dutch animation festival, Oscar-qualifying.
Submissions ~Sep–DecFestival MarchFee ~€0–15Max. runtime no capAccepts animation
L’Étrange FestivalParis, FranceSolid
Strange, transgressive and genre-bending cinema at the Forum des images.
Submissions ~Mar–JunFestival SeptemberFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, animation, experimental
LA Shorts International Film FestivalLos Angeles, USASolid
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · animatedOscar® · documentaryBAFTA · British short
Large Los Angeles short festival with many programmes.
Submissions ~Dec–MayFestival JulyFee ~€40–75Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary
Leeds International Film FestivalLeeds, UKSolid
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · animatedBAFTA · British shortBIFA
Large northern festival; Oscar-qualifying for live-action and animated shorts.
Submissions ~Apr–JulFestival NovemberFee ~€15–35Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental
Leuven International Short Film FestivalLeuven, BelgiumSolid
Oscar® · live actionBAFTA · British shortEuropean Film Awards
Flemish and European shorts; strong animation and international competitions.
Submissions ~Jun–SepFestival DecemberFee ~€0–10Max. runtime ≤ 30 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental
London International Animation Festival (LIAF)London, UKSolid
BIFA
Auteur and experimental animation from around the world.
Submissions ~Mar–JunFestival DecemberFee ~€10–25Max. runtime no capAccepts animation
Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film FestivalLos Angeles, USASolid
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · documentary
Asian and Pacific Islander stories and filmmakers.
Submissions ~Nov–JanFestival MayFee ~€30–50Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, documentary
Los Angeles Latino International Film FestivalLos Angeles, USASolid
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · animated
Latino and Latin-American cinema in Los Angeles.
Submissions ~Jan–MarFestival JuneFee ~€25–45Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, animation
Luxor African Film FestivalLuxor, EgyptSolid
Films from African countries and the diaspora.
Submissions ~Oct–DecFestival FebruaryFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary
Lviv International Short Film Festival Wiz-ArtLviv, UkraineSolid
European Film Awards
Ukrainian short festival with an experimental, contemporary streak.
Submissions ~Apr–JunFestival SeptemberFee ~€0–10Max. runtime ≤ 30 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental
Malmö Arab Film FestivalMalmö, SwedenSolid
Europe’s largest festival of Arab cinema.
Submissions ~May–JulFestival OctoberFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary
Manchester Film FestivalManchester, UKSolid
BAFTA · British shortBIFA
Independent festival with BAFTA- and BIFA-qualifying shorts.
Submissions ~Aug–NovFestival MarchFee ~€15–35Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, animation, documentary
Mardi Gras Film Festival (Queer Screen)Sydney, AustraliaSolid
Queer Screen’s festival during Sydney Mardi Gras.
Submissions ~Sep–NovFestival FebruaryFee ~€0–20Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary, animation, experimental
Martha’s Vineyard African American Film FestivalMartha’s Vineyard, USASolid
Oscar® · live action
Independent Black cinema on Martha’s Vineyard.
Submissions ~Feb–MayFestival AugustFee ~€35–55Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, documentary
Message to Man International Film FestivalSt. Petersburg, RussiaSolid
Long-standing documentary, short and animation festival.
Submissions ~Mar–JunFestival SeptemberFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary, animation, experimental
Millennium Docs Against GravityWarsaw, PolandSolid
Poland’s largest documentary festival; audience-driven.
Submissions ~Nov–FebFestival MayFee ~€0–20Max. runtime no capAccepts documentary
Molodist Kyiv International Film FestivalKyiv, UkraineSolid
BAFTA · British short
Festival of first films and student work, shorts and features.
Submissions ~May–AugFestival OctoberFee ~€0–15Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, animation, documentary
Monstra — Lisbon Animated Film FestivalLisbon, PortugalSolid
Portugal’s big animation festival, with student and children strands.
Submissions ~Sep–NovFestival MarchFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts animation
Mórbido FestMexico City, MexicoSolid
Latin America’s leading horror and fantastic festival.
Submissions ~May–AugFestival NovemberFee ~€0–20Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, animation
MountainfilmTelluride, USASolid
Oscar® · live action
Films about environment, adventure and the human spirit.
Submissions ~Oct–FebFestival MayFee ~€35–55Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary
Movies that Matter FestivalThe Hague, NetherlandsSolid
Human-rights cinema, fiction and documentary.
Submissions ~Sep–NovFestival MarchFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary
Nashville Film FestivalNashville, USASolid
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · animatedOscar® · documentary
Music City festival; Oscar-qualifying shorts and music-driven programmes.
Submissions ~Feb–MayFestival SeptemberFee ~€40–70Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, music video
New Hampshire Film FestivalPortsmouth, USASolid
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · animatedOscar® · documentary
New England festival with Oscar-qualifying shorts juries.
Submissions ~Apr–JulFestival OctoberFee ~€35–60Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary
New York International Children’s Film FestivalNew York, USASolid
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · animated
Smart, artful films for young audiences.
Submissions ~Aug–OctFestival MarchFee ~€20–45Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, animation
NewFest — New York LGBTQ+ Film FestivalNew York, USASolid
New York’s LGBTQ+ film festival.
Submissions ~Apr–JulFestival OctoberFee ~€25–45Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary, animation, experimental
Nordisk PanoramaMalmö, SwedenSolid
Oscar® · live action
Nordic documentary and short film — productions from the five Nordic countries only.
Submissions ~Mar–MayFestival SeptemberFee ~€0–20Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary
Norwegian Short Film FestivalGrimstad, NorwaySolid
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · documentary
Norway’s main short festival, with an international competition.
Submissions ~Jan–MarFestival JuneFee ~€0–10Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental
Norwich Film FestivalNorwich, UKSolid
BAFTA · British shortBIFA
Shorts-focused festival in East Anglia.
Submissions ~Mar–JulFestival NovemberFee ~€10–30Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental
OFF — Odense International Film FestivalOdense, DenmarkSolid
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · animatedOscar® · documentaryBAFTA · British shortEuropean Film Awards
Rewards originality and imaginative power; surreal and poetic shorts welcome.
Submissions ~Feb–MayFestival AugustFee ~€0–15Max. runtime ≤ 60 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental
One World International Human Rights Documentary FFPrague, CzechiaSolid
Europe’s largest human-rights documentary festival.
Submissions ~Aug–OctFestival MarchFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts documentary
Oska Bright Film FestivalBrighton, UKSolid
BAFTA · British shortBIFA
Films made by or featuring people with learning disabilities or autism.
Submissions ~Mar–JunFestival NovemberFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental, music video
Out On Film — Atlanta LGBTQ Film FestivalAtlanta, USASolid
Oscar® · live actionBAFTA · British short
Oscar-qualifying LGBTQ+ festival.
Submissions ~Mar–JunFestival OctoberFee ~€25–45Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, documentary
Overlook Film FestivalNew Orleans, USASolid
Immersive horror festival.
Submissions ~Nov–FebFestival AprilFee ~€25–50Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, animation
Pan African Film & Arts FestivalLos Angeles, USASolid
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · animatedOscar® · documentary
Films of the African diaspora, Oscar-qualifying in all short categories.
Submissions ~Aug–OctFestival FebruaryFee ~€30–50Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary
Pesaro Film Festival (Mostra Internazionale del Nuovo Cinema)Pesaro, ItalySolid
Dedicated to new and experimental cinema.
Submissions ~Feb–AprFestival JuneFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, experimental
PIA Film FestivalTokyo, JapanSolid
Japan’s historic discovery competition for independent filmmakers.
Submissions ~Feb–AprFestival SeptemberFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary, animation, experimental
PIFFF — Paris International Fantastic Film FestivalParis, FranceSolid
Paris genre festival: horror, fantasy and science fiction.
Submissions ~Jun–SepFestival DecemberFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, animation
Provincetown International Film FestivalProvincetown, USASolid
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · documentary
Independent and queer-friendly festival on Cape Cod.
Submissions ~Dec–MarFestival JuneFee ~€40–60Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, documentary
QCinema International Film FestivalQuezon City, PhilippinesSolid
Manila festival with a strong Asian Shorts competition.
Submissions ~Jun–AugFestival NovemberFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary, experimental
Queer LisboaLisbon, PortugalSolid
Lisbon’s international queer film festival.
Submissions ~Apr–JunFestival SeptemberFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary, animation, experimental
ReelAbilities Film Festival New YorkNew York, USASolid
BAFTA · British short
Films by and about people with disabilities.
Submissions ~Oct–DecFestival AprilFee ~€0–20Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary
REGARD — Saguenay International Short Film FestivalSaguenay, CanadaSolid
Oscar® · live action
Francophone Québec short festival with a large international competition.
Submissions ~Sep–NovFestival MarchFee ~€20–40Max. runtime ≤ 30 minAccepts fiction, animation, experimental
Rencontres cinéma de GindouGindou, FranceSolid
CNC · festival bursary
Rural summer festival with a French short-film bursary; humane, auteur cinema.
Submissions ~Feb–AprFestival AugustFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary
Rhode Island International Film FestivalProvidence, USASolid
BAFTA · British short
New England festival on the BAFTA qualifying list.
Submissions ~Jan–MayFestival AugustFee ~€35–65Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, animation, documentary
Riga International Film FestivalRiga, LatviaSolid
European Film Awards
Baltic festival with a European short competition in the EFA network.
Submissions ~May–JulFestival OctoberFee ~€0–15Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary, experimental
RiverRun International Film FestivalWinston-Salem, USASolid
Oscar® · animatedOscar® · documentary
North Carolina festival; Oscar-qualifying for animated and documentary shorts.
Submissions ~Sep–JanFestival AprilFee ~€30–55Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary
S.O.U.L. FestLondon, UKSolid
BAFTA · British shortBIFA
Celebrates stories by and about people of African and Caribbean heritage.
Submissions ~Oct–JanFestival AprilFee ~€10–25Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary
San Francisco Jewish Film FestivalSan Francisco, USASolid
Oscar® · documentary
The oldest Jewish film festival; Oscar-qualifying for documentary shorts.
Submissions ~Nov–FebFestival JulyFee ~€25–45Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary
Santa Barbara International Film FestivalSanta Barbara, USASolid
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · animatedOscar® · documentaryBAFTA · British short
Awards-season festival with Oscar-qualifying short awards.
Submissions ~Aug–OctFestival FebruaryFee ~€40–75Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary
Santa Fe International Film FestivalSanta Fe, USASolid
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · animatedOscar® · documentary
Southwestern festival, Oscar-qualifying in all short categories.
Submissions ~Apr–JulFestival OctoberFee ~€35–60Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary
Screamfest Horror Film FestivalLos Angeles, USASolid
Long-running Los Angeles horror festival.
Submissions ~Mar–AugFestival OctoberFee ~€40–70Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, animation
Sehsüchte International Student Film FestivalPotsdam, GermanySolid
Europe’s largest student film festival.
Submissions ~Nov–JanFestival AprilFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary, animation, experimental
Show Me Shorts Film FestivalAuckland, New ZealandSolid
Oscar® · live actionBAFTA · British short
New Zealand’s Oscar- and BAFTA-qualifying short festival.
Submissions ~Apr–JunFestival OctoberFee ~€10–25Max. runtime ≤ 30 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental
SIGGRAPH Computer Animation FestivalTouring (US/Canada), USASolid
Oscar® · animated
Computer-graphics conference festival; technical and visual innovation.
Submissions ~Jan–MarFestival AugustFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts animation
Spark AnimationVancouver, CanadaSolid
Oscar® · animated
Animation festival and conference with Oscar-qualifying awards.
Submissions ~May–JulFestival OctoberFee ~€20–40Max. runtime no capAccepts animation
SQIFF — Scottish Queer International Film FestivalGlasgow, UKSolid
BAFTA · British shortBIFA
Radical, accessible queer cinema; free submissions.
Submissions ~May–JulFestival OctoberFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary, animation, experimental
St Kilda Film FestivalMelbourne, AustraliaSolid
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · documentary
Australia’s longest-running short festival (Australian films).
Submissions ~Jan–MarFestival JuneFee ~€10–30Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary
St. Louis International Film FestivalSt. Louis, USASolid
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · animatedOscar® · documentary
Midwest festival with Oscar-qualifying short awards.
Submissions ~Apr–AugFestival NovemberFee ~€30–55Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary
Tirana International Film FestivalTirana, AlbaniaSolid
Oscar® · live actionEuropean Film Awards
Albania’s international festival; Oscar and EFA-qualifying short competition.
Submissions ~Jun–SepFestival NovemberFee ~€10–20Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental
Tous Courts — Aix-en-ProvenceAix-en-Provence, FranceSolid
CNC-eligible
International and national short competitions in Aix.
Submissions ~Jun–SepFestival DecemberFee FreeMax. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, documentary, animation, experimental
Transilvania International Film Festival (TIFF Cluj)Cluj-Napoca, RomaniaSolid
Romania’s leading festival; first and second features.
Submissions ~Jan–MarFestival JuneFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary
UK Jewish Film FestivalLondon, UKSolid
BAFTA · British shortBIFA
Films exploring Jewish life, history and identity.
Submissions ~Apr–JulFestival NovemberFee ~€0–20Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary
Uppsala Short Film FestivalUppsala, SwedenSolid
Oscar® · live actionBAFTA · British shortEuropean Film Awards
Sweden's international short festival, open to every genre, including children's films.
Submissions ~Mar–MayFestival OctoberFee ~€10–20Max. runtime ≤ 60 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental
Urban Films FestivalParis, FranceSolid
CNC · festival bursary
Urban stories and voices from working-class neighbourhoods.
Submissions ~Apr–JulFestival OctoberFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary
Urbanworld Film FestivalNew York, USASolid
Oscar® · live action
Diverse, urban storytelling showcase.
Submissions ~Mar–JunFestival SeptemberFee ~€35–55Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, documentary
Viennale — Vienna International Film FestivalVienna, AustriaSolid
Curated, non-competitive cinephile festival; selective and mostly invitational.
Submissions ~May–JulFestival OctoberFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary, experimental
Vilnius Short Film FestivalVilnius, LithuaniaSolid
Oscar® · live actionEuropean Film Awards
Baltic short festival with an auteur and experimental inclination.
Submissions ~Aug–OctFestival JanuaryFee ~€5–15Max. runtime ≤ 30 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental
Watersprite — Cambridge International Student Film FestivalCambridge, UKSolid
BIFA
Student-run festival for student films worldwide.
Submissions ~Sep–DecFestival MarchFee ~€0–10Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental
Woodstock Film FestivalWoodstock, USASolid
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · animatedOscar® · documentary
Independent-spirited Hudson Valley festival.
Submissions ~Apr–JulFestival OctoberFee ~€40–70Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary
Zagreb Film FestivalZagreb, CroatiaSolid
European Film Awards
Dedicated to first and second films, shorts and features.
Submissions ~Jun–AugFestival NovemberFee ~€0–10Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary
Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF)Zanzibar, TanzaniaSolid
East Africa’s largest festival, celebrating films of the Dhow countries.
Submissions ~Jan–AprFestival JulyFee ~€0–10Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary, animation, experimental
Zlín Film FestivalZlín, CzechiaSolid
One of the oldest festivals for children and youth.
Submissions ~Jan–MarFestival MayFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, animation
Akbank Short Film FestivalIstanbul, TurkeyEmerging
Istanbul short festival with an international competition.
Submissions ~Oct–DecFestival MarchFee FreeMax. runtime ≤ 30 minAccepts fiction, documentary, animation, experimental
AmDocs — American Documentary & Animation Film FestivalPalm Springs, USAEmerging
Oscar® · animatedOscar® · documentary
Oscar-qualifying festival for documentary and animation.
Submissions ~Oct–FebFestival AprilFee ~€35–70Max. runtime no capAccepts documentary, animation
Bali International Film Festival (Balinale)Bali, IndonesiaEmerging
Oscar® · live action
Indonesian festival with an Oscar-qualifying short award.
Submissions ~Apr–JulFestival OctoberFee ~€0–20Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary
Beeston Film FestivalNottingham, UKEmerging
BIFA
Grass-roots indie festival on the BIFA shorts list.
Submissions ~Aug–DecFestival MarchFee ~€5–15Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental
BITBANG International Animation FestivalBuenos Aires, ArgentinaEmerging
Oscar® · animated
Argentine animation festival, Oscar-qualifying.
Submissions ~Jan–AprFestival JuneFee ~€0–10Max. runtime no capAccepts animation
Brighton Rocks International Film FestivalBrighton, UKEmerging
BIFA
Small UK festival on the BIFA qualifying list (Section B: two selections make a British short eligible).
Submissions dates to checkFestival —Fee ~€5–25Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental
BUFF Malmö International Children & Young People’s FFMalmö, SwedenEmerging
Scandinavia’s festival for children and youth cinema.
Submissions ~Oct–DecFestival MarchFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, animation
Cardiff Mini Film FestivalCardiff, UKEmerging
BIFA
Small UK festival on the BIFA qualifying list (Section B: two selections make a British short eligible).
Submissions dates to checkFestival —Fee ~€5–25Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental
Carmarthen Bay Film FestivalCarmarthen, UKEmerging
BAFTA · British shortBIFA
Welsh festival on both the BAFTA and BIFA lists.
Submissions ~Oct–FebFestival MayFee ~€8–20Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, animation, documentary
Chilemonos International Animation FestivalSantiago, ChileEmerging
Oscar® · animated
Chile’s animation festival, Oscar-qualifying.
Submissions ~Nov–FebFestival MayFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts animation
Ciné Court Animé — RoanneRoanne, FranceEmerging
International animated short festival.
Submissions ~Oct–DecFestival MarchFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts animation
CINECITY — Brighton Film FestivalBrighton, UKEmerging
BIFA
Curated Brighton festival of auteur and independent cinema.
Submissions ~May–AugFestival NovemberFee ~€0–15Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary, experimental
CINELEBU — Lebu International Film FestivalLebu, ChileEmerging
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · animated
Chilean coastal festival with Oscar-qualifying short awards.
Submissions ~Aug–OctFestival JanuaryFee ~€0–10Max. runtime ≤ 30 minAccepts fiction, animation
City Lights Film FestivalUKEmerging
BIFA
Small UK festival on the BIFA qualifying list (Section B: two selections make a British short eligible).
Submissions dates to checkFestival —Fee ~€5–25Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental
Cornwall Film FestivalFalmouth, UKEmerging
BIFA
Regional festival on the BIFA qualifying list.
Submissions ~Apr–AugFestival NovemberFee ~€5–20Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary
Crystal Palace International Film FestivalLondon, UKEmerging
BIFA
Small UK festival on the BIFA qualifying list (Section B: two selections make a British short eligible).
Submissions dates to checkFestival —Fee ~€5–25Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental
Doc’n Roll Film FestivalLondon, UKEmerging
BIFA
Music documentaries; on the BIFA list for British features.
Submissions dates to checkFestival —Fee ~€10–30Max. runtime no capAccepts documentary
Edinburgh Short Film FestivalEdinburgh, UKEmerging
BIFA
Scottish shorts festival on the BIFA list.
Submissions ~Mar–AugFestival NovemberFee ~€8–20Max. runtime ≤ 30 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental
Exit 6 Film FestivalBasingstoke, UKEmerging
BIFA
Small UK festival on the BIFA qualifying list (Section B: two selections make a British short eligible).
Submissions dates to checkFestival —Fee ~€5–25Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental
Festival du cinéma africain de KhouribgaKhouribga, MoroccoEmerging
Historic Moroccan festival of African cinema.
Submissions ~Jan–MarFestival JuneFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary
Festival du court métrage d’humour de MeudonMeudon, FranceEmerging
CNC-eligible
Comedy shorts only, French-language.
Submissions ~Oct–DecFestival MarchFee FreeMax. runtime ≤ 30 minAccepts fiction, animation
Festival international du film d’histoire de PessacPessac, FranceEmerging
Films about history and memory, fiction and documentary.
Submissions ~May–AugFestival NovemberFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary
Festival international du film de ContisContis, FranceEmerging
Seaside festival with a strong short-film competition.
Submissions ~Jan–MarFestival JuneFee FreeMax. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, documentary, animation, experimental
FIDADOC — AgadirAgadir, MoroccoEmerging
Documentary festival with a focus on African and Arab creative docs.
Submissions ~Jan–MarFestival JuneFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts documentary
FOCUS Wales Film FestivalWrexham, UKEmerging
BIFA
Music-driven film festival: music videos and music docs.
Submissions ~Dec–MarFestival MayFee ~€0–15Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary, music video
Folkestone Documentary FestivalFolkestone, UKEmerging
BIFA
Documentary-only festival on the BIFA list.
Submissions ~Mar–JulFestival NovemberFee ~€5–20Max. runtime no capAccepts documentary
Friss Hús Budapest International Short Film FestivalBudapest, HungaryEmerging
Oscar® · live actionOscar® · animated
Budapest short festival with Oscar-qualifying live-action and animation awards.
Submissions ~Nov–FebFestival AprilFee ~€5–15Max. runtime ≤ 30 minAccepts fiction, animation, experimental
Génération Court — AubervilliersAubervilliers, FranceEmerging
CNC · festival bursary
Shorts by and for young people; strong education focus.
Submissions ~Nov–JanFestival AprilFee FreeMax. runtime ≤ 30 minAccepts fiction, documentary, animation
Hebden Bridge Film FestivalHebden Bridge, UKEmerging
BIFA
Small Yorkshire festival on the BIFA list.
Submissions ~Sep–DecFestival MarchFee ~€5–20Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary
Imaginaria Film FestivalConversano, ItalyEmerging
Oscar® · animated
Italian animated-film festival, Oscar-qualifying.
Submissions ~Feb–MayFestival AugustFee ~€0–10Max. runtime no capAccepts animation
IndieCork Film FestivalCork, IrelandEmerging
BAFTA · British short
Independent Cork festival on the BAFTA list.
Submissions ~Mar–JulFestival OctoberFee ~€5–20Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental, music video
International Short Film Festival of CyprusLimassol, CyprusEmerging
European Film Awards
Mediterranean short festival, member of the European Film Academy network.
Submissions ~May–AugFestival OctoberFee ~€0–10Max. runtime ≤ 30 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental
Irish Film Festival LondonLondon, UKEmerging
BIFA
Irish and Irish-diaspora cinema in London.
Submissions ~Apr–AugFestival NovemberFee ~€5–20Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary
José Ignacio International Film FestivalJosé Ignacio, UruguayEmerging
Oscar® · live action
Uruguayan festival with an Oscar-qualifying short award.
Submissions ~Aug–OctFestival JanuaryFee ~€0–20Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction
Kino London Short Film FestivalLondon, UKEmerging
BIFA
Small UK festival on the BIFA qualifying list (Section B: two selections make a British short eligible).
Submissions dates to checkFestival —Fee ~€5–25Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental
LoCo — The London Comedy Film FestivalLondon, UKEmerging
BAFTA · British short
Comedy-specialist festival on the BAFTA list.
Submissions ~Nov–FebFestival MayFee ~€10–25Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, animation
London Breeze Film FestivalLondon, UKEmerging
BIFA
Small UK festival on the BIFA qualifying list (Section B: two selections make a British short eligible).
Submissions dates to checkFestival —Fee ~€5–25Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental
Mansfield Town Film FestivalMansfield, UKEmerging
BIFA
Small UK festival on the BIFA qualifying list (Section B: two selections make a British short eligible).
Submissions dates to checkFestival —Fee ~€5–25Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental
MIX Copenhagen LGBTQ+ Film FestivalCopenhagen, DenmarkEmerging
Copenhagen’s LGBTQ+ film festival.
Submissions ~May–JulFestival OctoberFee ~€0–15Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary, animation, experimental
North East International Film FestivalNewcastle, UKEmerging
BIFA
Small UK festival on the BIFA qualifying list (Section B: two selections make a British short eligible).
Submissions dates to checkFestival —Fee ~€5–25Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental
Off-Courts TrouvilleTrouville-sur-Mer, FranceEmerging
France–Québec short-film meeting with creative labs.
Submissions ~Mar–JunFestival SeptemberFee FreeMax. runtime ≤ 30 minAccepts fiction, documentary, animation
Oxford International Film FestivalOxford, UKEmerging
BIFA
Small UK festival on the BIFA qualifying list (Section B: two selections make a British short eligible).
Submissions dates to checkFestival —Fee ~€5–25Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental
Paris Courts DevantParis, FranceEmerging
Région Île-de-France
Paris festival for short films and new directors.
Submissions ~May–AugFestival NovemberFee ~€0–10Max. runtime ≤ 30 minAccepts fiction, documentary, animation
Ramsgate International Film & TV FestivalRamsgate, UKEmerging
BIFA
Small UK festival on the BIFA qualifying list (Section B: two selections make a British short eligible).
Submissions dates to checkFestival —Fee ~€5–25Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental
Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film FestivalNew York, USAEmerging
Oscar® · live action
Films by women of colour.
Submissions ~Mar–JunFestival OctoberFee ~€25–40Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, documentary
Revelation Perth International Film FestivalPerth, AustraliaEmerging
Independent and experimental cinema in Western Australia.
Submissions ~Feb–AprFestival JulyFee ~€15–35Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary, experimental
San Jose International Short Film FestivalSan Jose, USAEmerging
Oscar® · live action
Short-film festival with an Oscar-qualifying live-action award.
Submissions ~Mar–JunFestival SeptemberFee ~€30–50Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, animation
San Luis Obispo International Film FestivalSan Luis Obispo, USAEmerging
Oscar® · documentary
Californian festival; Oscar-qualifying for documentary shorts.
Submissions ~Sep–JanFestival AprilFee ~€30–50Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary
Schlingel International Film Festival for ChildrenChemnitz, GermanyEmerging
Films for children and young audiences.
Submissions ~Apr–JulFestival OctoberFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, animation
Sci-Fi LondonLondon, UKEmerging
BIFA
The London festival of science fiction and fantastic film.
Submissions ~Nov–FebFestival AprilFee ~€15–35Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, animation
Sebastopol Documentary Film FestivalSebastopol, USAEmerging
Oscar® · documentary
Small documentary-only festival with Oscar-qualifying doc-short status.
Submissions ~Aug–DecFestival MarchFee ~€25–45Max. runtime no capAccepts documentary
Short Com — Comedy Film & Animation FestivalTouring, UKEmerging
BAFTA · British shortBIFA
Comedy shorts only, live action and animation.
Submissions ~Nov–MarFestival JuneFee ~€10–25Max. runtime ≤ 30 minAccepts fiction, animation
Short Short Story Film FestivalUKEmerging
BIFA
Small UK festival on the BIFA qualifying list (Section B: two selections make a British short eligible).
Submissions dates to checkFestival —Fee ~€5–25Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental
Short Waves FestivalPoznań, PolandEmerging
Polish short festival with an open, curious programme.
Submissions ~Oct–DecFestival MarchFee ~€0–10Max. runtime ≤ 30 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental
Spirit of Independence Film FestivalUKEmerging
BIFA
Small UK festival on the BIFA qualifying list (Section B: two selections make a British short eligible).
Submissions dates to checkFestival —Fee ~€5–25Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental
Sunderland Shorts Film FestivalSunderland, UKEmerging
BIFA
Small UK festival on the BIFA qualifying list (Section B: two selections make a British short eligible).
Submissions dates to checkFestival —Fee ~€5–25Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental
Sunrise Film FestivalUKEmerging
BIFA
Small UK festival on the BIFA qualifying list (Section B: two selections make a British short eligible).
Submissions dates to checkFestival —Fee ~€5–25Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental
SuperFest Disability Film FestivalSan Francisco, USAEmerging
BAFTA · British short
Long-running festival of disability-centred cinema.
Submissions ~Mar–JunFestival OctoberFee ~€0–15Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary
Tasveer South Asian Film FestivalSeattle, USAEmerging
Oscar® · live action
South Asian films and diaspora stories.
Submissions ~Apr–JulFestival OctoberFee ~€20–40Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, documentary
The Shortest NightsUKEmerging
BIFA
Small UK festival on the BIFA qualifying list (Section B: two selections make a British short eligible).
Submissions dates to checkFestival —Fee ~€5–25Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental
The Smalls Film FestivalLondon, UKEmerging
BIFA
Small UK festival on the BIFA qualifying list (Section B: two selections make a British short eligible).
Submissions dates to checkFestival —Fee ~€5–25Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental
Thomas Edison Film FestivalTouring, USAEmerging
Oscar® · animated
Touring festival of independent shorts; Oscar-qualifying for animation.
Submissions ~Sep–NovFestival JanuaryFee ~€30–45Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, animation
Trieste Science+Fiction FestivalTrieste, ItalyEmerging
Science-fiction specialist festival.
Submissions ~May–AugFestival NovemberFee FreeMax. runtime no capAccepts fiction, animation
Unrestricted View Film FestivalUKEmerging
BIFA
Small UK festival on the BIFA qualifying list (Section B: two selections make a British short eligible).
Submissions dates to checkFestival —Fee ~€5–25Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental
Wigan & Leigh Short Film FestivalWigan, UKEmerging
BIFA
Grass-roots shorts festival on the BIFA list.
Submissions ~May–SepFestival NovemberFee ~€5–15Max. runtime ≤ 30 minAccepts fiction, animation
Wimbledon International Short Film FestivalLondon, UKEmerging
BIFA
Small UK festival on the BIFA qualifying list (Section B: two selections make a British short eligible).
Submissions dates to checkFestival —Fee ~€5–25Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental
Women Over 50 Film FestivalBrighton, UKEmerging
BIFA
Films with a woman over 50 at their heart, in front of or behind the camera.
Submissions ~Jan–MayFestival SeptemberFee ~€5–20Max. runtime no capAccepts fiction, documentary, animation
Worcester Film FestivalWorcester, UKEmerging
BIFA
Small UK festival on the BIFA qualifying list (Section B: two selections make a British short eligible).
Submissions dates to checkFestival —Fee ~€5–25Max. runtime ≤ 40 minAccepts fiction, animation, documentary, experimental

Guide

Short film festival distribution: the guide

1. Protect your premiere

Major festivals (Cannes, Berlinale, Venice, Locarno, Sundance…) require a world or international premiere. A single public screening — or a public online release — can close them for good. Choose a premiere target, submit, and keep the other premiere-requiring festivals on hold until it answers.

2. Aim high, then widen

Start with the most prestigious festivals that fit your film, then widen to specialists (documentary, animation, genre, LGBTQ+, children) and regional festivals. A typical one-year strategy has 30 to 60 submissions.

3. Read the programming line

Every festival has a taste: the Berlinale likes political and formally daring cinema, Clermont-Ferrand covers every genre with strong social and auteur fiction, Locarno rewards the formal risk-taking of directors who have not yet made a feature. Festival Tool compares your film with these profiles.

4. Recognitions that matter

Oscars®: a short (40 min max.) qualifies by winning the designated award at a festival on the Academy’s official list, or through a qualifying theatrical run.
César (short film): no festival list; direct entry with the Académie (usually mid-January to mid-July), under 60 min, at least 30% French production, French exhibition visa.
BAFTA and BIFA: qualifying festival lists for British short films.
European Film Awards: each festival in the EFA short-film network nominates one film.
CNC: “Bourse des festivals” festivals reward the producers of winning films.
Golden Globes: no short-film category. Schools such as NYU or the New York Film Academy publish no official list: the database covers the festivals their students usually target (Student Academy Awards, Sundance, Tribeca, Palm Springs…).

5. Budget and calendar

A first year of festivals often costs €300–1,000 in entry fees. Many serious festivals are free, and submitting at the earlybird rate is cheaper and shows you are organised. Add deadlines to your calendar with the .ics export.

6. Submission platforms

FilmFreeway dominates for North-American and international festivals; Shortfilmdepot is essential for many European and French festivals (Clermont-Ferrand only accepts Shortfilmdepot). Some festivals only use their own website.

7. Prepare your materials

Short and long synopsis (in English and your language), director’s statement, quality stills, poster, trailer, bio-filmography, careful English subtitles, a private password-protected screener link.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Festival Tool really free?

Yes. No account, no payment, no ads. It is a public service offered by Div Productions to young filmmakers. All the analysis runs in your browser.

How does the tool choose festivals?

In two steps. First, hard rules: work type, maximum runtime, production country, completion date, subtitles, premiere status, student-only competitions. Then a ranking: each festival has a programming profile (genres, sensibilities, themes, preferred origins) compared with your film, its useful recognitions (Oscar, BAFTA, CNC…), prestige, fees and your budget.

Which festivals are in the database?

Festivals from the official Oscar® (99th Awards), BAFTA and BIFA qualifying lists, the European Film Awards short-film network, the CNC festival bursary and CNC-eligible festivals, festivals supported by Île-de-France, plus the key specialists: documentary, animation, genre, LGBTQ+, children, student films.

Are dates and fees exact?

No: they are estimates from past editions, given as a window (for example “Sep–Nov”) and a price range. Festivals change their dates every year: always check the official site before paying.

What is a world premiere, and why does it matter?

It is the film’s very first public screening. Major festivals require a world or international premiere. Once screened publicly — or released online publicly — the film can no longer offer it. Festival Tool picks a premiere target and puts the other premiere-requiring festivals on hold.

How does a short film qualify for the Oscars?

A short (40 minutes max., credits included) qualifies by winning the designated award at a festival on the Academy’s official list, or through a qualifying theatrical run. Qualifying festivals carry an Oscar® badge in the tool.

How do I enter the César for short film?

There is no festival list: entry is made directly with the César Academy, usually from mid-January to mid-July, for films under 60 minutes, with at least 30% French production and a French exhibition visa. Check that year’s rules.

How do I spot a scam festival?

Beware of festivals with no venue or screening dates, monthly “editions”, dozens of categories, paid laurels or trophies, guaranteed selections, names imitating a major festival and awards tied to ticket sales. The checker in the “Scams” section computes a risk level.

FilmFreeway or Shortfilmdepot?

Both. FilmFreeway dominates for North-American and many international festivals; Shortfilmdepot is the reference for many European and French festivals — Clermont-Ferrand only accepts Shortfilmdepot. The tool shows each festival’s platform.

How much should I budget for a short film festival run?

Often €300–1,000 in entry fees in the first year. Many major festivals are free (Berlinale, Cannes, Premiers Plans, Brest…), and earlybird rates save money. Enter your budget: the tool proposes an optimised selection.

Does the tool use AI or send my data?

No. Festival Tool works without any external AI or server: the database and the analysis engine are loaded in the page, and your texts stay in your browser. Only your submission tracker is stored locally on your device.

Free — a public service by Div Productions

Everything is free. No account, no ads.

A festival run is expensive, and a misplaced premiere cannot be undone. Div Productions offers this tool to every young filmmaker, free of charge. Nothing you type leaves your browser.

Analyse my film

Find the festivals
that really matter
for your short film.

Describe your film

Festivals targeted for

What to do, and when

All 387 recognised festivals in the database

Spot the fee-farming “festivals”

Typical patterns to avoid

Monthly online "awards" — rolling deadlines, winners every month, no screening.

Laurel mill — 40+ award categories, paid statues or certificates, instant "official selection".

Name mimic — a title echoing Cannes, Sundance, Berlin or the Emmys, unaffiliated with them.

Published reports

World Film Festival of Cannes / "World Cannes Film Festival"

Emmy Star International Film Festival

International Filmmaker Festival of World Cinema

Alaska International Film Festival

Shockfest

Short film festival distribution: the guide

1. Protect your premiere

2. Aim high, then widen

3. Read the programming line

4. Recognitions that matter

5. Budget and calendar

6. Submission platforms

7. Prepare your materials

Frequently asked questions

Everything is free. No account, no ads.