17th Vilnius International Short Film Festival opens call for submissions

Vilnius International Short Film Festival (Vilnius ISFF), one of the biggest short film festivals in the Baltics, is now accepting submissions for its two competitions – International and National. The 17th edition of the festival will take place on January 17–23, 2024 and will be held in a hybrid format, featuring screenings both on-site and virtually.

Vilnius ISFF is a unique platform presenting a diverse program of over 80 short films, featuring both emerging and established talents from around the world. In addition to the International and National competition programs, the Festival offers a variety of special programs, including retrospectives of both European and Lithuanian filmmakers, film nights, theme-based short films, programs curated for senior audiences, and selections of films for children.

Films in the competitions are judged by esteemed International Jury which gives out three prizes: Festival Grand Prix, Best International Short Film, and Best Lithuanian Short Film. Each winner is awarded with a monetary prize.

International Competition is open to short films from every country, of all production techniques and genres (fiction, documentary, animation, experimental or hybrid) from low to high budgets. The early bird deadline (free) is 31 May, while the final deadline is 15 July (a submission fee – 5 Eur). National Competition deadlines are 30 June (early bird) and 15 August (5 Eur). ​​Films must have been completed after 1 January 2022 and no longer than 30 min. Submissions can only be made via the www.shortfilmdepot.com platform.

Due to the ongoing war and Russia’s unjustified aggression in Ukraine, the festival continues to refuse and will not consider Russian-made or co-produced films. To show support for Ukrainian creators, the festival organizers provide a fee waiver for films made in Ukraine or created by a Ukrainian creative team. In this case, filmmakers should contact the organizers by email programming@filmshorts.lt.

Vilnius ISFF is organized by Lithuanian Short Film Agency LITHUANIAN SHORTS, main sponsor – Lithuanian Film Centre.

Submit here.

Regulations here.