SUBMIT

Vilnius Short Film Festival is the only Oscar® and European Film Awards qualifying festival in Lithuania and one of the largest international short film festivals in the Baltic countries. Every January, it presents the newest and most significant short films from all around the world, while also gathering together filmmakers, industry representatives, and film lovers. 

Established in 2006, the Festival has become a unique platform in Lithuania, screening global short films made by both emerging and established talents. Each year, the Vilnius Short Film Festival holds the International Competition, which features approximately 30-40 of the most acclaimed short films from the past two years. In addition to the International Competition, the Festival hosts a National Competition showcasing a carefully chosen selection of the newest Lithuanian short films. Moreover, the Festival features special non-competition programs such as retrospectives, programs for kids, youth, and seniors, as well as theme or country-based short film selections.

Complementing the Festival screenings, there are numerous events for both the public and film industry professionals. Every year, the Festival offers a tailored Industry Day program for filmmakers and other industry professionals, which includes networking opportunities, workshops, and seminars. Moreover, the Festival invites its fans to various music and interactive events, as well as workshops for families and late-night screenings.

The 19th edition of the Vilnius Short Film Festival will take place from 21 to 27 January 2026 as a hybrid event – having both on-site screenings and short film programmes on the local VoD platform. The Festival is hosted in multiple venues across Vilnius Old Town and other Lithuanian cities such as Kaunas, Klaipėda, Šiauliai, and Panevėžys.

The festival is funded by the Lithuanian Film Centre, Vilnius City Municipality and AVAKA association.

COMPETITIONS

Vilnius Short Film Festival accepts all short films from every country (except for Russian Federation), of all production techniques and genres (fiction, documentary, animation, experimental, or hybrid) from low to high budgets. Films must not exceed 30 min. and must have been completed after 1 January 2024. For the International Competition, the festival requires a Lithuanian premiere and for National Competition – National premiere. Submissions can only be made via the www.shortfilmdepot.com platform.

Films in the competitions are judged by the 3-member international Jury, which gives out three prizes: Festival Grand Prix, Best International Short Film, and Best National Short Film. Each winner is awarded a monetary prize. Films also compete for the following qualifications: an Oscar® (Academy Award) qualification—granted exclusively to the Grand Prix winner—and the Candidacy for the European Film Awards in the European Short Film category.

FULL REGULATIONS HERE.

SUBMIT HERE.

Deadlines:

International Competition

Early Bird Deadline: 31 May (FREE)
Final Deadline: 15 July (9 EUR)

National Competition

Early Bird Deadline: 31 May (FREE)
Final Deadline: 15 August (9 EUR)

Selection results will be announced by 15 November 2025.

If you have any questions, reach out to us by email: programming@filmshorts.lt