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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 cinema enthusiasts.

Each year, the Vilnius Short Film Festival holds the International Competition, which features up to 35 short films, and a National Competition showcasing up to 15 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 general public and the film industry professionals. Every year, the Festival offers a tailored Industry Days program for filmmakers and other industry specialists, which includes networking opportunities, workshops, and seminars. Moreover, the Festival invites its fans to various culture and interactive events, tours, as well as workshops for kids, seniors, and late-night events.

The 20th edition of the Vilnius Short Film Festival will take place from 20 to 26 January 2027 in Vilnius and other Lithuanian cities, and part of the programme will be available online on the local VoD platforms.

CRITERIA

Vilnius Short Film Festival accepts short films of all production techniques, genres and types (fiction, documentary, animation, experimental or hybrid) that are up to 30 min. and have premiered after 1 January 2025. Films intended specifically for children are not eligible for both competitions. The Festival requires a Lithuanian premiere status for all films submitted to the International and National Competitions.

For the International Competition, films are eligible from every country (except Russian Federation). For the National Competition, films are eligible if they are produced or co-produced by Lithuania (whether as a minority or majority co-producer), or, in the case of films produced outside Lithuania, if the director is a citizen of Lithuania.

During the festival, the international jury selects the Best National and Best International Short Films, and also awards one film with the Grand Prix. The winning films compete for the following distinctions: an Oscar® (Academy Award) nomination—granted exclusively to the Grand Prix winner—and the title of Vilnius Short Film Festival Candidate for the European Film Awards in the European Short Film category.

Films can be submitted only via www.shortfilmdepot.com platform HERE.

Full Festival Regulations HERE.

DEADLINES

International Competition:

Early Bird Deadline: 31 May (7 EUR)

Final Deadline: 15 July (14 EUR)

National Competition:

Early Bird Deadline: 31 May (7 EUR)

Final Deadline: 15 August (14 EUR)

Results notification:

15 November 2026

For questions regarding film submissions, contact programming@filmshorts.lt.