SUBMIT

Vilnius Short Film Festival is one of the biggest international short film festivals in the Baltic countries, and the only short film festival in Lithuania. 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 18th edition of the Vilnius Short Film Festival will take place from 15 to 21 January 2025 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, and Šiauliai.

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 2023. For the International Competition, the festival requires a Lithuanian premiere. Submissions can only be made via the www.shortfilmdepot.com platform.

Films in the competitions are judged by esteemed 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.

FULL REGULATIONS HERE.

SUBMIT HERE.

Deadlines:

International Competition

Early Bird Deadline: 31 May (FREE)
Final Deadline: 14 July (7 EUR)

National Competition

Early Bird Deadline: 30 June (FREE)
Final Deadline: 14 August (7 EUR)

Selection results will be announced by 15 November 2024.

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