KYIV INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILM FESTIVAL (#KISFF) is largest short film festival in Ukraine.

The widest panorama of contemporary short films, classical and latest achievements of Ukrainian cinema, special events and world premieres, educational and professional sections — all in our five-day marathon in the city center.

It’s a happening for those who is fond of real cinema – the most important art for us!

INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION AWARDS:

- Grand Prix
- Award for Best Direction
- Special Mention(s) – the juries are eligible to give one or more special awards.

UKRAINIAN COMPETITION AWARDS:

- Award for Best Direction
- Special Mention(s) – the juries are eligible to give one or more special awards.

THE AUDIENCE AWARDS:

- The audience votes for their favourite film from each competition section.

Welcome to the XII Kyiv International Short Film Festival (KISFF), taking place in September 2024 in Ukraine! Our festival showcases a diverse range of short films from around the world created by emerging and accomplished directors, film school students, and independent creators. We strive to present the most stirring, inventive, and distinctive films while promoting Ukrainian cinema and fostering communication and exchange of experiences between Ukrainian and international filmmakers and artists.

We invite submissions of short films up to 35 minutes in length, with a preference for Ukrainian premieres. There are no restrictions on the filmmaker's age or country of production, and the submitted films must be completed no earlier than January 1, 2022.

The festival features International and Ukrainian Competitions, various non-competition and thematic programs, panels, workshops, and Q&A sessions. In addition to the official selection, the program presents selections from partnering festivals and film schools. Please note there is no special program for student films, they are screened alongside professional films in our programs.

Submission fees play a vital role in supporting the festival, especially during times of war when other funding sources are limited. For individual filmmakers or distribution companies, the fees are €10 for the early bird deadline and €15 for the late deadline. Students can enjoy a discounted rate of €6 for the regular deadline and €8 for the late deadline. KISFF alumni are welcome to request a submission discount. Unfortunately, we can't accommodate further individual waiver requests.

For film school administrations interested in bulk submissions, we offer a special discount. Contact us at info@kisff.org for more information and to request a code. Please indicate the approximate number of films you wish to submit in your e-mail.

THE TIMELINE IS:

Early bird deadline — May 31, 2024

Regular deadline — July 23, 2024

Late deadline — August 23, 2024

Notification date — August 26, 2024

Festival dates: September 13-17, 2024

To submit your film, please visit the FilmFreeway website where you can find detailed information on the payment process and request invoices. Complete the online entry form and provide a preview link (Vimeo/Youtube) or upload the film file directly to FilmFreeway. Filmmakers, producers, distributors, or other legal representatives may submit films, but the submitter must have the legal right to negotiate the use of the work with KISFF.

Our selection committee carefully chooses films for the festival, and those selected will be notified via e-mail one month before the event. Selected films will be screened in Kyiv during the festival, and the most outstanding works will be included in the Best of KISFF selection for screenings across Ukrainian cities. We warmly invite directors of all selected films to Kyiv, and if the safety situation in Ukraine permits, accommodation will be provided.

By submitting an entry form, you agree to all terms and conditions stated in the festival regulations. We look forward to seeing your creative works and celebrating the art of short filmmaking together!

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or Kyiv International Short Film Festival. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Ruby Mastrodimos

    Really great festival. Marharyta and Sasha were super communicative and responsive. Even though I couldn't travel to Kyiv, there was a virtual Q&A with the audience that was really thoughtfully run (and had an opportunity to meet/network with the other filmmakers in the Zoom waiting room). Looking forward to attending in person in the future!

    November 2023
  • such a wonderful festival! i recommend it to all filmmakers! hope to be there next year!

    November 2022
  • Jason Blevins

    A wonderful festival of an amazing group of Ukrainian filmmakers in Kyiv’s best cinema. Will definitely attend again.

    November 2022
  • Flavio Armone

    Great Festival in Ukraine and well known worldwide, highly recommended!

    January 2022
  • Mailuki Films

    Una experiencia maravillosa. Ganas, muchas ganas de volver el año que viene.

    August 2021