Amsterdam International Short Film Festival

AISFF believes in short films.
Recognizing the vital role short cinema plays in shaping film language, cultural discourse, and artistic innovation, the Amsterdam International Short Film Festival is dedicated to empowering filmmakers who dare to experiment, provoke, and redefine storytelling. AISFF is an annual celebration of short films with a sharp edge—films that challenge conventions and embrace bold artistic vision. The festival champions the unconventional, the daring, the underground, the intuitive, the minimalistic, and the truly independent voices of our time.

Watch. Discover. Connect.
AISFF discovers, supports, and develops emerging talent while also showcasing strong new work from established filmmakers from around the world, with a special connection to Amsterdam’s vibrant and forward-thinking creative scene. By bringing filmmakers, industry professionals, and curious audiences together, the festival creates a dynamic space where ideas, aesthetics, and perspectives collide.

Audiences can expect carefully curated screenings featuring some of the most exciting new short films, alongside opportunities to engage in conversation, exchange ideas, and build meaningful connections. Whether you are a filmmaker launching your next project, an industry professional seeking new voices, or a film lover eager to experience daring cinema in an intimate festival atmosphere, AISFF invites you to immerse yourself in the power of short film.

PROUD PARTNER OF THE BIGGER SCREEN
Amsterdam International Short Film Festival is supported by The Bigger Screen, an organization that aims to make film as an art form more accessible and more inclusive. A short overview of their projects:

SUPPORTING FILM FESTIVALS: Film festivals are not only a place to share films, but they are a safe haven for film makers to connect, share, and learn. The Bigger Screens supports and engages with over 25 respected international film festivals from mainstays like the 61st Ann Arbor Film Festival and the Brussels Independent Film Festival to emerging events such as the Venice Film Week and The Producer’s Night Los Angeles. These events bring filmmakers and filmgoers together, providing that place to connect and engage in a comfortable setting, away from Hollywood glitz and glamour.

CONNECTING CULTURES PROGRAM: Each year, The Bigger Screen selects at least ten countries and grants filmmakers from those areas the ability to submit their work free of charge to partner festivals all over the world. This opens the door of film exposure to those who may not otherwise be able to enter. As we support inclusivity and shareable films, this program exemplifies our mission. Check out https://www.connectingculturesprogram.com to see if your country is included in this year’s program and submit your work for free.

LOCAL FILMMAKERS PROGRAM: To encourage rising talent, we waived the festival submission fee to local talent. This provides a great opportunity for local filmmakers to enter the international film scene. Think global, act local, right?

⁠INCLUSIVE AUDIENCE PROGRAM: Our screenings are always low or even free of charge to provide opportunity for interested film goers to view up and coming, challenging, and inspiring pieces of art, encouraging students, seniors, and those in underprivileged environments to share the experience of film and cinema. We welcome film goers, regardless of income and financial status.

THE TARKOVSKI GRANT: All selected filmmakers will receive The Tarkovski Grant, a film festival submission fee waiver package with an average value of about $500. This not only saves you a lot of money, but it also recognizes your work as something to watch for during the selection procedure, making a selection with another partner film festival more likely - but of course, never guaranteed. The Tarkovski Grant supports hundreds of filmmakers each year in their challenging journeys as independent filmmakers, by promoting existing films, no matter the genre, style or length.