IMPORTANT NOTICE!!!

BEIRUT IS REVOLTING, AND SO WE ARE...
BEIRUT SHORTS IS COMING BACK WITH A NEW IDENTITY THAT MEETS THE EXPECTATIONS OF THE NEW GENERATION OF FILMMAKERS.

BEIRUT SHORTS was born from the womb of NDU International Film Festival (NDUIFF), which is a short film festival founded in 2007 at Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU), Lebanon.

Beirut Shorts is celebrated annually under its constant theme, “The Power of Youth.” As the theme reflects, the Mission of Beirut Shorts is to (a) promote young filmmakers by screening their films in front of a large audience base, and (b) promote their talents and artistic excellence.

BSIFF accepts both Lebanese and international short films in all mentioned categories: Fiction, Documentary, Animation, Experimental, Web & New Media ; applicants may be graduating students or independent filmmakers.

The center where the Festival is held at NDU is a well-equipped, boasting state-of-the-art technology in sound and video. The center is formed of an opera house theater with a seating capacity of 650, an arena stage theater with a seating capacity of 400, and two small halls for workshops and seminars. More than 4,000 visitors attend the Festival every year, including international guests coming from different countries.

Beirut Shorts mission takes inspiration from the NDU Mission Statement, which believes in providing equal opportunities for Lebanese and foreign participants “in a spirit of openness that embraces all cultures, regardless of race, gender, color, religion, or sect;” BSIFF “promotes diversity, respect for human dignity and rights, and concern for the common good.”

Awards & Prizes

International Competition:
Best International Short Fiction
Best International Short Documentary
Best International Short Animation
Best International New Media

National Student Competition:
Best Student Short Fiction
Best Student Short Documentary
Best Student Short Animation

National Independent Competition
Best Independent Short Fiction
Best Independent Short Documentary
Best Independent Short Animation
Best Independent New Media

Ministry of Tourism Award: "Of Land, People, and Culture"
Emile Chahine Award for Cinematic Excellence
Audience Choice Award

Rules & Terms

Rules and Regulations:

Filmmakers are invited to submit their original work to Beirut Shorts International Film Festival (BSIFF) for the listed categories

1- FILMS PRODUCED AFTER JULY 1, 2019 ARE ELIGIBLE FOR SUBMISSION.

2- LEBANESE PREMIERE IS A MUST – FILMS THAT WERE SCREENED PREVIOUSLY IN LEBANON WON’T BE TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION.

3- BSIFF SUPPORTS THE TRAVEL COST OF DIRECTORS OF SELECTED INTERNATIONAL FILMS TO LEBANON TO PARTICIPATE IN THE FESTIVAL SCREENINGS AND ACTIVITIES. (Conditions apply)

4- Submission fees are non refundable and non reimbursable under any circumstances; BSIFF does not reimburse any submission fees for films who are not selected for the festival program, or who withdrew their submissions at any time.

5- BSIFF retains the right to accept or decline any film, for whatever reason, without any explanation.

6- Applicants admit that they are authorized to submit the film, being the rights-holders or authorized representatives of the film.

7- BSIFF receives exhibition copy in QuickTime 1080p HD 8 bit uncompressed or Apple ProRes file or equivalent via a downloadable link.

8- All films must have adequate English subtitles.

9- Screening fees must be declared prior to or upon submission. If a screening fee is only indicated after the official selection has been announced, the festival retains the right to revoke the film's acceptance.

10- Beirut Shorts International Film Festival (BSIFF) holds the right to:
• Use the selected films for trailers and publicity usage
• Screen the winning films in other related events inside Lebanon, and recommend the winning films to other international film festivals that collaborate with BSIFF after the approval of the filmmakers.

18 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Wouter Jansen

    Great festival, great people! Attended in 2019 and had a great time in Beirut, meeting a lot of local film industry but also having time to see the country!

    January 2021
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  • Claudius Gentinetta

    I would give you the award for the best and strongest festival ever.
    Where did you find the power to manage your festival and keep it alive? This is absolutely awesome. Thank you so much!

    August 2020
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  • Christine Hürzeler

    We were very proud to be part of Beirut Shorts! The organization and communication of the festival were excellent despite the difficult situation. A very friendly and professional team. Very interesting programming. Highly recommended!

    August 2020
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  • Michael Asmar

    In the recent years, I used to attend nearly every edition of NDUIFF and I was lucky and super excited to get my short film selected this time. This festival never failed to impress me with its quality, film selection and communication. Despite these exceptional times, the team managed to hold the festival in an online edition, allowing new voices to get heard no matter what!

    August 2020
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  • Anthony Freifer

    Thank you for a special experience. Proud to be an Award Winner in this Festival!

    August 2020
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