The ISFF Detmold celebrates high-quality films by up-and-coming innovative filmmakers from all around the globe. Last year, we received 3000 film submissions from about 100 countries.

The festival focuses on non-commercial short films: Documentary, animated, experimental and fiction films.

During the festival, we are exhibiting artworks from various fields. We are open for entries.

This year, we are planning to give place to especially new media artworks in the 22th ISFF Detmold Art Exhibition.

Films from North Rhine-Westphalia can be submitted free of charge. Please send us an email;
info@fest-der-filme.de

The short film festival will held hybrid for the four time, in the town hall of Detmold as well as online.

However, with even more perfected technology, possible among other things through so-called virtual reality headsets.

The online transmission of the films and even the supporting program in real time, including a 360-degree stream in even better quality, can make films an impressive experience for everyone.

ACCESS FOR EVERYONE

Everyone has the right to participate in cultural life. That is our big why, our mission.
According to this principle, the 22th International Short Film Festival Detmold offers „short films for everyone“. As both the site and selected film-blocks are barrier-free, everyone is able to take part in the art.

For 8 years now, many films have been provided with subtitles for the deaf and audio descriptions for the visually impaired.

A WIDE HORIZON STARTS AT ISFF DETMOLD

In addition to the short films, we’re offering a fine selection of art and music.

Everyone is invited to do networking and exchange ideas with associations and institutions alike, active in the field of inclusion.

International Competition

Animation
Fiction
Documentary
Experimental
Music videos

North Rhine-Westphalia

We accept:

Independent short films by professionals and upcoming filmmakers.

Submission can be of any genre: Fiction, documentary, animation, art-house, children and teen, music videos and beyond.

We are also open to entries from related artistic fields, such as installations and performances for the festival venue.

For this year, we are looking for especially new media artworks for the festivals' exhibition.

Requirements:

Maximum runtime: 10 minutes
Completed entry form
English subtitles (also for films with English dialogues)
Two film stills (.jpeg)
A portre of the director (.jpeg)

Rules and Terms:

Your submission implies that you have the legal right to represent and submit the film for consideration, along with your acceptance of ISFF Detmold regulations.

All films are required to have English subtitles.

To submit a film, you must have created the project yourself, own the rights or have permission from the owner of the content to submit the film. We do not send out any personal tickets. All invitees‘ names will be on the list at our ticket desk. Any purchased tickets will also be on this list.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Alexander Griffith

    Great festival and hospitality. Unfortunately could not go in person. Hopefully next year!

    December 2025
  • Alfred Banze

    thank you for let us join this!

    September 2025
  • Torben Sachert

    What a wonderful festival! We watched so many great films and had an incredible time. The festival team was fantastic and very welcoming. Some screenings (including ours) were barrier-free, which added a truly special dimension to the experience. And the city of Detmold is absolutely beautiful. Thank you so much, we’re already looking forward to seeing you again!

    September 2025
  • It was a great pleasure to be part of your wonderful festival in this fantastic atmosphere. You had a really exciting selection of films. I'm taking lots of great ideas home with me.

    September 2025
  • A nice festival with good communications. This is one that you will want to enter.

    September 2025