Leiden Shorts - formerly known as Leiden International Short Film Experience (LISFE) - is an annual film festival held in the beautiful city of Leiden in The Netherlands. Leiden Shorts is dedicated to Short Films from all genres and from anywhere in the world. Over the years we have built the reputation of successfully showcasing though-provoking films through an eclectic and selective program.

The next edition of the festival will take place in May 2021

Awards & Prizes

International Competition (1000€)
Student Competition (500€)
National Competition (500€)
Audience Award (500€)

Rules & Terms

• All Genres Considered .
• Films must be a maximum of 30 mins in length.
• Films should have been completed after and including January 2020. However, considering that a lot of films did not manage to reach the big screen in 2020 due to COVID-19, we'll be more flexible with accepting films which year of production is 2019. If you fall in this category, please indicate this at the beginning of your Director's Statement when submitting your film.
• Early Bird Deadline is 9th of October, Regular submission deadline is 4th December 2020. Late deadline 26th of December 2021.
• Selection will be announced in April, 2021.

12 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • IOANNIS HARITIDIS

    A lovely festival with strong films carefully selected. Totally Recommended

    June 2019
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  • Ian Thomas Ash

    Beautifully curated films, warm festival staff and volunteers, great venues, and welcoming hospitality all in a charming city! The communication with the festival was amazing and many filmmakers were in attendance from all over the world which provided great networking opportunities and fascinating post-screening discussions. It was an honour to screen at LISFE, and I look forward to attending a future edition!

    May 2019
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  • Jonathan Onsuwan Johnson

    Amazing festival with great communication. Leiden is an amazing place (like a mini, calm version of Amsterdam). I hope I can show in this festival again.

    May 2019
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  • Catya Plate

    Unfortunately I wasn't able to attend the festival but the communication with the programmers and festival directors all through out was very professional. I was impressed with the very thoughtful, intelligent and meaningful selections and sessions that the films were in. I was also happy that my film screened twice and was amazed that they had the fantastic director Peter Greenaway as a guest giving a lecture on opening night. I'll definitely submit again and look forward to traveling to Leiden next time.

    May 2019
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  • Rene Nuijens

    Thanks a lot for screening my film: 'Ringo Rocket Star and his song for Yuri Gagarin'. I want to thank the super friendly organizers and I would happily submit again and go to the festival in future!

    November 2018
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