Located in the stunning coastal city of Porto, Portugal, the Porto International Short Film Festival 2025 is much more than just a film showcase. It’s a dynamic celebration of creative storytelling, innovative filmmakers, and global cinematic voices. With its unique blend of artistic tradition and modern innovation, Porto offers the perfect setting for a festival that places filmmakers at the heart of the action. Whether you are an emerging director or an established industry professional, the festival invites you to immerse yourself in an environment where creativity thrives, and new connections are made.

For filmmakers, this festival represents an exciting opportunity to showcase your work while also expanding your artistic and professional horizons. Throughout the event, you’ll have access to curated screenings, insightful panel discussions, and intimate networking opportunities. These events are designed to foster meaningful exchanges between filmmakers, critics, and industry experts. Picture your film being screened in front of an engaged audience, followed by thought-provoking conversations and feedback from fellow creators.

As part of the Porto International Short Film Festival 2025, filmmakers will also have access to exclusive masterclasses and workshops hosted by leading professionals in cinematography, directing, editing, and more. These sessions are tailored to help you refine your craft, discover new techniques, and stay ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving industry. From interactive Q&A sessions with prominent filmmakers to personal feedback on your work, the festival offers numerous opportunities for learning, growth, and collaboration.

But it’s not all about professional development. Porto itself offers an idyllic setting to relax, recharge, and explore. With its charming cobblestone streets, breathtaking riverside views, and famous wine culture, Porto is a city that inspires. Between screenings and events, take the opportunity to explore its vibrant neighborhoods, meet like-minded filmmakers, and perhaps even find the inspiration for your next project.

Awards & Prizes

Best Narrative Short
Best Documentary Short
Best Animated Short
Best Experimental Short
Best Student Film
Best Director
Best Cinematography
Best Editing
Best Screenplay
Best Sound Design
Best Original Score
Best Visual Effects
Best Actor
Best Actress
Audience Choice Award

Rules & Terms

Film Requirements
Duration: Submissions must be short films with a runtime of 45 minutes or less (including credits).
Genres: We accept all genres of short films, including but not limited to: narrative, documentary, animation, experimental, music videos, etc.
Language: All films must include English subtitles or provide English dialogue with subtitles in other languages.
Production Date: Only films completed after 2022 are eligible for submission.

Eligibility
Submissions are open to individuals or teams (including directors, producers, writers, etc.). All filmmakers must hold the copyright or legal rights to their work.
Films that have been previously screened at other film festivals or publicly available platforms may still be submitted, as long as they have not been shown in the local Porto market.

Format Requirements
Submissions must be in digital format and support the following file types: MP4 (preferred H.264 encoding), MOV, AVI, etc.
Films should be of high quality with a minimum resolution of 1280x720 (HD).

Submission Process
Submissions should be made through the official festival platform (e.g., FilmFreeway).
Required submission materials include: a full video file of the film, a film synopsis (up to 200 words), a director’s bio, team credits, and one clear still image from the film.

Judging & Awards
All submissions will be reviewed by the festival’s selection committee and jury, based on creativity, artistic expression, technical quality, emotional impact, and other criteria.
Awards: Categories include Best Short Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, and more. Specific award categories will be announced during the festival.

Copyright & Usage Rights
Filmmakers retain the copyright to their works. However, the festival reserves the right to use excerpts or still images from selected films for promotional purposes without additional compensation.

Additional Information
All films must adhere to the festival’s rules and regulations. The festival reserves the right to amend the rules and notify submitters accordingly.
The festival committee holds the final authority in interpretation of the rules.