Scandinavia Screen Arts Festival (SSAF) is a prestigious international festival in Stockholm, Sweden, dedicated to celebrating exceptional, auteur-driven short films with a focus on storytelling, escapism, and historical narratives. The venue will be located at a historic cinema in Råsunda, the festival aims to bring back the magic of cinema by showcasing character-driven projects to a live audience and professional jury.

Awards & Prizes

The Scandinavia Screen Arts Festival (SSAF) is dedicated to honoring the very best in independent, narrative-driven short filmmaking. Winning films are selected by an expert jury of industry professionals who look for exceptional artistic standards, profound character work, and outstanding craftsmanship.

All category winners will receive Official SSAF Winner Laurel. Nominated and Selected films will receive Official Selection / Nominee Laurels.

Competition Categories:
Best Character-Driven Movie – Honoring the most compelling, deep, and nuanced character study.
Best Escapist Movie – Celebrating the short film that best transports the audience into another world or reality.
Best Period Piece Movie – Awarded to the film that most masterfully recreates a historical era.
Best Directing – Recognizing outstanding vision, leadership, and execution by a director.
Best Screenwriting – Honoring the strength of original dialogue, structure, and story composition.
Best Editing – Awarded for exceptional pacing, rhythm, and narrative structure in post-production.
Best Actor (Lead or Support) – Celebrating an outstanding male performance.
Best Actress (Lead or Support) – Celebrating an outstanding female performance.
Best Cinematography – Recognizing breathtaking visual storytelling, lighting, and camera work.
Best Sound Design – Awarded for the most immersive and masterfully mixed auditory experience.

Rules & Terms

Please read the following rules, terms, and guidelines carefully before submitting your project to the Scandinavia Screen Arts Festival (SSAF). By submitting your film, you acknowledge and agree to be bound by these terms.

1. Eligibility & Runtime

Film Type: The festival is strictly dedicated to short fiction films. Documentaries, music videos, experimental non-narrative art pieces, and commercials are not accepted.

Runtime: Films must be no longer than 40 minutes in length, including credits.

Completion Date: There is no restriction on the completion date of the film, but newer projects (produced between 2024 and 2026) are highly encouraged.

Language: Films in languages other than English must include hardcoded English subtitles. English-language films do not require subtitles, though they are highly recommended.

2. Deadlines, Selection & Notifications

Submission Deadline: All submissions must be finalized and paid for via FilmFreeway by September 30, 2026.

Notification Date: Filmmakers will be notified of their selection status via FilmFreeway on or before October 15, 2026 (adjusted slightly from your screening date to give you time to collect exhibition files).

Screening Date: Selected shorts will be screened at our physical venue in Råsunda, Stockholm (Greta Garbos väg 9) on October 31, 2026.

3. Submission Guidelines & Fees

Entry Fees: All submission fees are non-refundable. The festival does not grant fee waivers or student discounts unless explicitly stated through promotional codes.

Multiple Entries: Filmmakers may submit more than one film. However, each entry requires a separate submission form and entry fee.

Work-in-Progress: We do not accept rough cuts or works-in-progress. The version submitted must be the final exhibition version.

4. Exhibition Copies & Technical Requirements

If your film is selected, you must provide a high-quality digital screening file (preferably Apple ProRes, high-bitrate MP4/H.264, or DCP) within 7 days of notification.

The festival is not responsible for poor audio/video quality resulting from improperly formatted files provided by the filmmaker.

5. Rights & Clearances

Copyright: By submitting, the filmmaker warrants that they own all rights to the film, including copyrighted music, scripts, stock footage, and actor likenesses. The festival will not be held legally or financially responsible for copyright infringements.

Promotional Use: By submitting, you grant SSAF the right to utilize trailers, film stills, posters, and short clips (up to 30 seconds) of your film for promotional purposes on our website, social media, and press releases.