SHIFT Film Festival is an annual audiovisual festival which focuses on new filmmakers and the fast and dynamically changing ways in which films are being made and watched. Filmmakers are continuously experimenting with techniques, formats and distribution channels, while audiences are getting confronted with new kind of audiovisual media almost every day. SHIFT Film Festival wants to investigate these ongoing developments, expose trends and cultivate revolutions in filmmaking. Next do that, it gives a podium to upcoming talent.

SHIFT Film Festival focuses on the future of film, in all that can be imagined. Whether it is about new techniques, new ways of storytelling or new filmmakers themselves.

Professionals as well as public are offered a dynamic and high quality festival experience, with innovative films from over the world, inspiring workshops and lectures, an award show and more. We are constantly seeking for productions and professionals that set new standards. Can you handle the next big thing in film?

Selected filmmakers will be offered hotel during the festival, networking lunches, passe-partouts for the festival program and reimbursement of travel expenses up to €50.

Awards & Prizes

• SHIFT Award for Best Film
• SHIFT Award for Best Newcomer
• SHIFT Award for Best Virtual Reality Film
• Youth Jury Award for Best Film
• Audience Award for Best Film
• Awards for the best new filmprojects (pitchting contest)

Besides these awards, the jury can decide to procure a Special Jury Prize.

Rules & Terms

1. There is no limitation regarding the production date of your film, although our main focus will be productions made within the last five years.
2. The maximum running time for shorts is 40 minutes (including credits).
3. Films in every genre can be submitted (e.g. fiction, documentary, animation, experimental and more).
4. Titles produced in languages other than English must have legible English subtitles or dubbed in English.
5. Submissions only via FilmFreeway.com, with online screeners (downloadable preferred). Additional materials such as credits, synopsis, stills, director’s biography and headshot are obligatory.
6. Viewing at festival only by DCP, in exceptional cases other files are allowed.
4 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Michael Schmidl

    Well organzied Festival with fast and friendly communication. We had a really nice weekend in Maastricht and enjoyed it to be part of the Festival. Also great networking opportunities and workshops!

    November 2018
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    Response from festival:

    Dear Michael, thank you for your kind review! Hope to see you again!

  • Rose Hanawi

    Shift Film Festival is a very well organized and valuable event. It is much more than a film festival.
    I was invited by the organization when my film "Who am I?" was selected for the official competition, and it was an amazing experience.
    Thank you to the organization and volunteers.

    November 2018
    Helpful
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    Response from festival:

    Dear Rose, thank you for your kind review! It was a pleasure to have you at our festival! Keep us updated on upcoming projects!

  • Nader Khaledian

    Nice Experience for 'Not Here"

    December 2017
    Helpful
  • Sacha Ferbus

    Professional and nice! See you again next year!

    November 2017
    Helpful