unDependence is a festival AND a film screening event series. THroughout the year, we bring curated short film programmes onto screens in Hamburg.
We are putting a spotlight that on current issues and debates worldwide.
PLease look below for our current submission periods

*****ANNOUNCEMENT: SHORTS FOR CHANGE *********

********* FOCUS: Palestine, July 2025 ***********

Shortfilm festival of PALESTINIAN SHORT and FEATURE FILMS

unDependence is bringing Palestinian stories, culture and film to Hamburg. Shorts for Change highlights stories and moving images of resistance, hope and identity.

The long battle of the Palestinian people for a sovereign, internationally recognized state is one of the most contested calls for freedom and independence in history. From the Nakba to the ongoing occupation of the West Bank and the complete siege of Gaza, their struggle remains one of the most urgent calls for justice, as generations of Palestinians have endured displacement, violence, and loss.

unDependence aims to host a selection of short films from Palestine, offering a lens that challenges the narratives often shaped by our mainstream media. We are offering a platform and screen for powerful cinematic voices and yet suppressed movement calling for freedom and independence, and -ultimately: peace.

WHO ARE WE?

The unDependence Film Festival was born in the wake of the creative outburst over the 2014 Scottish Independence Referendum.
After 5 successful years as an independent annual film festival in Edinburgh, unDependence grew into not only a film festival but also a platform that uses film to point to contemporary issues.

After a 2 year hiatus (due to the pandemic and changes within unDependence) unDependence has landed in Hamburg, Germany

Our aim is to become a platform for short films that deal with the topic of (in)dependencies but also for issues within society off-screen.

An annual film festival is our main goal, however, we are continuously looking for opportunities to bring thought-provoking, international programmes to the screens around Hamburg.

Awards & Prizes

We are currently looking for an Award Sponsor

Rules & Terms

We encourage critical thought.

1. We accept feature films and short films.
2. films can be submitted under the categories “feature”, “short” ( under 20 min) and “mini” (under 10 min)
3. ALL films MUST be submitted with a clear statement WHY they fit the festival's theme. Films submitted with an incomplete description/form will be disqualified.
4. Films should be either in MUST have English OR German subtitles.
5. Filmmakers that have been selected will be notified and may be asked to provide a short text about themselves and their film.
6. Filmmakers are invited to attend the festival and will be asked to be available for a Q&A. DEPENDING on the budget and funding, the festival might be able to help with travelling and/or accommodation costs.
7. The festival team will reject films that violate the dignity of humans and/or are not in accordance with the festival's values.

We will NOT accept films that violate a person's dignity or are promoting hatred, violence or are disrespectful towards religious, ethnic or political groups/minorities.
7 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Hadi Sheibani

    Thank you for standing with Iranian people who are calling out for freedom and human rights.

    January 2023
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  • Justin Time

    With passion for films and centered around a special topic. I had some of the best Q&As with the unDependence audience. A small festival with a lot of heart. Thank you for having me and my road movie documentary Chasing Houses.

    September 2018
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  • Leo Bruges

    Very nice staff. Good communication. Super interesting programme. Excellent concept. Very much recommend this festival a festival that wants to change to world through cinema small and large, thank you for having us.

    May 2018
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  • Enrique Buleo

    I recommend this festival. The festival staff was very kind and helpful. I couldn't attend the festival but the communication between us was excellent.

    October 2017
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  • Prakash Nathan

    I was very flattered to have my short get an official selection at UnDependence, especially when I saw the quality of the films that also made the cut. The festival itself was a well curated and enjoyable evening; one that I'd definitely recommend for any budding filmmaker or simply anyone with an interest in film.

    August 2017
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