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

*****ANNOUNCEMENT: SHORTS FOR CHANGE *********
********* FOCUS: IRAN #2 3rd March 2023 ***********

Shortfilm event with IRANIAN SHORT FILMS and Music and Talks

After a successful first round, SHORTS FOR CHANGE will show Iranian Short Films to continue to raise awareness to the case of the Iranian people who are fighting for their freedom. Their need for support is obvious and the screening aims at putting out information and introduce the audience to Iran and its creative culture. We will have afilm programmed accompanied by speakers and music.

We invite Iranian filmmakers - not exclusively but especially - to send their works. We have created a free waver code --> sfsIRAN032023 for filmmakers who are under particularly difficult circumstances, submitting from Iran.

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 and returns to the screen.

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

An annual film festival is our main event, 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 English or German language or 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 and/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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