Vltava Short Film Festival is an international annual film festival based in the heart of Prague, Czech Republic. Dedicated to discovering bold storytelling and emerging cinematic voices, Vltava Shorts serves as a prestigious gateway for independent filmmakers, students, and visual artists to showcase their work in one of Europe’s most iconic cultural capitals.

The Venue & Experience

The festival culminates in an exclusive annual physical screening event at the historic Kino 35, located within the French Institute in Prague. This state-of-the-art cinema offers our selected filmmakers the chance to see their vision brought to life on the big screen, surrounded by the artistic heritage of Prague.

Recognition & Cash Prizes
At VSFF, we believe in tangible support for independent cinema. Our annual winners in the Best Short Film and Best Student Film categories are awarded Cash Prizes ( €300 and €200 ), alongside Official Laurels and Trophies. We recognize excellence across various crafts

Professional Curation

Every submission is meticulously reviewed by our International Jury, a multidisciplinary team of industry professionals including award-winning Cinematographers, Screenwriters, and Directors. We evaluate each film based on technical craft, visual language, and emotional impact, ensuring a fair and professional assessment for every creator.

A Celebration of Short Cinema

From student projects to professional independent shorts, Vltava Short Film Festival is committed to fostering artistic dialogue and providing global exposure. Join us in Prague for a celebration of cinematic excellence.

Submit your work to Vltava Shorts where your vision meets the spirit of Prague.

Awards & Prizes


Vltava Short Film Festival aims to support new talents, encourage creative risk-taking, and highlight the power of short-form cinema, proving that meaningful stories can leave a lasting impact regardless of duration.

AWARDS & CATEGORIES
🏆 Best Short Film
🏆 Best Student Short Film
🏆 Best Director
🏆 Best Cinematography
🏆 Best Screenwriting
🏆 Best Editing
🏆 Best Soundtrack
🏆 Best Sound Design
🏆 Best Actor in a Leading Role
🏆 Best Actress in a Leading Role
🏆 Best Music Video
🏆 Audience Peace Award

Main Awards:
🏆 Best Short Film – €300 Cash Award
🏆 Best Student Short Film – €200 Cash Award

Winners receive official laurels and trophies. Additional categories may receive special recognitions and surprise acknowledgements celebrating creative excellence.

Rules & Terms

RULES & TERMS

1. Film Duration
All submitted films must not exceed 25 minutes, including opening and closing credits.

2. Completion Date
Films must have been completed in or after December 2022 to be eligible.

3. Submission Format
Applicants must provide a working online screening link (Vimeo, YouTube, or similar). The link must remain active and accessible throughout the evaluation period.

4. Screening & Exhibition
Selected films may be included in festival screenings. The festival reserves the right to organize physical screenings and events.

5. Screening Copy Requirements
If selected, filmmakers must provide a high-quality screening copy(DCP, ProRes, or high-resolution MP4) within the specified deadline.
Failure to deliver the required format on time is the responsibility of the filmmaker and may result in removal from the screening program.

6. Technical Requirements
Films must be submitted in a viewable condition with clear audio and video quality.
The festival reserves the right to reject films that do not meet minimum technical standards.

7. Subtitles
All non-English films must include English subtitles. Films without English subtitles may be disqualified.

8. Original Work & Copyright
All submitted films must be the original work of the applicant and must not infringe any copyrights or other rights of third parties.
Applicants confirm that they have obtained all necessary rights and permissions for all content used in the film, including but not limited to music, sound, images, and footage.

9. Copyright & Rights Clearance
Entrants must hold all necessary rights for their film. The festival assumes no responsibility for copyright violations.

10. Promotional Materials
By submitting, filmmakers grant permission for the festival to use film stills, posters, trailers, and excerpts for promotional purposes.

11. Responsibility of the Submitter
The submitter confirms that all information provided is accurate and that they are authorized to submit the film.

12. Costs & Expenses
All costs related to submission, delivery of screening materials, travel, and accommodation are the sole responsibility of the filmmaker.

13. Selection & Judging
All films are evaluated by an international jury. All decisions of the festival jury are final.

14. Awards & Recognition
The festival presents awards in multiple categories. The festival reserves the right to modify awards, categories, and prize amounts depending on participation levels.

15. Submission Fees
All submission fees are non-refundable. The festival reserves the right to modify submission fees for future editions.

16. Cash Prize Payment
All cash prizes will be paid within three (3) months after the official announcement of the winners.

17. Multiple Submissions
The same applicant may submit multiple projects. Each submission must be entered separately and is subject to its own entry fee.

18. AI Usage
Films generated primarily using artificial intelligence are NOT accepted. The use of AI tools must be limited and must not replace core creative authorship.

19. Festival Rights
The festival reserves the right to make changes to rules, categories, screening format, and event details if necessary.

20. Acceptance of Terms
By submitting a film, participants agree to all rules and terms stated above.