Join us for an unforgettable cinematic experience at the ALPINALE Short Film Festival! Every August, the charming Alpine town of Bludenz in Vorarlberg, Austria, becomes the backdrop for a gathering of creative minds, storytelling brilliance, and filmmaking magic.

We are calling all filmmakers to seize this extraordinary opportunity to showcase their work on an international stage, where the beauty of the Alps meets the art of cinema. Out of approximately 1,100 submissions, only 70 films will be selected to compete in our prestigious festival, offering a unique chance to stand out, engage with a passionate audience, and network with industry peers in an inspiring setting. Winning films in the categories Live Action, Animation, VR, Children’s Shorts and Horror will be awarded the coveted Golden Unicorn.

Every film is a journey, and every screening is an exploration of the human experience. So don’t miss out on this opportunity, submit your movie to the ALPINALE Short Film Festival and let your story be heard amidst the majestic peaks of the Austrian Alps.

Check out our post-festival highlights video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHOSa-dBqGo

Awards & Prizes

If chosen by our curators your short film will compete in the submitted category in the following awards:

- GOLDEN UNICORN for the BEST SHORT LIVE ACTION FILM (Jury)
- GOLDEN UNICORN for BEST ANIMATED SHORT FILM (Jury)
- GOLDEN UNICORN for BEST CHILDREN SHORT FILM (Children Audience Award)
- BLOODY GOLDEN UNICORN for BEST HORROR SHORT FILM (Jury)
- VR-UNICORN for BEST VR SHORT FILM (Jury)
- SPECIAL FILM CLAPP + Price for BEST V-SHORTS FILM (regional short film competition) (Jury)
- GOLDEN UNICORN for as Audience Award for best overall audience short film (only short live action and animation)

read more: www.alpinale.at/categories

Rules & Terms

- English or German subtitles are required and must be embedded directly into the film file; separate SRT files are not accepted.
- We accept films produced within the last two years, with the exception of the Christmas category.
- ALPINALE does not compensate for the selection, nomination, or screening of films.
- We reserve the right to use excerpts and stills from nominated short films for festival-related promotions and external events.

By submitting your film(s) to the ALPINALE Short Film Festival, you grant permission for us to use the provided data for organizing festival activities. The submitted materials may be used for promotional purposes. This consent serves as the legal basis for data processing in accordance with Article 6(1)(a) of the European Data Protection Regulation. Your data will be retained only for the duration necessary for these purposes and will not be shared with third parties.

Valid for all types of submissions to the ALPINALE Short Film Festival. See more: www.alpinale.at/terms
17 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Ciara Gillan

    A huge thank you to the entire Alpinale team for organising such a unique, enriching festival experience with a perfectly-curated programme and a stunning location. It was incredible to bond with other filmmakers during the guided excursions up in the mountains, entertaining stage moderation, and full screenings attended by a dedicated and curious audience. A great mix of local and regional filmmaking talent with international auteurs. I would highly recommend applying for this exceptional festival.

    August 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    We’re truly delighted about your wonderful feedback! It’s great to hear that you found our program, the location, and the encounters so enriching. Thank you for being part of ALPINALE!

  • Alice von Gwinner

    Many thanks to the entire Alpinale team for once again giving us a fantastic time in Bludenz. Two of our films were selected for the children's film competition. We enjoyed a week full of excursions, good food and sweeping views of the mountains. Networking and exchanging ideas with other filmmakers and festival team members happened almost incidentally. The absolute highlight was the high quality of the international competition, which was shown every evening in the open-air cinema. Great films, a great team and a fantastic closing party that never wanted to end. We'll be back! Warm greetings and a big thank you from Uli and Alice

    August 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Dear Alice and Uli, thank you so much for your wonderful words! We’re thrilled that you enjoyed your time in Bludenz (again). It was a pleasure having your films in the children’s competition and to share this week with you. We can’t wait to welcome you back again soon!

  • Jorge Morais

    A true festival delight. I had the opportunity to experience the 40th anniversary of Alpinale firsthand, from start to finish, and I can honestly say it was a truly positive experience. The festival is incredibly well organised, and it’s clear at every turn that the team behind it puts a lot of heart and passion into what they do and that really makes a difference.
    I believe Alpinale is a unique festival, set in a wonderful environment, designed so that the selected works truly shine.
    Thank you, Alpinale, for opening the doors for me and giving me the opportunity to experience firsthand how a fantastic festival can be simultaneously warm, welcoming, and genuinely authentic. I wouldn’t change a thing about the festival as it is; I believe its essence is perfect just the way you’ve built it. Here’s to another forty years of this wonderful tradition!
    Cheers,
    Jorge

    August 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Dear Jorge,
    thank you so much for your wonderful words and for celebrating the 40th anniversary of Alpinale with us.
    We are truly happy to hear that you felt welcomed and that our passion and dedication came through during the festival.
    Your feedback encourages us to continue doing what we love — creating a heartfelt, inspiring space for great films to shine.
    We hope to welcome you back at future editions and share many more moments together.
    Best regards, ALPINALE team

  • Pablo Tréhin-Marçot

    I have attend quite a few festivals now and this is by far one of the best there is! Perfect scenery, amazing crew, really good selection, incredible hosting every night by Kristof, parties, hiking, sauna... you name it!
    I am really greatfull to have been invited for my movie "The Last Gunfight" and can’t wait to come back!
    Special thanks to Bekka and Manuela, two kind and strong women at the heart of the festival.
    Vielen dank und Auf wiedersehen!

    August 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Salut Pablo, thank you so much for sharing your experience at our Festival and your kind words. It was our pleasure to welcome you as our guest. Best regards, ALPINALE team

  • Marcel Barsotti

    Thank you very much for the invitation. It was a very exciting few days and encounters. It was a great pleasure to host the Ai Expert Talk. I would like to thank all the organisers once again and for nominating my ai film TRANSFORMATION. I'll be
    back!

    August 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Dear Marcel,
    it was such a joy to have you with us — both for the AI Expert Talk and with your film TRANSFORMATION.
    Your energy and insights added so much to the festival and we’re glad you could be part of these exciting days.

    Best regards, the ALPINALE Team