The European Short Film Festival’s mission to bring international independent short film to the widest possible audience in Europe and beyond.

The Festival aims to provide a cultural alternative to the commercial film experience, to support independent filmmakers, and promote the art of filmmaking and its related disciplines.

The European Short Film Festival was established to utilise the power of film to further the goal of inter-cultural understanding among nations and to assist in the building of a shared artistic experience.

ESFF accepts films and awards prizes in the following categories:

Short Film
Comedy Short
Short Documentary
Animated Short
Experimental Short
Horror / Sci-Fi Short
Music Video

ESFF accepts only online digital submissions (such as FilmFreeway online screeners and Vimeo), no hard copies ie. discs in the mail.

For programming purposes, ESFF regards a short film as 40 minutes or under.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Artur Barseghyan

    I am glad to be part of Film Festival.
    They're very responsible and very friendly
    Thanks for selecting my film The True Man !!!

    July 2023
  • We had a great experience with the ESFF and the communication was super nice and fast.

    July 2023
  • Tony Olsen

    Our production team were thrilled to receive an Audience Award for the kiwi supernatural fable 'HOT WOOL' . We fully encourage other NZ/Aotearoa short film producers to consider the ESFF as a doorway to sharing their visions with German audiences - and beyond!

    March 2023
  • Sue Smith

    Thank you for awarding our music film, You Come Calling, Best Music Video! Our whole team is thrilled to be recognized in this way at the European Short Film Festival. We also enjoyed tuning into the festival and watching all the other wonderful films! Thank you so much from the cast, crew and creators of You Come Calling!
    Sincerely,
    Sue Smith, Producer and Tessa Fleming, Director

    January 2023
  • Thrilled to have won the award for Best Horror and from a festival as well run as the ESFF. Couldn't be happier!

    January 2023