At the Short Film Festival Berlin, the best and most innovative short films from around the world are celebrated. This dynamic festival presents a wide range of styles and genres in film production, from experimental art films to thrilling action films.

During the festival, the audience is offered a full program of short films. From gripping dramas to hilarious comedies, this festival has something for everyone.

In addition to film screenings, the festival also offers panel discussions with filmmakers. This is a unique opportunity for established and emerging filmmakers to connect, learn new skills, and share their passion for the art of filmmaking.

Whether you're a film enthusiast, an occasional moviegoer, or an aspiring filmmaker yourself, you shouldn't miss the Short Film Festival Berlin. Come and experience the best short films from around the world in the heart of one of Europe's most vibrant and culturally rich cities.

Best German Short Film
Best International Short Film
Best Short Film Debut
Best Student Short Film
Best Documentary
Best Animated Film
Best Experimental Short Film
Best Horror Short Film
Best Comedy Short Film
Best Sci-Fi Short Film
Best Micro Short Film
Best Thriller Short Film
Best LGBTQ Short Film
Best Women Empowerment Short Film
Best Human Rights Film
Best Director (Female)
Best Director (Male)
Best Producer
Best Original Screenplay
Best Unproduced Screenplay
Best Cinematography
Best Editing
Best Original Music
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Ensemble Cast
Best Music Video
Best Web Series

Rules and Conditions

• The film production can be from any year as long as it has not been commercially marketed or made publicly accessible through providers of free online content.

• All genres are allowed.

• International films are strongly encouraged to apply, but German or English subtitles are required for all non-German or non-English language films.

• Multiple entries can be submitted. Each entry must be accompanied by its own entry form and fee. Please contact us to receive the submission guidelines.

• If selected, filmmakers must allow video clips of the submitted work to be used as part of promotional montages for the festival.

• The festival has the right to collaborate with any institution for the promotion of the celebrations.

• If the film is selected for screening at the festival, all submitters must provide a high-resolution digital file for download or send a USB stick by mail.

• If a film is accepted, participants are solely responsible for transporting their video materials to and from the festival venue. A complete press kit and an online link to your film must be submitted as soon as possible after registration. The festival cannot be held liable for lost or damaged print/video materials.

• All submission fees are non-refundable.

Liability

You agree to indemnify and hold us and our employees, owners, affiliates, and partners harmless from any claims and liabilities related to your participation in the festival.

Screenings and Release

By submitting your entry, you agree that all performance rights belong to the producer of your project and that the film festival cannot be held responsible for any copyright infringements.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Mark Diamond

    Congratulations on your splendid festival. It is an honor and a privilege to have our film "Enemy Heroes" recognized as the Award Winner as both Best Historical Film and Best War Themed Film.

    April 2026
  • Mark Keil

    Aloha, I’m very honored & grateful to have been selected to the festival in ‘26 for my biopic on Michael Hutchence of INXS., ‘Suicide Brunette.’ I hope to get some inquiries from some production companies to maybe purchase my semi finalist script, & want to make it. Mucho mahalo for the selection!

    April 2026
  • Joshua Meszaros

    We are truly grateful to the festival and the jury for selecting “DISORDER” as a Semi-Finalist. This documentary was created to give voice to people living with impulse control disorder, and we deeply appreciate the opportunity to help bring awareness to this important topic. Thank you for helping it reach a wider audience.

    April 2026
  • I am truly grateful to the festival and the jury for honoring my film. Korea today is known around the world for its growth and culture, but my film begins with the Korea I knew as a child—wounded, poor, and enduring. In those difficult days, family love and neighborly warmth were not small things; they were everything. I created this work to bring those precious traces back to life. Thank you for helping this story reach a wider world.

    April 2026
  • Thank you for everything ❤️

    April 2026