Rolling ideas is a side event of Short to the Point, held in Budapest, 17-21 March 2027, dedicated to exploring the evolution of short cinema across analog, digital, and AI-driven storytelling forms.

Rolling ideas explores how ideas move - through time, through formats, through tools.
From the mechanical rhythm of analog film reels to the precision of digital cinema, and now to the unpredictable poetry of artificial intelligence - storytelling continues to evolve. What remains constant is the idea.

Rolling ideas celebrates short films created across generations of technology:
• Analog ideas - works shot on film (8mm, 16mm, 35mm or other analog formats).
• Digital ideas - films created using contemporary digital cameras.
• AI ideas - films created using artificial intelligence tools, including generative image systems, machine learning processes, and algorithmic storytelling.
• Hybrid ideas - works combining two or more approaches across analog, digital, and AI-based creation.

We are interested not in budget size, but in creative courage. Not in technological spectacle, but in vision. Cinema began with rolling reels. Today, images roll across screens, networks, and digital landscapes.

Rolling ideas stands at the intersection of tradition and transformation - a space where short films are not defined by how they are made, but by why they exist.

Because in every era, what truly matters is this: An idea that keeps rolling.

Awards & Prizes

Rolling ideas is a non-competitive event.

The festival does not present awards or rankings. Instead, it focuses on showcasing diverse approaches to short filmmaking and fostering dialogue around the evolving language of cinema.

All selected films receive official selection recognition as part of the program.

Rules & Terms

Rolling ideas is a non-competitive international short film event and a side event of Short to the Point, held in Budapest, 17–21 March 2027. The event is dedicated to exploring the evolution of short cinema across analog, digital, and AI-based forms.
By submitting a film, the applicant agrees to the following Terms and Conditions.
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1. Eligibility
1.1 Rolling ideas accepts short films of any genre and narrative approach.
1.2 Films must fall within one of the following categories:
• Analog ideas
• Digital ideas
• AI ideas
• Hybrid ideas
1.3 Films may originate from any country.
1.4 Films in languages other than English must include English subtitles.
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2. Format & Categories
2.1 Analog ideas includes works shot on 8mm, 16mm, 35mm, or other analog film formats.
2.2 Digital ideas includes films created using contemporary digital cameras and production workflows.
2.3 AI ideas includes films created using artificial intelligence tools, such as generative image systems, machine learning processes, or algorithmic storytelling.
2.4 Hybrid ideas includes works combining two or more of the above approaches.
2.5 For AI and Hybrid submissions, filmmakers must clearly indicate the extent and nature of AI involvement in the production process.
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3. Screening Rights
3.1 Selected films will be screened during the Rolling ideas event in Budapest.
3.2 The festival does not claim ownership of the submitted works.
3.3 By submitting a film, the filmmaker grants Rolling ideas the right to screen the film during the event and to use excerpts (up to 60 seconds), trailers, stills, and promotional materials for publicity purposes.
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4. Non-Competitive Status
4.1 Rolling ideas is a non-competitive event.
4.2 No awards, juries, or ranking distinctions are granted.
4.3 All selected films receive official selection recognition.
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5. Submission Fees
5.1 Submission fees are non-refundable.
5.2 Payment of a submission fee does not guarantee selection.
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6. Copyright & Responsibility
6.1 The submitter confirms that they hold all necessary rights, licenses, and permissions for the film’s content, including music, images, performances, and AI-generated material where applicable.
6.2 The festival assumes no responsibility for unauthorized use of copyrighted material within submitted works.
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7. Notification
7.1 Applicants will be notified via the submission platform or email regarding selection results.
7.2 If selected, the filmmaker must provide the required screening format and materials within the specified deadline.
21 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Jacek Nastal

    It was a pleasure to be part of this festival. I highly recommend it! :)

    March 2025
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  • Matthew Robinson

    I am honoured to have won Best Medium Length Documentary Film. Thank you!

    August 2024
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  • Sami Al Mouallem

    It was an honor to be part of this festival, my first award as best student film for my short movie Still Life, thank you so much

    February 2024
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  • Hernán Velit

    Nice festival, nice communication, nice organization.

    October 2021
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  • Madhu R

    Our film "Death Offers Life - last moments of Vincent Van Gogh" got official selection which is a great encouragement for us.

    October 2021
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