Welcome to the Madrid Shorts Film Festival, a cinematic spectacle in which the most engaging and inventive short stories are brought to life on film. This prestigious event honors the art of short filmmaking by displaying a diverse range of short films from throughout the world. Our carefully picked selection will captivate your senses and transport you on an extraordinary journey through the emotions and concepts developed by the industry's best emerging and veteran filmmakers.

Madrid, a city rich in culture, life, and creativity, values art, diversity, and uniqueness. Madrid has a long history of artistic and cultural innovation in Spain, with a rich history in visual arts, fashion, design, and film. Famous films shot in the city include 'Pan's Labyrinth' (Guillermo del Toro, 2006), 'The Skin I Live In' (Pedro Almodóvar, 2011), and 'Volver' (Pedro Almodóvar, 2006). In recent years, its fringes have served as the appropriate backdrop for films such as 'The Invisible Guest' (Oriol Paulo, 2016), 'Julieta' (Pedro Almodóvar, 2016), and the hit TV series 'Money Heist' (lex Pina, 2017-2021).

The Madrid Shorts Film Festival, a manifestation of the essence and aspirations of Madrid, is much more than a mere competition. Its purpose is to foster a community of artists that share a love of movies.

Furthermore, the festival offers participants customized options. You will have the opportunity to secure an exclusive interview with "Cinemana," one of Europe's most prestigious cinema periodicals, which will provide you with unique industry exposure.

Awards & Prizes

Main Categories
Best Short Film
Best Animated Short FIlm
Best International Short Film
Best Spanish Short Film
Best Documentary Short Film

Additional Categories
Best Experimental Short
Best Environment Short

Screenplay Categories
Best short screenplay
Best TV series pilot script

Technical Categories
Best Director
Best Cinematography
Best Actress
Best Actor
Best Supporting Actress
Best Supporting Actor
Best Original Score
Best Sound
Best Producer
Best First-time Director

1.Winners in each category will be announced every three months. They will receive a certificate of achievement as well as free publicity on our social media platforms, which will include posters, teasers, and behind-the-scenes images.

2. A shortlist for the main categories, as well as Best Director, Best Actress, and Best Actor, will be compiled for each quarterly event. A winner will be chosen from among the finalists.

3. The top short films from each quarterly event will be exhibited in front of a live audience at the renowned Artistic Metropol cinema. Although admission is free, the Madrid Shorts Film Festival does not cover any expenses (travel, lodging, etc.).

4.The annual winners, who will be announced with the winners of the same quarterly event during Season IV, will receive further distinction in the main and special categories, as well as for Best Director, Best Actress, and Best Actor. They will also receive a gratis interview space on our website.

Rules & Terms

Films must have been completed after March 2019.

We accept short films of all genres with a maximum duration of 40 minutes.

All non-English language films must have English subtitles, except for Spanish language films.

The submitter must hold the rights to the submitted short film.

Students must provide a valid form of identification.

Participants will receive a free assessment sheet from the Festival Committee on the Notification Date.

The evaluation papers do not necessarily reflect the jury’s final decision.

Entry fees are non-refundable.

Once officially selected, authors cannot withdraw their work from the festival.

The festival may use trailers, teasers, posters, photos, and behind-the-scenes content for promotional purposes, but not the entire film under any circumstances.

Films that do not fit the specified categories will be disqualified.

By submitting a film to the festival, you grant permission for its screening and assume full legal responsibility for the film’s intellectual property. The submitter releases and indemnifies the festival from any claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses arising from copyright, trademark, credit, publicity, screening, and loss or damage to the submitted materials.

The jury’s decisions are final.

For any questions or concerns, please email us. We will respond as soon as possible.