Festival start: 30 October 2026
Festival end: 01 November 2026
Daejeon International Short Film Festival (DISFF) 2026
[Overview: Globalization of Local Stories]
Welcome to the 5th Daejeon International Short Film Festival (DISFF), hosted in Daejeon, the "Silicon Valley of Korea" and a global hub of science and technology. DISFF is a premier platform for filmmakers worldwide to explore the intersection of cutting-edge technology and the timeless art of storytelling. Our mission is to discover innovative voices and globalize local narratives through the power of short cinema.
[Why Submit to DISFF?]
A Hub for Innovation: Located in a city that leads AI and scientific research, we provide a unique stage for films that challenge the boundaries of traditional filmmaking.
Diverse Categories: From our specialized AI*SF Section to our Global Short Film and Student categories, we welcome a wide range of genres and formats, including vertical and short-form content.
Networking & Growth: DISFF isn't just a screening; it’s a vibrant networking hub connecting local artists with international creators and industry professionals.
Historical & Cultural Depth: We celebrate the "Daejeon Spirit," honoring local history while looking forward to a future shaped by digital transformation.
[Key Highlights for 2026]
Special AI*SF Section: Dedicated to films utilizing AI technology or exploring sci-fi themes.
Global Networking Events: Workshops and talk sessions with renowned directors and tech experts.
Inclusive Celebration: A festival for everyone, supporting cultural enjoyment for the socially vulnerable and fostering the next generation of filmmakers.
Awards & Prizes (DISFF 2026)
1.Grand Prize (Certificate, Trophy)
The most outstanding film across all categories.
2.Best AI & SF Film (Certificate, Trophy)
The best film in the AI and Science Fiction category.
3.Best Short Film (Certificate, Trophy)
The best film in the Short Film category.
4.Best Animation (Certificate, Trophy)
The best film in the Animation category.
5.Best Student Film (Certificate, Trophy)
The best film in the Student Film category.
6.Best Vertical & Short Form (Certificate, Trophy)
The best video in the Vertical Cinema & Short Form category.
7.Best Experimental & Innovation (Certificate, Trophy)
The best film in the Experimental & New Media category.
8. Best Original Score / Sound Design (Certificate, Trophy)
The best use of music, soundscape, or AI-generated sound in a film.
9.Audience Popularity Award (Certificate, Trophy)
The film with the highest audience vote scores (including non-competitive sections).
5th Daejeon International Short Film Festival (DISFF 2026) Regulations for Entry
1. Organization
The 5th Daejeon International Short Film Festival (DISFF) is hosted and organized by the Daejeon Film Association Ssin-young-sa-i.
2. Purpose
DISFF actively discovers and introduces excellent short films and AI-driven cinematic works produced globally. We aim to contribute to the diversity of cinema and the development of local film culture in Daejeon. DISFF aims to introduce and award various and excellent short films produced after January 2025 to the audience through screening in the competition sector. To this end, these regulations are established for mutual understanding and consultation on entries between the film festival and exhibitors.
3. Date of Holding
The 5th DISFF will be held in Daejeon, South Korea, in late October 2026.
4. Award Details & Selected Work Benefits
Grand Prize (Certificate, Trophy): Best film across all categories.
Best AI & SF Film (Certificate, Trophy)
Best General Short Film (Certificate, Trophy)
Best Animation (Certificate, Trophy)
Best Student Film (Certificate, Trophy)
Best Vertical & Short Form (Certificate, Trophy)
Best Experimental & Innovation (Certificate, Trophy)
Best Original Score / Sound Design (Certificate, Trophy): Best use of music/soundscapes (Human/AI/Hybrid).
Audience Popularity Award (Certificate, Trophy)
※ Hospitality Package for Selected Filmmakers:
All directors of selected works will receive an official invitation to the DISFF Networking Party and an Authentic Korean Local Meal experience in Daejeon. (Limited to attending directors)
Award details and benefits may change depending on the circumstances of the film festival.
5. Exhibition Information
1) Eligibility
Films and videos completed after January 1, 2025.
Running Time:
- Short Films: 20 minutes or less (including credits).
- Experimental & Innovation: 10 minutes or less.
- Vertical & Short Form: 3 minutes or less.
Vertical Format (9:16) is highly recommended for the Short Form section.
No restrictions on topic or genre (Must be suitable for general audiences).
Films already screened or awarded at other festivals are eligible.
2) Submission Period
March 10, 2026 – July 31, 2026 (Refer to specific deadlines on the entry site).
3) How to Enter
Register work information and upload review videos on Festhome.
4) Entry Fees
Earlybird: Free / Regular: $15 / Late: $20 / Extended: $30.
Fees may vary by category. All entry fees are non-refundable.
Student Status Definition
Eligibility: To qualify for the Student discount, the director must be currently enrolled in a high school, college, or university at the time of film completion.
Proof Required: A valid Student ID or Enrollment Certificate (in English or Korean) must be uploaded to the 'Files' section of your Project Profile.
Verification: If the student status is not verified, the submission may be disqualified or moved to the 'Regular' category, requiring an additional fee.
5) Required Materials for Review
Review video file (Under 2GB).
Mandatory Script Submission: ALL entries (including English-language films) MUST upload an English script or dialogue list (PDF or SRT) for judging and subtitling purposes.
Additionally, an English script (PDF) must be uploaded for accurate judging.
Required: 1 Director’s photo, 3 Still photos, 1 Poster, and Director's profile.
The review video must be identical to the actual screening version.
6. Selection of Works
- Selection is made under the authority of the DISFF program team and a preliminary committee.
- Selected works will be announced and individually notified by September 15, 2026.
- Once selected, the screening cannot be canceled.
- Competitive entries may be screened in non-competitive sections.
7. Use of Promotional Materials
DISFF may use up to 30 seconds of selected works for promotional purposes (trailers, social media, etc.).
Submitted materials will be used in the DISFF catalog and website.
8. Submission & Return of Screenings
Final screening files must be DCP or MOV (ProRes 422).
Burned-in English subtitles are mandatory for all final screening copies (including Korean and non-English films) to ensure global accessibility.
9. Archive
DISFF may archive a digital copy of selected works for one year for research or non-commercial screening after the festival, subject to consent from the copyright holder.
10. Screening After the Festival
Winning and selected films may be screened at domestic/international showcase events organized by DISFF through separate consultation with copyright holders.
11. Agreement
Submission through the online site constitutes agreement to all DISFF regulations.
12. Other
1) Exhibitors are solely responsible for all copyright clearances. Any disputes may lead to the cancellation of screenings or awards.
2) Festival schedules may change due to force majeure.
3) Matters not specified will be decided through consultation between DISFF and the exhibitor.
Experimental & Innovation (실험영화, 뉴미디어)
Short Films 10'<
Fee-8%
PRO 18%
Early0$0$
0$
31 Mar 26
Standard7$6.44$
5.74$
31 May 26
Late12$11.04$
9.84$
30 Jun 26
Extended15$13.8$
12.3$
31 Jul 26
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Submissions deadline
31 Jul 26
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This section is dedicated to groundbreaking works that challenge traditional cinematic forms. We welcome innovative storytelling, new media art, and experimental films that push the boundaries of visual expression, including advanced AI integration. [Eligibility] - Completion Date: Films must have been completed after January 1, 2025. - Maximum Running Time: 10 minutes or less (including ending credits). - Category Focus: Experimental films, new media art, and works utilizing innovative technologies.
Short film Competition (단편경쟁)
Short Films 20'<
Fee-8%
PRO 18%
Early0$0$
0$
31 Mar 26
Standard10$9.2$
8.2$
31 May 26
Late15$13.8$
12.3$
30 Jun 26
Extended20$18.4$
16.4$
31 Jul 26
Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees
Submissions deadline
31 Jul 26
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0$
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This section is open to short films of 20 minutes or less on any theme or topic, excluding AI or Science Fiction. [Eligibility] - Completion Date: Films must have been completed after January 1, 2025. - Maximum Running Time: 20 minutes or less (including ending credits).
AI*SF Short Film Competition
Short Films >1' 20'<
Fee-8%
PRO 18%
Early0$0$
0$
31 Mar 26
Standard10$9.2$
8.2$
31 May 26
Late15$13.8$
12.3$
30 Jun 26
Extended20$18.4$
16.4$
31 Jul 26
Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees
Submissions deadline
31 Jul 26
Save up
0$
Submit
This section is open to short films of 20 minutes or less on any theme or topic, focused on AI or Science Fiction. [Eligibility] Completion Date: Films must have been completed after January 1, 2025. Maximum Running Time: 20 minutes or less (including ending credits)
Animation Competition
Short Films 20'<
Fee-8%
PRO 18%
Early0$0$
0$
31 Mar 26
Standard10$9.2$
8.2$
31 May 26
Late15$13.8$
12.3$
30 Jun 26
Extended20$18.4$
16.4$
31 Jul 26
Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees
Submissions deadline
31 Jul 26
Save up
0$
Submit
This section is open to all types of animated short films (2D, 3D, Stop-motion, etc.) on any theme or topic. [Eligibility] - Completion Date: Films must have been completed after January 1, 2025. - Maximum Running Time: 20 minutes or less (including ending credits).
Youth Film Competition (청소년 영화)
Short Films 20'<
Fee-8%
PRO 18%
Early0$0$
0$
31 Mar 26
Standard7$6.44$
5.74$
31 May 26
Late12$11.04$
9.84$
30 Jun 26
Extended15$13.8$
12.3$
31 Jul 26
Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees
Submissions deadline
31 Jul 26
Save up
0$
Submit
This section is dedicated to discovering and encouraging young cinematic talents. Open to films of any theme or genre directed by students or youth under the age of 20. [Eligibility] - Age Requirement: Open to directors born after January 1, 2006 (Under 20 years old). - Completion Date: Films must have been completed after January 1, 2025. - Maximum Running Time: 20 minutes or less (including ending credits)
Vertical Cinema & Short Form (세로영상과 숏폼)
Short Films 3'<
Fee-8%
PRO 18%
Early0$0$
0$
31 Mar 26
Standard7$6.44$
5.74$
31 May 26
Late12$11.04$
9.84$
30 Jun 26
Extended15$13.8$
12.3$
31 Jul 26
Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees
Submissions deadline
31 Jul 26
Save up
0$
Submit
This section focuses on the latest trends in cinema, including vertical format (9:16) and short-form content. We welcome creative and innovative storytelling within a short duration. [Eligibility] - Completion Date: Films must have been completed after January 1, 2025. - Maximum Running Time: 3 minutes or less (including ending credits). - Technical Requirement: 9:16 Vertical Format is highly recommended for this category.
Festhome holds accountable fees festivals by holding the payment of the fees of most newer festivals until they have viewed the submissions, held their festivals and other methods.
-8%
Festhome holds accountable fees festivals by holding the payment of the fees of most newer festivals until they have viewed the submissions, held their festivals and other methods. 