D Golden Protagonist Short Film Festival (2)

Festival start: 17 April 2027      Festival end: 17 April 2027

Following the success of its inaugural edition, the D Golden Protagonist Short Film Festival proudly returns for its second year, continuing its mission of bringing filmmakers together in a spirit of collaboration, creativity, and mutual support. More than just a festival, D Golden Protagonist is a platform where emerging and established filmmakers can connect, share their work, exchange experiences, and celebrate the art of storytelling. We believe that the growth of the film industry depends on a strong and supportive community, where artists inspire one another and create opportunities together.

For this second edition, the festival is introducing two exciting new categories. The first is Premiere Short Films, dedicated exclusively to films making their official debut at our festival. This category aims to celebrate fresh storytelling and provide filmmakers with a distinguished platform to unveil their work to audiences for the very first time. The second new category is Films Qosra bil-Malti, created to recognise and promote films produced in the Maltese language. Entries in this category are not required to include English subtitles, encouraging authentic Maltese storytelling and supporting the growth of local cinema while preserving and celebrating our linguistic and cultural identity.

Together, these additions reinforce our commitment to championing both new voices and Maltese filmmaking, while continuing to foster a welcoming environment where filmmakers support, inspire, and learn from one another.

D Golden Protagonist Award
Best Director
Best ScreenPlay
Best Editing
Best Male Actor-Short Film
Best Female Actor-Short Film
Outstanding Performance Award
Excellence in Filmmaking Award

1. Whether you’re a seasoned filmmaker, a student, or someone who grabbed a camera and made magic—we want to see your work.

2. What you get in return:
• Your film considered for screening on the big screen
• Exposure through our Festival promotions and media features
• Access to networking events and collaboration opportunities
• A chance to be part of Malta’s growing short film community
• 2 Complementary tickets that you can re-sell

3. Why Submit Your Film?

a) Boost Your Film’s Visibility-Screen your work in a real cinema setting.

b) Attract Sponsors-Being part of a professionally marketed initiative opens doors.

c) Expand Your Network-Join our networking event with creatives and industry professionals.

d) Opportunities for Collaboration-Pitch your next script/idea and meet local producers and directors.

e) Learn & Grow-Share your story, gain inspiration, and grow with fellow artists.

f) Professional Exposure-We’ll feature:

• Trailer on each project
• Bios(100 words) of directors, writers, actors etc…
• High-quality photos and behind-the-scenes content

4. Regulations

a) All fees are non-refundable.

b) All non English language films must be submitted with English subtitles.

c) Maximum Film duration: 20 minutes (including credits)

d) Films that were screened or selected as finalists in previous festival editions cannot be selected as finalists again.

e) Selection is at the discretion of the Festival curatorial team.

f) Finalists films will be publicly screened as part of the Festival’s official programming.

g) The Participant retains all intellectual property rights to their film.

h) The Participant grants the Festival non-exclusive permission to:

• Screen the work publicly during the Festival and related events.
• Use short excerpts (up to 1 minute) or stills from the work for promotional, educational, or archival purposes.
• Include the work in future Festival retrospectives or touring programs, with credit to the creator.

i) The Participant confirms they own or control all rights necessary for exhibition.

j) The Festival assumes no responsibility for disputes regarding rights, ownership, or third-party claims.

k) The Participant agrees to indemnify the Festival and its affiliates from any claims arising out of the film’s exhibition.

l) The Participant agrees that their name, likeness, and biography may be used in Festival materials and press.

m) The Festival will credit the Participant in all promotional use of their work.

n) The Participants have read and agreed to the rules & regulations.

o) By submitting your work, you agree to our terms and conditions and consent to receiving occasional email updates, including festival news, opportunities, and discounts. Your information is kept strictly confidential and will never be shared or sold to third parties.

5. Important Dates
• Final Film Delivery (DCP Format): 2nd April 2027
• Test Screening: Between 6th–14th April 2027 (exact date TBA)
• Festival: 17th April 2027