Berlin Indie Shorts Festival (2)

Festival start: 07 February 2026      Festival end: 07 February 2026

Award-winning film directors Yuri Maslak & Olga Tugaeva invite you to take part in the Berlin Indie Shorts Festival, which takes place in the cinematic capital of Europe. Berlin is a city where different cultures and nationalities meet, a city where the spirit of freedom and creativity reigns. It is a magnet for talented actors, directors, screenwriters and other industry professionals seeking to contribute to the development of cinema. It is a true centre of cinema, where new ideas are born and the most ambitious projects are realised.

The festival organisers are the creators of films that have won more than 100 awards at international film festivals. We know how difficult it is to start a career in cinema. We have travelled this path and are committed to helping a new generation of talented filmmakers. We believe that young filmmakers should have the opportunity to realise their potential and we want to create an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone involved can feel part of a great filmmaking community.

Berlin Indie Shorts Festival is not just an independent film competition, it is a platform that brings together talented filmmakers. The festival aims to present the most daring, innovative and inspiring short films, created without regard to commercial frameworks or stereotypes. It values originality, experimentation with form and content, and the ability to tell stories that make the viewer think and feel. It is a place where new ideas are born and new names are discovered in the world of cinema, an opportunity for filmmakers from all over the world to make a name for themselves, to be noticed and to be appreciated.

We gather the best works from all over the world that impress with their originality and unique approach to storytelling. Short film is the art of telling big stories with small means, capturing the spirit in a matter of minutes and leaving a mark in the hearts of the audience for years to come. Here it ceases to be the “little brother” of feature-length cinema and acquires its own uniqueness and value.

The live screening of the season’s winning films and the awards ceremony take place in the legendary creative space Heckmann-Höfe – our Berlin’s Montmartre. After the official part, the evening will continue in an atmosphere of relaxed socializing to the sound of music. Over a cup of aromatic coffee you will be able to make new acquaintances and possibly become part of projects that can change the world of cinema.

NO CLICHÉS. NO LIMITS. JUST PURE ART.

MAIN CATEGORIES

Best Short Film - all categories
Best Feature Short Film
Best Documentary Short Film
Best Animated Short Film
Best Experimental Short Film
Best Debut Short Film
Best Super Short Film (under 10 minutes)
Best Black-and-white Short Film
Best AI Short Film
Best Musical Short Film
Best Drama Short Film
Best Comedy Short Film
Best Romantic Short Film
Best Horror Short Film
Best Director
Best Cinematography
Best Original Music
Best Sound Design

All winners receive a certificate (also via email in pdf/jpg format)

1. We accept short films up to 30 minutes, fiction, documentary, or other narrative forms, depending on the category.

We have a special preference for musical films. ‘Film for music, not music for film’ – this is the credo that defines our approach to film-making, where music becomes not just a background, but a full-fledged participant in the narrative.

2. Films in all languages are welcome. Non-English should include subtitles.

Subtitles must be clear, accurate, and appropriately timed to ensure accessibility for the audience.

3. Filmmakers must ensure they hold the necessary rights to all material submitted, including music, visuals, and any third-party content used in the film.

Any submissions found to violate copyright laws may be disqualified.

4. Filmmakers may submit multiple films for consideration.

Each film can be entered in multiple categories, provided it meets the specific criteria for each category.

5. By submitting a film, filmmakers grant the festival permission to use clips, trailers, and stills for promotional purposes.

6. Competition results are announced online each season.
All films awarded NOMINEE, HONORABLE MENTION, and WINNER status will be screened at a live screening and awards ceremony.

Part of our festival strategy is film promotion, so winners and official selection films will also be featured in promotional events, retrospectives, or encore screenings organized by the festival.

Screening dates are subject to adjustment and may deviate by several days from the initially scheduled timeline.

7. All submitted films must have a fully completed page, including:

– Film in a high-quality digital format (e.g., MP4, MOV) suitable for large-scale projection with download support;
– Film trailer;
– Still photos;
– Synopsis;
– Photo and biography of the director.

Since part of our festival strategy is film promotion, we ask that you include the director’s (film’s) Instagram and Facebook pages.

Films with incomplete files, low resolution, or technical errors may not be considered.

8. Films must adhere to legal and ethical standards and should avoid content that violates age restriction guidelines applicable in the festival’s location.

9. Films will be judged based on creativity, storytelling, technical execution, and originality.
Filmmakers will be notified of selection status via email within the timeline specified on the festival’s website.

10. All fees are non-refundable.

11. All stated information, eligibility and submission guidelines, terms and conditions of entry, and entry information is subject to change by Berlin Indie Shorts Festival, without notice.