Curta Santos - Festival de cinema de Santos (24)

Festival start: 04 November 2026      Festival end: 08 November 2026

Festival Start: November 4, 2026
Festival End: November 8, 2026

Curta Santos International Short Film Festival

Founded in 2002, Curta Santos is one of Brazil’s leading short film festivals and the most important audiovisual event in the coastal region of São Paulo.

Held in the city of Santos, the festival brings together filmmakers, artists and audiences through a diverse program of short films, screenings, workshops and cultural activities.

Over more than two decades, Curta Santos has become an important platform for Brazilian and international cinema, celebrating different voices, perspectives and forms of storytelling.

In 2016, Santos was recognized by UNESCO as a Creative City of Film, one of only seven cities in the world to receive this designation at the time.

We invite filmmakers from around the world to submit their short films and be part of Curta Santos.

Maurice Lègeard Trophy

Olhar Caiçara

Best Short Film
Best Director
Best Screenplay
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Cinematography
Best Editing
Best Sound
Best Poster

Olhar Brasilis

Best Short Film
Best Director

Videoclipe Caiçara

Best Music Video

Tudo em Pé

Best Film

SELECTION

Films will be evaluated by a committee of professionals working in cinema, audiovisual production, arts and culture, who are part of the Curta Santos production team.

PROGRAMMING

The festival’s programming is determined by its directors and curators. Selected films may be included in different sections and screenings, according to the curatorial approach of each edition. The festival may also directly invite films and filmmakers to participate in the program.

INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILM SHOWCASE

Short films of any nationality, genre or theme are eligible for the International Short Film Showcase, with a maximum running time of 25 minutes.

The International Short Film Showcase is a non-competitive section of Curta Santos and does not offer awards or prizes.

Films do not need to be premieres. However, unreleased films or films that have recently premiered may receive special consideration during the selection process.

SUBMISSION

Submissions must be made exclusively online through the platform indicated by the festival. Physical submissions by mail will not be accepted.

Films in the finalization stage (Rough Cut or Work in Progress) may be submitted, provided this status is clearly indicated at the time of submission.

SELECTED FILMS

The official selection will be announced by October 10, 2026, on Curta Santos’ official Instagram account. Representatives of selected films will be contacted by the festival with instructions regarding the required materials.

PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS

Following selection, the festival may request promotional materials such as film and director photos, synopsis, technical credits, director’s filmography, trailer or teaser, and press information.

SubtitleS

Selected films for the International Short Film Showcase must provide dialogue lists or subtitle files in english, preferably in .SRT or .DOC/.DOCX format.

International films will be screened with Portuguese subtitles, following the festival’s technical specifications.

SCREENING COPY

Selected films must provide a digital screening copy according to the technical specifications provided by the festival and within the deadline established by the organization.

FESTIVAL PARTICIPATION

Selection does not imply payment of a screening fee, award, or any other form of remuneration to filmmakers or film representatives.

Any costs related to transportation, accommodation, meals, insurance, visas, and other expenses associated with attending the festival in person are the responsibility of the participants.

When necessary, Curta Santos may provide an invitation letter to assist with visa applications and other procedures related to festival participation.

SCREENING AUTHORIZATION

By submitting a film, the applicant declares that they hold the necessary rights for the film’s participation in the festival.

Selection does not imply the transfer of copyright or commercial exploitation rights to Curta Santos. Selected films will be screened exclusively as part of the festival’s official program.