Kaaffilm International Short Film Festival (4)

Festival start: 01 October 2025      Festival end: 01 October 2025

The 4º Kaaffilm International Short Film Festival is an independent celebration dedicated to short films a cinematic form that often doesn't receive the mainstream spotlight it deserves. We proudly accept submissions from around the world, offering a platform for stories that challenge, inspire, and redefine cinema.

For our 2025 edition, the festival will be held entirely online, bringing powerful short films directly to a global audience. Official selections will be screened on our secure platform, giving filmmakers international exposure without borders.

The Kaaffilm Short Film Festival remains a vital space for both emerging talents and established voices a key showcase for independent cinema worldwide. Our competition program attracts industry professionals from across the globe, featuring curated talks, panels, and open discussions to foster connection and collaboration.

Winners of each competition category will receive the prestigious Kaaffilm Trophy, while jury mention recipients will be honored with official certificates of recognition.

Join us in celebrating the art of short filmmaking  where creativity knows no limits!

Awards Categories
4º Kaaffilm International Short Film Festival 2025

The competition is open to emerging, student, and independent filmmakers.

GRAND PRIX
Human Rights Award
This category is dedicated to filmmakers who have created a short film specifically addressing Human Rights. All genres are accepted, including narrative, documentary, experimental, and animation.
Maximum length: 20 minutes.

INTERNATIONAL NARRATIVE
International Spotlight – Narrative
Open to all U.S. and international filmmakers. This category welcomes narrative short films from any country.
Maximum length: 20 minutes.

INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTARY
International Spotlight – Documentary
Open to all U.S. and international filmmakers. This category welcomes documentary short films from any country.
Maximum length: 20 minutes.

INTERNATIONAL ANIMATION
International Spotlight – Animation
Open to all U.S. and international filmmakers. This category welcomes animated short films from any country.
Maximum length: 20 minutes.

CHILDREN'S RIGHTS
Children Spotlight Award
This category is dedicated to filmmakers who have created short films focusing specifically on Children's Rights. Only narrative short films will be accepted.
Maximum length: 20 minutes.

IRANIAN WOMEN FILMMAKERS
Zan Spotlight Award
This category is exclusively for Iranian women filmmakers residing in Iran. Submissions from non-Iranian women directors must be entered through the International categories. All genres are accepted, including narrative, documentary, experimental, and animation.
Maximum length: 20 minutes.

For full Rules & Guidelines, please visit:
https://www.kaaffilm.com/festival/submission/

Submissions for the 4º Kaaffilm International Short Film Festival 2025 must be completed through Festhome platform.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Maximum film length: 20 minutes (24 or 25 frames per second).

Films must be completed in 2023, 2024, or 2025.

All films must include English subtitles, even if the spoken language is English.

A premiere status is not required.

All genres are accepted.

Films may be submitted only once; resubmissions from previous editions are not permitted.

Participants must hold all necessary rights to present their work publicly, including third-party rights.

Only online digital submissions are accepted. Pre-screening copies must be uploaded via Festhome.

Promotional films (e.g., educational, industrial, advertising, or tourist films) are not eligible.

Low-quality screeners are accepted for selection purposes; however, final screening copies must be of high-quality (HD 720p or above).


SUBMISSION DEADLINES
Early Bird Deadline: May 1, 2025 — No Fee

Regular Deadline: June 1, 2025 — No Fee

Late Deadline: July 15, 2025 — $10 Fee

Final Submission Deadline: July 31, 2025

Notification Date: August 1, 2025

Please note: No waivers or refunds will be issued.

ELECTION PROCESS
The organizers will appoint a selection committee responsible for the final programming of the competition. Additionally, the organizers may delegate pre-selection duties to individuals they consider qualified.

Entrants will be notified of the selection results no later than August 31, 2025.

Official festival screenings will take place in October 2025.

The 4º Kaaffilm International Short Film Festival will be held online, showcasing selected films globally.
Winners will be awarded the official Kaaffilm Trophy, and Jury Mentions will receive formal certificates of recognition.

We look forward to celebrating outstanding short films with the international community.