Vilnius Short Film Festival invites filmmakers to submit films for International and National competitions

Vilnius Short Film Festival, the only short film festival in Lithuania and one of the biggest short film events in the Baltic region, is now inviting submissions for International and National competitions. The festival’s 18th edition will take place from January 15 to 21, 2025 in Vilnius and other Lithuanian cities.

Established in 2006, the Vilnius Short Film Festival has become a unique platform in Lithuania, screening global short films made by both emerging and established talents. In 2024, the Festival achieved a significant milestone by receiving the prestigious status of Vilnius City Festival, a distinction reserved for events that actively represent the city on the international stage through the medium of cinema given out by Vilnius City Municipality. This honour acknowledges the festival’s profound impact in promoting Vilnius as a cultural hub and its contribution to the global cinematic landscape. 

Vilnius Short Film Festival holds the International Competition, which features up to 40 of the most acclaimed short films from the past two years. It welcomes short films from all countries, encompassing various production techniques and genres such as fiction, documentary, animation, experimental, or hybrid, ranging from low to high budgets. Eligible short films for the International Competition must have been completed after January 1, 2023, and should not exceed 30 minutes in duration. For the International competition, the festival requires a Lithuanian premiere. The early bird submission deadline (free of charge) is May 31, while the final deadline is July 14 (with a submission fee of 7 Euros). 

In addition, the Festival hosts a National Competition showcasing a carefully chosen selection of the newest Lithuanian short films. The National Competition mirrors the International Competition regarding short films’ eligibility criteria, only submission deadlines differ. For the National Competition, the early bird deadline is June 30, and the final deadline is August 14 (with a submission fee of 7 Euros).

To demonstrate solidarity with Ukrainian creators, the festival offers a fee waiver for films originating from Ukraine or produced by a Ukrainian creative team. Filmmakers eligible for this waiver should reach out to the organizers via email at programming@filmshorts.lt.

Submissions can only be made via the www.shortfilmdepot.com platform: here.

Regulations: here.

The International and National competitions are judged by an International Jury, which awards three short films with three prizes: the Festival Grand Prix, Best International Short Film, and Best National Short Film.

Next to the International and National Competitions, the Vilnius Short Film Festival features special non-competitive programs – established filmmakers retrospectives, programs for kids, youth, and seniors, and theme or country-based short film selections. Complementing the Festival screenings, there are numerous events for both the public and film industry professionals. Every year, the Festival offers a tailored Industry Day program for filmmakers and other industry professionals, which includes networking opportunities, workshops, and seminars. Moreover, the Festival invites its fans to various music and interactive events, as well as workshops for families and late-night screenings.

The festival is organised by the Lithuanian Short Film Agency LITHUANIAN SHORTS, funded by the Lithuanian Film Centre, Vilnius City Municipality and AVAKA association.