Logo of Dublin International Short Film and Music Festival

Deadline
31 Aug 2025


Published: 29 Aug 2025
 Has submission fees
Short films


Banner Dublin International Short Film and Music Festival

Dublin International Short Film and Music Festival

Dublin, Ireland


We are an independent festival dedicated to bring together established musicians and filmmakers in a forum to celebrate the short films. Dublin International Short Film and Music Festival celebrates the artistic, educational and historical importance of short films and music. It gives independent film artists a platform for sharing their work and creating a dialogue with the community. It promotes the discussion and study of filmmaking.

DISFMF is the largest independent short film festival in Ireland, in 2026 we are celebrating the 15th anniversary.

In 2025 we selected over 90 short films from all over the world, the festival has brought established, emerging and award-winning filmmakers to the public attention.

Back in the cinema, the festival took place at the Cineworld, the biggest cinema in Ireland and The Sugar Club for the awards ceremony night.

DISFMF is conducted from the independent film maker point of view.

Director and producer from each film selected will benefit free entry to all the venues and screenings.

All kinds of short films are accepted. Here are some examples: Action, Adaptation, Adventure, Advertising, Animation, Art-house, Black Comedy, Children/Family, Comedy, Documentary, Drama, Experimental, Fantasy, Historical, Melodrama, Crime & Gangster, Biopics, Film-Noir, Road Films, Super-Heroes, Super-Natural, Mockumentary, Independent, Music Video, Musical, Reality, Religious, Romance, Science Fiction, Silent, Sport, Student, Thriller/Suspanse, TV, Ai and more.


International Festival

Short film festival


 Fiction  Documentary  Animation  Fantastic  Terror  Other  Experimental  Music Video



 
Logo of Cortodino Film Festival XV Edizione 2025

Deadline
31 Aug 2025


Published: 29 Aug 2025
 Has submission fees
Short films
Feature films


Banner Cortodino Film Festival XV Edizione 2025

Cortodino Film Festival XV Edizione 2025

Torre Annunziata, Italy


The Esseoesse Cultural Association announces the competition "CortoDino Film Festival Dino De Laurentiis 2025 - XV Edition", a competition that stems from desire to remember and celebrate, in his native land and in commemorative and propositive terms, the figure and work of Dino De Laurentis. The Metropolitan city of Naples, Vesuvian areas, “Giorgio De Chirico’s Secondary School of Art and Communication”, the others secondary schools of the area and the main cultural associations of the Vesuvian and Campanian areas will collaborate in the event.

So, the main aim of the initiative is to create an opportunity for meeting, confrontation and knowledge of young filmmakers who enter the cinematographic sector, in which the influence left by the illustrious “Torrese” has certainly been significant, promoting cinematographic culture through the inclusion of disadvantaged people and the research and promotion of works by talents from Campania, and also national and international.

The presence of the world of solidarity, cultural associations and of school is the clearest sign of the purpose of connecting in particular with the world of young people.
Cortodino Film Festival XV edition will take place in september-November 2025. Cities, places and days of the event will be subsequently communicated.


International Festival

Short film festival

Feature film festival


 Fiction  Documentary  Animation  Fantastic  Terror  Other  Experimental



 
Logo of Festival International de Cinéma et mémoire Commune de Nador - Maroc

Deadline
31 Aug 2025


Published: 29 Aug 2025
 Has submission fees
Short films
Feature films


Banner Festival International de Cinéma et Mémoire Commune  de Nador - Maroc

Festival International de Cinéma et mémoire Commune de Nador - Maroc

Meknès, Morocco


“Memory of the Future / La mémoire de l'avenir”

The Center for Common Memory for Democracy and Peace (CMCDP), a national human rights association with international reach, hereby opens the call for film submissions for the 15th edition of the International Festival of Cinema and Common Memory (FICMEC), to be held in the city of Nador from October 30 to November 4, 2026.

The CMCDP operates within the following fields of action:

Issues related to memory and shared memory as knowledge and expertise;

Dissemination of a culture of peace, coexistence, and democracy;

The fight against all forms of extremism;

Defense of human rights and contribution to the dissemination of its culture;

Issues of identity and linguistic and cultural diversity;

Consolidation and development of values of solidarity and constructive dialogue between peoples and nations;

Support for all generations of human rights.

Each year, FICMEC proposes a thematic reflection linked to memory. In this edition, the central theme will be "Memory of the Future," inspired by Victor Hugo’s words: “The future is a door, the past is the key,” and Roman Krznaric’s idea that the future is not a place we are going to, but a place we are creating.

Memory is not an exercise in nostalgia nor a gaze anchored in the past. It is a collective responsibility. Preserving, explaining, and transmitting historical episodes—especially the most painful ones—is the duty of both institutions and society as a whole: families, associations, human rights defenders, artists, and educators. Understanding the past is a conscious act of preparing for the future.

"Memory of the Future" proposes a permanent dialogue between remembrance and projection, between justice and social transformation. The struggles against injustice, the processes of truth and reconciliation, the defense of human dignity, and the consolidation of democratic values constitute the foundations of a fairer tomorrow. Remembering is not about perpetuating resentment, but about generating awareness, preventing the repetition of violations, and strengthening a culture of peace.

New generations hold a central place in this vision. They are not merely repositories of inherited narratives but active agents capable of reinterpreting, questioning, and projecting memory toward the future. Intergenerational transmission, critical thinking against historical manipulation, and commitment to human rights are essential elements of this construction.

In the artistic and cultural sphere, cinema—whether documentary or fiction—becomes a privileged vehicle for making silenced memories visible, denouncing injustices, opening spaces for dialogue, and contributing to social transformation.

Thematic Conditions for Participation:

Feature films and short films (fiction, animation): open theme.

Documentaries: must specifically align with the theme of the "Memory of the Future" concept note, addressing issues related to memory, human rights, justice, intergenerational transmission, reconciliation, identity, or democratic construction from a reflective and proactive perspective.

Filmmakers of all nationalities are invited to submit works that contribute to thinking about the future through historical awareness, promoting values of justice, peace, equality, coexistence, and the role of youth in this process.

Film submissions are accepted exclusively through official festival registration platforms.

Through this call, the CMCDP and FICMEC reaffirm their commitment to an active, ethical, and transformative memory, convinced that only those who assume responsibility for the past can contribute to building a more humane and democratic future.


International Festival

Short film festival

Feature film festival


 Fiction  Documentary



 
Logo of El Festivalico Short film and Videoart festival

Deadline
31 Aug 2025


Published: 29 Aug 2025
 Does NOT have submission fees
Short films


Banner El Festivalico Muestra de Cortometrajes y Videarte

El Festivalico Short film and Videoart festival

Caravaca de la Cruz, Spain


Each short film represents time, decisions, a way of seeing, of telling, and of expressing.

In its 15th edition, El Festivalico continues to receive works from all over the world, each one very different from the others.

Not all of them are screened.

The selection is carried out by a team with diverse sensibilities and perspectives.

This process takes us months of viewing, always approached with the utmost respect and rigor for every work received.

Over the years, some of the selected works have continued their journey, later being selected and awarded at the Goya Awards, among other recognitions.

But all of them are part of the same thing:
the need to tell stories and to be seen.

For a few days, a selection of these stories is shared and experienced.


International Festival

Short film festival


 Fiction  Documentary  Animation  Fantastic  Terror  Other  Experimental



 
Logo of Tabloid Witch Awards

Deadline
31 Aug 2025


Published: 29 Aug 2025
 Has submission fees
Short films
Feature films


Banner Tabloid Witch Awards

Tabloid Witch Awards

Santa Monica, United States


A horror film contest. Prizes include promotion on the Hollywood Investigator website, award plaques, screening at fan conventions (previous screenings at World Horror Con, Loscon, Tuscon.)

Tabloid Witch founder Thomas M. Sipos is the author of Horror Film Festivals and Awards (McFarland 2012) and Horror Film Aesthetics (McFarland 2010), available on Amazon.com.


International Festival

Short film festival

Feature film festival


 Fiction  Fantastic  Terror  Music Video



 
Logo of Africa`s VoiceS Of Change Film Festival

Deadline
30 Aug 2025


Published: 28 Aug 2025
 Does NOT have submission fees
Short films
Feature films


Banner Africa`s Voices Of Change Film Festival

Africa`s Voices Of Change Film Festival

Lagos, Nigeria


Africa’s Voices of Change Film Festival (AVOCFF) is an impact-driven film festival based in Nigeria, with a focus on children’s rights, disability inclusion, and public health. Through carefully selected films, live discussions, and youth-led workshops, AVOCFF uses cinema as a tool for Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) and community engagement.

Launched in 2024 by Tropism Ideas Ltd, AVOCFF brings together filmmakers, advocates, and policy actors to highlight overlooked issues and drive constructive dialogue. The festival centres human stories that prompt reflection, encourage civic action, and contribute to conversations that shape future advocacy and policy work.


International Festival

Short film festival

Feature film festival


 Fiction  Documentary  Animation



 
Logo of Peachtree Village International Film Festival

Deadline
30 Aug 2025


Published: 28 Aug 2025
 Has submission fees
Short films
Feature films


Banner Peachtree Village International Film Festival

Peachtree Village International Film Festival

Atlanta, United States


PVIFF is hosted by Gipp. Museums, Inc. PVIFF attracts 3,000+ people each year from around the world. PVIFF was created in 2006 under the previous name (Sweet Auburn International Film Festival) and have served as the launching pad for many successful filmmakers and other artists alike in the film & entertainment industry. This dynamic international film festival showcases feature length films, shorts, music videos, documentaries, and screenplays from around the globe. PVIFF also feature celebrity attractions, innovative workshops, panels, parties, and much more. PVIFF is one of the most celebrated film events through dynamic programming and a dedication to helping filmmakers excel in their careers. PVIFF's brand is entrenched in the old saying "It Takes A Village."

Our vision allows us to create a village atmosphere that provide opportunities not only for filmmakers but for business owners and film enthusiasts. Artists such as Actor/Director, Mario Van Peebles, Actress, Ruby Dee, Director/Writer Rob Hardy of Rain Forest Films, Actor/Comedian, Anthony Anderson, Producer, Roger Bobb formerly of Tyler Perry Studios, Director, Malcolm Lee, Casting Director, Alpha Tyler formerly of Tyler Perry Studios, Casting Director, Kim Hardin, Emmy Award Winning Producer, Dean Hargrove, Casting Director & Producer, Reuben Cannon formerly of Tyler Perry Studios, Best Selling Author Omar Tyree, Actor, Bill Nunn, Director, Kenny Leon, Humanitarian, Afeni Shakur and more have all participated in various aspects of PVIFF over the years. In 2006 during PVIFF's first year the winning short film "Binta & The Great Idea" was nominated for an Academy Award and numerous other projects have received phenomenal acclaim throughout the years as well. With increased exposure, the assistance from the film and business community PVIFF will continue to help ignite opportunities and make dreams to come true for decades to come.


International Festival

Short film festival

Feature film festival


 Fiction  Documentary  Animation  Fantastic  Terror  Other  Experimental  Music Video



 
Logo of MARENGO FEST

Deadline
30 Aug 2025


Published: 28 Aug 2025
 Has submission fees
Short films


Banner Marengo Fest.   Festival Internacional de cine de Vigo.

MARENGO FEST

Vigo, Spain


Marengo Fest. Vigo International Film Festival is not just a film competition, it is a cultural and social event whose main objective is to promote film culture, giving the opportunity at a national and international level to show their projects, providing prizes worth €30,000 in its different categories


International Festival

Short film festival


 Fiction  Documentary  Animation  Fantastic  Terror



 
Logo of Darkness Con Film Festival

Deadline
30 Aug 2025


Published: 28 Aug 2025
 Has submission fees
Short films
Feature films


Banner Darkness Con Film Festival

Darkness Con Film Festival

Portland, United States


The DarknessCon Film Festival started off as the Idaho Halloween & Horror film festival and is now operating in all locations that the DarknessCon Conventions run at different locations across the country.


International Festival

Short film festival

Feature film festival


 Fiction  Animation  Fantastic  Terror



 
Logo of ALTCine International Film Festival, United Kingdom

Deadline
30 Aug 2025


Published: 28 Aug 2025
 Has submission fees
Short films
Feature films


Banner ALTCine International Film Festival, United Kingdom

ALTCine International Film Festival, United Kingdom

London, United Kingdom


ALT CINE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL(ACIFF) :
A Global Platform for Independent Cinema

The ALT CINE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL(ACIFF) seeks to establish a vibrant cultural hub for alternative and independent cinema worldwide, offering well-deserved recognition to exceptional creative work. Beyond its competitive spirit, ALT CINE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL(ACIFF) aspires to become a confluence of cultures—a space where filmmakers, cinephiles, guests, and film lovers converge to celebrate the art of cinema through a shared language. This event fosters a collaborative and welcoming environment for film artists and enthusiasts from across the globe, allowing them to exchange knowledge and their collective passion for the motion picture medium.

Mission and Vision
The primary goal of the ALT CINE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL(ACIFF) is to unite filmmakers, producers, and film enthusiasts on an international platform, nurturing the next generation of talent. By showcasing diverse and distinctive voices, the event commits itself to introducing audiences to alternative perspectives and groundbreaking creativity.

The ALT CINE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL(ACIFF) strives to dismantle stereotypes, aiming to curate and present high-quality films from around the world. These films are thoughtfully organized around themes that explore the full spectrum of the human experience, as envisioned by the filmmakers.

An Inclusive International Event
As an international celebration of cinema, ALT CINE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL(ACIFF) is dedicated to expanding opportunities for screening European and non-European films of various genres and durations. Hosted in Milton Keynes, United Kingdom, this event aims to cultivate new audiences across the country by combining film screenings with engaging public discussions. Special emphasis is placed on enhancing film literacy and broadening appreciation for independent cinema.

Annual Award Ceremony
The highlight of the ALT CINE AWARDS is its annual awards ceremony, which provides a prestigious platform for the presentation and celebration of multi-genre cinematic achievements. Only a select few of the top-rated films will be screened in person at the event. Meanwhile, all officially selected films will be available for viewing during a bespoke online screening on AltCineplex.com.

Film Screening and Online Opportunities
Winners in each category will receive an exclusive opportunity to premiere their films on AltCineplex.com. Shortlisted filmmakers will also benefit from a tailored online screening experience, enabling their work to reach a global audience, including friends, family, and fans.

During the online screening event, viewers are encouraged to celebrate and support the filmmakers through AltCineplex.com’s tipping and Video-On-Demand (VOD) features. Filmmakers will receive 70% of all tips and ticket revenue generated. Additionally, horror films will have the unique chance to be featured on www.HorrorCineplex.com.

Winning films will also be eligible for distribution on AltCineplex.com under one of the following models:

SVOD: Subscription-based Video on Demand.
AVOD: Ad-supported Video on Demand.
TVOD: Transactional Video on Demand (Pay-per-view), where filmmakers will receive 70% of the revenue generated.
Inspiring the Future of Cinema

ACIFF is dedicated to showcasing diverse stories and empowering independent filmmakers by providing them with a global platform. This annual event fosters creativity, connection, and recognition, ensuring the continued growth and celebration of the art of filmmaking in all its forms.


International Festival

Short film festival

Feature film festival


 Fiction  Documentary  Animation  Fantastic  Other  Experimental  Music Video



 
Logo of International Doc Fest Visions of the Sea

Deadline
30 Aug 2025


Published: 28 Aug 2025
 Does NOT have submission fees
Short films
Feature films


Banner Festival Internacional de documentários Visões do Mar

International Doc Fest Visions of the Sea

Niterói, Brazil


Visões do Mar – Niterói International Documentary Festival is an event dedicated to the screening, reflection, and celebration of documentaries that explore the relationships between the oceans, coastal communities, identity, and culture within traditional ways of life connected to the sea.

The first edition will take place from November 17 to 22, 2025, in various cultural venues across the city of Niterói (RJ), Brazil.

1. OBJECTIVES
Festival goals:

Promote documentary cinema as a tool for social and environmental transformation;

Highlight the role of artisanal extractive communities as guardians of coastal biomes;

Give visibility to diverse narratives about the sea, its urgencies, cosmovisions, and the territories that depend on it;

Encourage the production and circulation of Latin American documentaries focused on socio-environmental justice.

2. TRAINING ACTIVITIES
As a core commitment of Visões do Mar, we will carry out a series of educational activities with both audiovisual students from Niterói’s public schools and professional filmmakers from the city.

School Screenings
Mediated screenings for public school students, promoting dialogue on environmental education and coastal cultures.

Documentary Lab – Niterói-Based Filmmakers
Exclusive training for audiovisual professionals from Niterói:

Project Development

Pitching and Project Presentation

Distribution with Social Impact


International Festival

Short film festival

Feature film festival


 Documentary



 
Logo of New York Shorts International Film Festival

Deadline
29 Aug 2025


Published: 27 Aug 2025
 Has submission fees
Short films


Banner New York Shorts International Film Festival

New York Shorts International Film Festival

New York, United States


We are the largest short film festival on the East Coast, featuring nearly 300 short films, special events, talks, retrospectives films, and tributes with honored guests, establishing New York Shorts International Film Festival as one of the finest exhibitions of short films in North America.

A non-profit organization that provides a showcase for emerging filmmakers from around the world.

New York Shorts is a qualifying film festival for the Canadian Screen Awards, presented by The Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television. We are the only short film festival in New York on the Canadian Screen Awards eligible festival list.

The festival has become a career stepping stone, establishing a tradition of discovering and promoting filmmakers who have gone on to become Academy Award® Nominees.

Previous film selections have included:

2024 OSCAR® NOMINEE Live-Action Short Film, ANUJA by Adam J. Graves and Suchitra Mattai - Winner New York Grand Prize

2023 Student Academy Award® Duet by Lyuwei Chen - Winner New York Shorts Best Documentary

2023 OSCAR® NOMINEE Live-Action Short Film, The Red Suitcase by Cyrus Neshvad -Winner New York Shorts Best International Film

2022 OSCAR® WINNER Documentary, Short The Queen of Basketball by Ben Proudfoot

2020 OSCAR® WINNER Live-Action Short Film, "The Neighbors" Window" by Marshall Curry - Winner New York Shorts Grand Prize

2020 OSCAR® NOMINEE Documentary Short Subject The New York Times Op-Docs "Walk Run Cha-Cha" by Laura Nix and Colette Sandstedt

2019 OSCAR® NOMINEE Animated Short "Animal Behaviour" by Alison Snowden and David Fine

2015 OSCAR® NOMINEE "The Dam Keeper" by Robert Kondo, Daisuke Tsutsumi

2013 Student Academy Award® "A World for Raúl" by Mauro Mueller - Winner New York Shorts Best Drama

2012 OSCAR® NOMINEE & BAFTA Best Short Animation "A Morning Stroll" by Grant Orchard, Sue Goffe

2012 World Premiere "Derek" by Ricky Gervais - Winner New York Shorts Best Comedy and became a popular British television show picked up by Netflix.

New York Shorts International Film Festival is one of the largest showcases of short films in North America and an ideal platform for filmmakers to screen their films and gain recognition in New York City.

New York Shorts events include receptions, as well as workshops with industry experts and filmmaking professionals sharing their practical advice to attending filmmakers.

2024 Industry Events
​How to produce on a micro-budget and work with SAG•AFTRA actors
Hosted by Jack Mulcahy SAGindie Film Committee for SAG•AFTRA
co-Chairman of the National Low Budget Film Committee
Speaker Michael Sládek, SAGindie NY Consultant

2023 Industry Events
Industry Master Spotlight w/ BAFTA Nominated Director Jon Amiel
Industry Master Spotlight w/ Academy Award® Winning Producer Andrew Carlberg
Industry Short Film Spotlight w/ Academy Award® Winning Director Chris Overton

2022 Industry Events
Tribute to legendary film director Bob Giraldi
Spotlight Screening from George R.R. Martin's (Game of Thrones creator)
Beyond The Screen with Ben Proudfoot (Oscar® winning documentary director)
Film Retrospective Kim Magnusson (producer/director of seven Academy Awards® nominations and two Oscar wins)
Film Tribute to cinematographer Halyna Hutchins

New York Shorts believes short-form cinema and its filmmakers should have their own premier film festival in New York deserving similar recognition given to feature films.

The heart of the festival is the quality and scope of extraordinary film programming to enthusiastic audiences in the vibrant filmmaking enclave of New York City.


International Festival

Short film festival


 Fiction  Documentary  Animation  Fantastic  Terror  Other  Experimental  Music Video



 
Logo of Under Festival

Deadline
29 Aug 2025


Published: 27 Aug 2025
 Has submission fees
Short films
Feature films


Banner Festival Transterritorial De Cine Underground

Under Festival

quilmes, Argentina


PLEASE READ!

Transterritorial Underground Film Festival – 22nd Edition (2026)

The Transterritorial Underground Film Festival is an annual, self-managed and decentralised event that, since 2005, has brought together venues and exhibition spaces in various cities across Latin America and other territories. Its identity is based on the free circulation of audiovisual works, formal experimentation, aesthetic research and the visibility of works that remain outside industrial or hegemonic circuits.

The festival receives and exhibits audiovisual productions of all kinds: unpublished, experimental, marginal, independent, community-based or simply outside the commercial logic of contemporary cinema. It is screened in unconventional, community, cultural and self-managed spaces, creating a trans-territorial network that operates as a social, political and emotional tool.

Thousands of works have passed through this network in its twenty-year history, transforming the relationship between filmmakers, programmers and viewers. The 22nd edition continues this quest, expanding the modes of exhibition and maintaining a programme connected with emerging languages, aesthetic risk and subjectivities expressed from the margins.

The selected works may be screened at any venue in the network, in satellite screenings or in subsequent travelling cycles, always in non-commercial contexts and with cultural, educational or community objectives.

The participating venues in 2025 included screenings in Tigre, Quilmes, Ituzaingó, Berazategui, Necochea, Pehuajó and CABA (Buenos Aires), Rio Cuarto (Córdoba), Rosario (Santa Fe) and Tucumán in Argentina; Pamplona and Medellín (Colombia), Punta del Diablo (Uruguay) and Berlin (Germany).


International Festival

Short film festival

Feature film festival


 Fiction  Documentary  Animation  Fantastic  Terror  Other  Experimental



 
Logo of CENERE FilmFest - Udine

Deadline
29 Aug 2025


Published: 27 Aug 2025
 Has submission fees
Short films


Banner CENERE FilmFest - Udine

CENERE FilmFest - Udine

Udine, Italy


EMERGING CINEMA - NEW EXPERIENCES - EXPRESSIVE RESEARCH

Enthusiastically surprised by the success of the first edition, 49 Gradi is proud to present the second edition of CENERE FilmFest, an independent film festival.

The competition is part of two days of screenings and training in the city located in the heart of the FVG region, with the aim of breaking down all conventions on Italian and local independent film production.

Two days of short films, feature films, workshops, and interviews aimed at providing a showcase for young talent and new ideas that struggle to find a place in traditional Italian cinema.

Each edition of CENERE FilmFest chooses a theme that links the screenings and can be an inspiration for its competition.
In honor of the 50th anniversary of the Friuli earthquake disaster and in memory of its victims and reconstruction, the 2026 edition chooses: “CATACLYSM: external and internal upheavals, and reconstruction.”


Short film festival


 Fiction  Documentary  Animation  Fantastic  Terror  Other  Experimental  Music Video



 
Logo of Loopafestival

Deadline
29 Aug 2025


Published: 27 Aug 2025
 Does NOT have submission fees
Short films
Feature films


Banner Festival Internacional de Animación LOOPA

Loopafestival

Manizales, Colombia


Call for Entries for the 3rd Competitive Animation Showcase.


International Festival

Short film festival

Feature film festival


 Animation



 
Logo of Obscura Filmfestival Berlin

Deadline
28 Aug 2025


Published: 26 Aug 2025
 Has submission fees
Short films
Feature films


Banner Obscura Filmfestival

Obscura Filmfestival Berlin

Berlin, Germany


International film festival of entertaining, fantastic and arthouse free genre films.

The Obscura Filmfest was founded by David Ghane in 2016 and has been run by him alone ever since. He is a passionate genre film fan since 1996, attends several film festivals per year since 2004, sometimes helps out there, acts as an extra in horror films and is an extreme film collector.

The Obscura Film Festival specializes in entertaining and fantastic films, big and small, films that almost never get a regular screening. The films shown there are mostly mainstream blockbusters or arthouse films that can be found at most other regular film festivals. Even comparable festivals are expanding their programmes to include more and more arthouse. Those who instead like entertaining, smaller and special independent films, but can also imagine bigger productions from far away countries, will find what they are looking for at the Obscura Filmfest: Films that are fun with rough edges, raw and uncompromising; from nasty little horror films to Asian battle epics, there is something for every fan, just no boredom.

It started with small, offbeat, trashy and depraved underground grindhouse films, meanwhile the Obscura also screens commercial, mid-sized films that are traded on the big film markets.

Highlights of the previous festival editions included the German premieres of the Argentinian fantasy sci fi cyberpunk action film "Daemonium", the Ukrainian thriller "Egregor", the Filipino zombie shocker "Day Zero", the Danish horror film "Finale", the ghost comedy "Deadtectives" and the two Backwoods films "What the Waters Left Behind" and its sequel "Scars" 5 years later.
The European premieres of the Indonesian comic superhero film "Valentine" and the Backwoods film "Drifter" were also screened.
Another highlight was the crazy Japanese splatterfest "Kodoku - Meatball Machine" which can look back on a long festival history including the biggest festivals of its kind, as well as the Universal/Blumhouse production "The Hunt".
With "Redbad" and "The Great Battle", two big battle epics were also screened at the Obscura.
The German premiere of the hard-hitting exploitation film "Trauma" in Hanover was even attended by visitors from the Ruhr area.
After its international premiere at the Obscura, the cowboy backwoods film "Lasso" was shown a few months later at the famous british Frightfest.
In 2022, the Obscura had its first two feature-length film world premieres with "All through the Hall" and "Hidden in the Woods II".

At every Obscura filmfest there were film guests who introduced their film in person and were available for a Q&A. They came from Ireland, UK, Belgium, Finland, Denmark, Spain, Greece, Hungary, The Netherlands, USA, Argentina, Mexico, Colombia and of course Germany.

In 2024, there was a record number of guests from 7 different countries, as well as "The Witch. Revenge," a Ukrainian war horror film that was shot during and about the current war.


International Festival

Short film festival

Feature film festival


 Fiction  Fantastic  Terror



 
Logo of ARFF Amsterdam // International Awards

Deadline
28 Aug 2025


Published: 26 Aug 2025
 Has submission fees
Short films
Feature films

Promotional card of ARFF Amsterdam // International Awards

Banner Arff Amsterdam // International Awards

Arff Amsterdam // International Awards

Amsterdam, Netherlands


Around International Awards ✈ Barcelona ✈ Paris ✈ Amsterdam ✈ Berlin.

Annual Independent event with 4 major programs for all Features, Shorts, Documentaries, Experimental, Commercial, Music Video, Animations, Student Films, TV, Series, and New Media. The international community evaluates the all-genre creations to serve ARFF Official Laurels and to certify the awarded filmmakers at the end of the annual festival run. Thus, all the ARFF Finalists will be mentioned multiple times to have the best out of the entire year altogether. Submit today to participate in all 4 programs, regarding the unique system of ARFF International. Submissions made via Festhome are getting evaluated and selected, directly for the yearly festival run and participating in the Official Certificate Program exclusively. Monthly selection is available on other associated platforms.

See you Around & Fest Regards


International Festival

Short film festival

Feature film festival


 Fiction  Documentary  Animation  Fantastic  Terror  Experimental  Music Video



 
Logo of Nahal international Student Shortfilm Festival

Deadline
27 Aug 2025


Published: 25 Aug 2025
 Has submission fees
Short films


Banner جشنواره بین المللی فیلم کوتاه دانشجویی نهال

جشنواره بین المللی فیلم کوتاه دانشجویی نهال

Tehran, Iran


Nahal international student short film festival will be holding its 21st annual festival and is willing to receive films from all around the world.

Founded by the students, its biggest purpose is providing a space for students to screen their artwork to an international audience and prove their talents to the world, as it also desires to screen films from international students to form a worldwide connection between Iran and other countries.

Nahal goes on embracing talented filmmakers who recognize cinema as an art rather than an industry.

Nahal is proud to be a road for the students to not only make their works universal, but also ease their way into the main body of cinema and prepare them for the ups and downs of the future. It is also a safe place for the young mind to pour their thoughts in and present unprecedented works and ideas.

Nahal has become the most credible and known festival in the middle east and intends to expand its borders as to form an even bigger circle of connection.

History

Nahal Film Festival has its origins in 2002 when the students of Tehran University of art found their films rejected in a newly born festival called " Tehran university of art general festival", on a proposal of an independent film festival for students and with the support of Mohsen Hashemi the Ph.D., set up a national short film festival.

The first festival was planned for 2003 and was directed by Mohammad Haddadi hosting eleven films.

As the years gone by Its quality grew greater and now after twenty years, Nahal has become an international festival with numerous categories and sections.

Nahal 21


International Festival

Short film festival


 Fiction  Documentary  Animation  Experimental



 
Logo of Jersey City Popup Film Festival

Deadline
26 Aug 2025


Published: 24 Aug 2025
 Has submission fees
Short films
Feature films


Banner Jersey City Popup Film Festival

Jersey City Popup Film Festival

Jersey City, United States


Jersey City Popup Film Festival (JCPFF) is designed to be a fun relaxed film festival, offering quality independent films and networking opportunities.

We strive to create opportunities for networking with fellow filmmakers and actors before and after the screenings.

Each festival will have an after party and awards.

The films, selected by a committee, include features, shorts, music videos, webisodes, and documentaries.


International Festival

Short film festival

Feature film festival


 Fiction  Experimental  Music Video



 
Logo of Erotic Film Festival London

Deadline
26 Aug 2025


Published: 24 Aug 2025
 Has submission fees
Short films


Banner Erotic Film Festival London

Erotic Film Festival London

London, United Kingdom


Erotic Film Festival London is here to showcase bold, beautifully crafted films that explore desire, intimacy, and human connection. No gimmicks, no awkward labels—just great storytelling that puts pleasure and passion on screen where they belong.

Erotic storytelling has long been sidelined or treated as a curiosity, dismissed or reduced to shock value. Here at EFFL it’s given the creative respect it deserves—because passion, pleasure, and longing are as much a part of life as love, loss, and adventure.


We want your bold, daring, and unforgettable erotic short films—whether they’re hot and steamy, intimate and tender, thought-provoking or tense. Erotic cinema isn’t one-size-fits-all, and we welcome stories in any genre—from documentary to sci-fi, fantasy to kink, animation to experimental. If your film explores desire, connection, or sexuality, we want to see it.


Selected films will be grouped into curated programmes, each offering a different perspective on intimacy, desire, and connection. These intimate screenings will take place in London from 1–5 October 2025, bringing together audiences eager to experience bold and boundary-pushing storytelling.

For filmmakers who can attend, there will be opportunities for Q&As, discussions, and networking, giving both filmmakers and audiences the chance to connect, exchange ideas, and celebrate the art of erotic cinema together.

This isn't just a festival—it's the beginning of a movement that recognises erotic cinema as one of the most vital, under-explored frontiers in contemporary cinema.


International Festival

Short film festival


 Fiction  Documentary  Animation  Fantastic  Terror  Other  Experimental  Music Video