A New Chapter of Leiden Shorts

For over a decade, Leiden Shorts has served as a platform for emerging film talent and a safe space for dialogue on contemporary issues. In light of recent changes in the creative sector, economic challenges, and a need to reinvent ourselves after 14 years of existence, we are ready for a new chapter. In assessing the previous edition, the festival management determined that a new organizational structure should be implemented in order to create a more sustainable event that is more in tune with our audience and the industry.  Throughout the course of 2023, the festival team and external experts will work on a new business model, creative course, and audience development strategies. To accomplish these ambitious objectives, a new Festival Director will be appointed who will simultaneously work on internal adjustments and preparations for the festival’s 15th edition, set for June 2024. However, to keep in contact with our audience and strengthen the festival’s presence in the city’s cultural landscape in the upcoming year, we are planning to introduce a smaller-scale program of film events in 2023. Further information will be provided in the first quarter of the next year.

We would also like to take this opportunity to thank Laura Quarto, who is stepping down as festival director, for her six years of dedication and hard work. We wish her all the best in her future endeavours.

Leiden Shorts is the second short film festival in the Netherlands. Over the last 14 years, it has grown into a broad and high-quality festival. Every year, Leiden Shorts receives over 1200 submissions from over 70 countries around the world. We curate different side events – such as lectures, workshops and events – and thematic programs every year alongside our selection of short films from any genre.

We believe in cinema as a tool for social change, and we want to become an outspoken figure in both Leiden and Netherlands’ cultural scene. We fully embrace diversity and inclusivity, not only in culture but also in discipline, medium and expression.