Have you made a short film in the past year? Our selection team is eager to watch it!

Since 2009, Leiden Shorts has brought together film enthusiasts and filmmakers to celebrate the power of cinema. Now, we are busy preparing our 17th edition, which will take place late spring 2025.

Fiction, Documentary, Experimental, Animation… Leiden Shorts welcomes the submission of short films of any form and genre which were completed after 1 January 2024, and are no longer than 30 minutes. Films can be submitted to the following competitions:

• International Competition – The International Competition brings together some of the finest short films from around the world.
• National Competition – The National Competition highlights short films produced in the Netherlands and showcases emerging local filmmakers.
• Brand New Eyes Competition – The Brand New Eyes Competition showcases debut films, particularly the works of students worldwide or first films made outside an academic context.

Awards

The films in these programmes will compete for a financial award, which will be decided by a professional jury. Additionally, all selected films will compete for the Audience Award.

Submission Deadlines & Fees

International competition & National competition

• Early Bird Deadline: October 29, 2024 – €11,50 submission fee (€10,00 via Leiden Shorts website)
• Regular Deadline: December 10, 2024 – €14,50 submission fee (€13,00 via Leiden Shorts website)
• Last Chance Deadline: January 10, 2025 – €20,50 submission fee (€18,00 via Leiden Shorts website)

International Brand New Eyes Competition

We offer discounted submission fees for the Brand New Eyes Competition:

• Early Bird Deadline: October 29, 2024 – €8,50 submission fee (€6,50 via Leiden Shorts website)
• Regular Deadline: December 10, 2024 – €10,50 submission fee (€8,50 via Leiden Shorts website)
• Last Chance Deadline: January 10, 2025 – €16,50 submission fee (€14,50 via Leiden Shorts website)

About the Festival

Leiden Shorts was established in 2009 as a new platform for short films and has since grown into one of the most significant short film events in the Netherlands. We envision Leiden Shorts as an alternative creative space for national and international filmmakers to showcase their distinct voices by exploring the power of short film as a medium. We view cinema as a tool for social change and aim to spotlight underrepresented voices, providing space for daring narratives and unconventional forms to take shape.

Each year, Leiden Shorts receives over 1,200 submissions from more than 70 countries. Over the course of four days, the festival presents more than 100 short films in a variety of genres from around the world. Our core programme includes three competitions—for national, international, and debut films—along with thematic and focus programmes, industry and networking events, and opportunities for in-depth discussion through panels, Q&As, and workshops. This year, the festival will also host the European Short Pitch Coproduction forum. Leiden Shorts is a vibrant and ever-evolving film festival that fosters talent, broadens perspectives, and creates new opportunities for connection.

For any questions, do not hesitate to contact us via submissions@leidenshorts.nl

Click below for full regulation and to submit your film

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