Programme 2025
As a short film festival, we can’t help but think about size. In a world obsessed with scale and built on the logic that bigger is better, we’re asking: what happens when we flip the script? Can small things make a big impact? What is the effect of small gestures, organisations, social movements—or even the impact of a short film? Does a film’s budget define its worth? How does the size of a screen shape our experience, or the length of a film affect our sense of time? This year, we’re exploring things of all scale. From no-budget gems and tiny screens to marathon runtimes and fleeting moments, from mid-length auteur films to youngsters’ tik-toks, this year’s programme explores how scale shapes our stories, our viewing habits, and our sense of time. So: Does size really matter?
Leiden Shorts returns for its 2025 edition by once again transforming the city into a dynamic hub for short-form cinema. Over the course of five days, the festival will present more than 120 films from across the globe, carefully curated from over 1,400 submissions spanning more than 45 countries. With a diverse programme that balances competition screenings, exhibitions, thematic explorations, and in-depth discussions, Leiden Shorts reinforces its mission of fostering talent, broadening perspectives, and facilitating meaningful connections between filmmakers and audiences.
Leiden Shorts will present a thought-provoking selection of short films across three main competitions: Brand New Eyes, International, and National. These showcase a blend of established talent and emerging voices from around the world. At the heart of the festival, the competitions celebrate excellence in short filmmaking: the International Competition features 25 of the most compelling short films internationally, competing for a €1,000 prize; this year’s selection journeys through urgent environmental questions, space explorations, intimate family dynamics, and the harsh realities of police and colonial control. Brand New Eyes introduces 15 bold new works by emerging filmmakers—both academic and independent—with a €500 award for the best film; this year, the films in the programme revisit the past to reimagine the future and rekindle connections through stories of love, intimacy, and desire and the National Competition highlights 10 standout Dutch films, with an award of €500 for the best film; offering poignant reflections on the challenges and beauty of human connection and communication. Further, for the first time this year Leiden Shorts will host the European Short Pitch (ESP), a leading European initiative for short film development connecting emerging filmmakers with industry professionals.
The 2025 Focus Programmes ask a provocative and playful question: does size matter? Three programmes explore this through different lenses—Does Budget Size Matter? highlights films made with minimal resources, where limitations become creative opportunities, and personal expression thrives through self-exploration and unconventional mediums. Does Screen Size Matter? turns to TikTok to challenge the boundaries of cinematic form on the smallest of screens, while Does Duration Matter? stretches time across a six-hour installation that flows with the rhythm of the day.
The Artist in Focus programme celebrates the visionary work of Konstantina Kotzamani, whose dreamlike yet existentially-attuned films blur the line between the mystical and the mundane. The ‘We Need to Talk About…’ series returns with sharp, thematic spotlights on mapping and resistance, the power and significance of archival practices for Palestinian liberation, digital power and tech billionaires, and the Caribbean presence in Leiden—presented in collaboration with local communities. Each programme opens up space for conversation and contemplation, through post-screening dialogues and thought-provoking lectures and performances. Late-night specials take things into more playful, provocative territory with a new erotic cinema session and surreal, sensual programmes like Doe Normaal and Eclipse. Rounding out the lineup are community partnerships, retrospective gems, and festival favourites—an eclectic selection of celebrated films from this year’s global circuit. Together, these programmes affirm Leiden Shorts as a vital space for cinematic experimentation, cultural dialogue, and boundary-pushing storytelling.
The festival will run from May 30 until June 3, with the opening night taking place at Kijkhuis where we will showcase works by the Artist in Focus and a selection from the Brand New Eyes Competition in the festival square. The awards ceremony will be held on June 1.
Where Cinema Meets Celebration
This year’s edition of Leiden Shorts transforms the city into a dynamic festival landscape, weaving together film, community, and creativity across a range of vibrant local spaces. From screenings at Kijkhuis, our beloved arthouse cinema, to events at PLNT—a hub for innovation and emerging talent—and COC De Kroon, the city’s LGBTQ+ community center, each venue brings its own atmosphere to the programme. The festival square behind Kijkhuis will serve as a lively central hub for festive drinks and gatherings, while Saturday night sees a special screening and late-night party at Wibar, celebrating cinema and community in full force. With additional programming at Wereldmuseum Leiden and other locations, Leiden Shorts becomes a city-wide celebration—where film goes beyond the screen to spark connection and celebration throughout the city.
Industry Events and Networking Opportunities
Beyond its screenings, Leiden Shorts 2025 offers a rich selection of industry events, panels, and workshops designed to foster dialogue, professional exchange and discussions on urgent industry topics. This year’s industry days will include the European Short Pitch (ESP), as a platform for emerging filmmakers to develop their projects. ESP brings together some of the most promising emerging filmmakers from across Europe for a Coproduction Forum. Through pitch sessions, one-on-one meetings, and networking events, ESP fosters international collaboration and supports the next generation of short film talent. ESP’s Coproduction Forum will run through June 2-3 and will include the presentation of 16 projects.
As Leiden Shorts continues to evolve, it remains steadfast in its commitment to championing independent voices, facilitating cross-cultural exchanges, and providing a space where filmmakers and audiences can engage in critical and creative conversations. With a lineup that promises to challenge, inspire, and surprise, the 2025 edition of Leiden Shorts invites cinephiles and newcomers alike to experience the power of short film.
With thanks to our generous funders and partners:
Gemeente Leiden, Nederlands Film Fonds, Dioraphte, Vfonds, Het Cultuurfonds Zuid-Holland, Hivos, VEVAM Fonds, SEE NL, Bioscopen Leiden, PLNT, European Short Pitch, Wibar, Wereldmuseum Leiden, Cineville, We Are Public, Stad van Ontdekkingen & Leiden Partners, Universiteit Leiden, Leiden International Centre, Talking Shorts, Short Film Conference, SCREEN TALENT NL, Kaboom