Germany offers a rich tapestry of film festivals, each with unique opportunities for filmmakers to showcase their work, network, and even clinch some enticing cash prizes. This guide excludes genre-specific festivals like Horror or LGBT+ and focuses on festivals that welcome international short films, particularly appealing to filmmakers of dramas under 20 minutes.
Berlinale – Berlin International Film Festival
As Germany’s most renowned film festival, Berlinale stands as the epitome of film celebration in Berlin. For any filmmaker, securing a spot here is prestigious, though it requires an international premiere, making early submission crucial. Normally Berlinale has deadline in November. For my movie it did not work out, because my film festival submitting strategy did not allowed me to submit to their early bird deadline. Submit here.
Braunschweig International Film Festival
One of Lower Saxony’s cinematic highlights, this festival, established in 1987, restricts entries to 15 minutes. It attracts a large audience and industry professionals, offering significant prize money totaling €70,500. Submit here.
Oldenburg International Film Festival
Celebrated for its indie spirit, Oldenburg is a gem for filmmakers looking to present innovative and independent work. It’s highly rated globally for independent films, providing a vibrant atmosphere that fosters creative filmmaking. Submit here.
Open Air Filmfest Weiterstadt
This unique open-air festival focuses exclusively on short films and boasts a high acceptance rate, with 200 selections from 3,000 submissions. Submit via FilmFreeway.
FILMFEST DRESDEN – International Short Film Festival
One of Germany’s oldest, this festival began in 1989 before Germany’s reunification. Focused on all facets of short film, it’s one of Europe’s best-endowed festivals, offering €72,000 in prizes. Submit here.
20minmax International Short Film Festival Ingolstadt
This festival celebrates short films across all genres as long as they do not exceed 20 minutes. It’s dedicated to showcasing the diversity and creativity of short filmmaking, emphasizing the significance of a well-curated program. Submit via ShortFilmDepot and FilmFreeway.
INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILM WEEK REGENSBURG
Founded in 1994, this festival offers a platform for both international and regional films across all categories, including fiction, documentary, animation, and experimental films, with a rich program that extends beyond the competition. Submit here.
INTERFILM – International Short Film Festival Berlin
Established in 1982, INTERFILM aspires to showcase high-caliber filmmakers and their creative narratives, providing a culturally rich and politically significant framework for international shorts. Submit here.
Kurzfilm Festival Hamburg
This festival stands out for its discursive, stimulating environment where short films are celebrated in all their diversity. It aims to present an array of provocative and artistically ambitious films. Submit via FilmFreeway.
OpenEyes Filmfest Marburg
An independent festival in Marburg that showcases a variety of short films in an open-air setting, providing a platform especially for innovative, local, or lesser-known works. Submit via FilmFreeway.
Landshuter Kurzfilmfestival
A major player on the international scene, this festival has been showcasing over 200 films annually for 25 years, offering 12 awards across eight categories and attracting around 5,000 visitors. Submit here.
Independent Days International Filmfestival
This festival is all about low-budget, independent films from around the world. It provides a platform for filmmakers to show how powerful and creative cinema can be made outside the mainstream. Submit via FilmFreeway.
cellu l’art Short Film Festival Jena
Each spring, this festival in Jena turns the spotlight on international short films, celebrating a wide variety of special programs focused on different cultural, thematic, and cinematic explorations. Submit here.
Filmfestival Münster 2023
Established in 1981, this festival is celebrated for its personal touch and strong support for emerging filmmakers, providing a valuable platform for early-career recognition and networking. Submit via FilmFreeway
Independent-Star Filmfest Freising
Dedicated to independent filmmakers, this festival highlights emerging talent and offers a platform for networking with industry professionals. The festival celebrates a diverse range of films, from suspenseful thrillers to emotional dramas, and ends with a live screening event in Freising, Germany.
I am currently in the process of submitting to these festivals, so my experience with participation is still forthcoming. However, I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to attend as many German film festivals as possible. The artistic orientation of these festivals aligns perfectly with my aspirations, and I am excited about the possibility of connecting with like-minded individuals from Germany’s vibrant filmmaking community. I highly recommend that fellow filmmakers consider exploring these avenues as well.