Berlinale Shorts Regulations

The short film as an art form and springboard for young talent is an established tradition at the Berlinale and enjoys high priority. This section shows all genres and types of short films; it is a showcase for the kind of new directions in filmmaking that often make their first appearance in short films. In order to give this special format the attention it deserves, no formal restrictions are imposed. Following the screenings, discussions with the filmmakers serve to establish ties between the public and the artists and provide ample space for communication.

For short films in the section Generation, the special regulations of that section apply.

International premieres are required. World premieres are given priority.
German films have to be world premieres.

Eligible for the Berlinale Shorts competition are fiction, documentary, experimental and animation films up to a maximum length of 30 minutes (including credits)

Accepted formats: 35mm, HDCAM, QuickTime ProRes 422 LT (other formats upon request)
Date of completion: Within the 12 months prior to the Festival.

To be eligible

• films must not have been screened at any festival or similar public event outside their country of origin prior to to the Berlinale. Screening at national festivals or events with national focus in the country of origin does not preclude a film from selection.
• films must not have been released commercially outside their country of origin.
• films may not have been broadcast nor presented in the internet / VOD
• German productions may not have been presented publically prior to the Festival.

The Festival Director has the right to settle any cases not covered by the regulations.

All films have to be registered online at online film entry. The entry fee is € 50 and payment can be effected by credit card only (Visa, American Express, Mastercard) during the online submission process.

There are special conditions for film schools (please contact the programme organisation programme@berlinale.de)

Invitations for the films to participate in the Berlinale Shorts competition are extended by the Festival Director in agreement with the section’s curator.

Formats accepted for selection are film prints, DVD and Blu-ray (region free / all regions). For other formats please contact the section directly.
If you apply for several sections and your submission format is DVD / Blu-ray, you are kindly requested to possibly send two screeners to our attention.

There is also the possibility to upload a short film within the online film entry process. More information can be found at infosheet upload.

All films, including German-language films, are shown in their original version with English subtitles.

The producer is required to meet the costs of subtitling.

The original version is the version shown (or which will be shown) in the country of origin.

The jury comprises a minimum of three German and international personalities.

No person involved in the production or commercial exploitation of a selected film may serve on the jury.

The Festival Director or an authorised representative may be present during the jury’s deliberations but does not take part in the voting.

The jury members are sworn to secrecy. The jury’s discussions and ballots are strictly confidential, even after the end of the Festival.

The international jury is obliged to award the following prizes to short films in competition:

• the Golden Bear for the Best Short Film
• the Jury Prize (Silver Bear)

Only one prize may be awarded ex aequo.

The jury also nominates both the Prix EFA (Berlin Short Film Nominee for the European Film Award) as well as the DAAD Short Film Prize.

For any further questions, please consult the General Regulations of the Berlin International Film Festival.