About the Film Festival
Journey through the rich history of cinema at The International Short Film Festival Oberhausen - the world's oldest and most influential short film festival. Since its founding in 1954, it has been at the forefront of shaping the art of short films, making it a must-attend event for film enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.
Experience more than just a festival; Oberhausen is an institution that has played a pivotal role in the development of the film industry. Countless renowned filmmakers and artists, including Roman Polanski, George Lucas, and Cate Shortland, have showcased their early works here, taking their first steps towards cinematic greatness.
Moreover, the International Short Film Festival Oberhausen has been a breeding ground for political and aesthetic revolutions. It was here that the groundbreaking Oberhausen Manifesto was formulated, setting the stage for German cinema's future direction. This festival has always been at the vanguard of change, continually pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo.
Oberhausen's influence extends beyond the world of film. Recognizing the power of short films and videos, the festival has embraced emerging art forms. It became one of the first platforms to treat video as an equal medium alongside film, revolutionizing the way we appreciate and recognize artistic expression.
In 2020, the festival adapted to the challenges posed by the global pandemic and successfully transitioned into an online format, drawing audiences from nearly 100 countries. This unexpected success not only demonstrated the festival's resilience but also showcased its ability to evolve and reach new audiences even in the face of adversity.
With an extensive film library encompassing over 2,000 titles, Oberhausen stands as a testament to the rich heritage of short films. Additionally, the festival's non-commercial short film distribution and media partnerships with ARTE and 3sat have further solidified its importance as a global influencer in the film industry.
By proudly holding the accreditation of the Fédération Internationale des Associations de Producteurs de Films (FIAPF) since 1960, Oberhausen maintains its position as a revered international platform. Its cooperation with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and its role as a founding member of both the AG Kurzfilm and AG Filmfestival further underline its credibility and impact on the cinematic landscape.
Join us at The International Short Film Festival Oberhausen and be a part of the legacy that continues to shape the world of cinema, inspire new generations of filmmakers, and celebrate the boundless creativity of the short film medium.
Get ready to witness an array of accolades as the esteemed International Jury bestows prestigious prizes at The International Short Film Festival Oberhausen:
The Grand Prize of the City of Oberhausen, a coveted honor accompanied by a generous 8,000 € award.
The Principal Prize, recognizing outstanding achievement with a substantial reward of 4,000 €.
The Promotional Prize of the International Competition, acknowledging exceptional talent with a noteworthy prize of 1,500 €.
Additionally, the Jury will select a remarkable short film candidate to be nominated for the highly esteemed European Film Awards 2024.
The Jury of the Ministry for Culture and Science of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia will also present their distinct awards:
A grand first prize, celebrating brilliance with a remarkable 5,000 € award.
A distinguished second prize, honoring excellence with a noteworthy 3,000 € reward.
The FIPRESCI Jury will contribute to the excitement by awarding an exceptional prize honoring outstanding achievements in the field of short film. Furthermore, the Ecumenical Jury will bestow their own esteemed prize, recognizing work that uplifts the spirit with a valuable award of 1,500 €.
The International Short Film Festival Oberhausen proudly presents the ZONTA Prize, honoring a female filmmaker who has showcased exceptional talent in either the International or German Competition, with a remarkable prize of 1,000 €.
The Jury of the German Competition will add to the celebration with the following accolades:
The prestigious Prize of the German Competition, commending excellence with a substantial reward of 5,000 €.
The Promotional Prize of the German Competition, acknowledging emerging talent with a noteworthy prize of 1,500 €.
The highly coveted 3sat Emerging Talent Prize, not only offering a remarkable reward of 2,500 € but also presenting the opportunity for 3sat to purchase the winning title and showcase it on their esteemed platform.
The Jury of the NRW Competition ensures local talent is recognized, awarding the following prizes:
The Prize of the NRW Competition, celebrating brilliance with a remarkable award of 1,000 €.
The Promotional Prize of the NRW Competition, acknowledging emerging talent with a noteworthy prize of 500 €.
In addition to these awards, engage with the immersive experience as audience members contribute to the celebration. The WDR Westart Audience Jury presents the Prize of the WDR Westart Audience Jury, worth 750 €, with the added option for WDR to purchase the winning title and present it on WDR.
Two children's and youth juries from Oberhausen will also have a voice in recognizing exceptional talent in the International Children's and Youth Film Competition. Each jury will award one prize, each worth 1,000 €. Furthermore, the Children's Jury will acknowledge exceptional work with a Promotional Prize of 1,000 €. The Ecumenical Jury of the Children's and Youth Film Competition will also present their own esteemed prize, commemorating work that resonates with a substantial reward of 1,500 €.
Finally, the Jury of the European Children's Film Association (ECFA) will nominate a film from the International Children's and Youth Film Competition for the ECFA Short Film Award, which will be announced during the 2025 Berlinale.
Prepare to be enthralled as filmmakers are recognized and celebrated at The International Short Film Festival Oberhausen.
Genre ：Action Comedy War Science fiction Ethics Horror Thriller Violence Adventure Crime Family Musical Romance VR/3D Magical Fantasy Shootout Suspense Youth Inspirational Arthouse Biography Western Drama others Documentary
Subject ：Unlimited
Video Format ：MPEG4 DCP MOV MPEG
Subject ：Unlimited
Video Format ：MPEG4 DCP MOV MPEG
Terms and Conditions:
1. Submission Process:
- All submissions must be made exclusively through our website using the online entry form.
- Each film submission can only be entered into one competition at a time. Double submissions will not be accepted.
2. Production Date:
- Films submitted must have been produced after 1 January 2024.
3. Premiere Requirements:
- Each competition has specific premiere requirements. Please review the individual sections and regulations for more details.
4. Submission Deadlines:
- The submission deadline for all competitions is 1 February 2024, Eligible submissions received until this date will be previewed in advance, and submitters will be notified of the decisions in November 2023.
- The submission deadline refers to the date of receipt of the submissions. No extensions will be granted.
5. Admitted Screening Formats:
- For all competitions, except the MuVi award, the accepted screening formats are 35 mm, 16 mm, Super 8, and DCP (Digital Cinema Package).
- The MuVi award only accepts films in DCP format.
6. Handling Fee:
- A submission handling fee of 20 euros per film will be charged.
7. Competition Selection:
- All selection results will be announced in mid-March 2024.
- International productions and co-productions can be submitted using this option. Co-productions with Germany should be submitted for the International Competition if they comply with the regulations, and they will be considered for either the International Competition or the German Competition based on the main production company's location.
- If co-productions with Germany do not comply with the regulations of the International Competition (film longer than 35 minutes and/or no German festival premiere), they must be submitted for the German Competition and will only be considered for that category. German productions should be submitted using the respective option.
8. Maximum Running Time and Seat of Production/Co-production:
- Please review the regulations carefully for each competition, as they have specific requirements for maximum running time and seat of production/co-production.
9. International Children's and Youth Film Competition:
- International productions and co-productions must be submitted through the entry form of the International Competition, while German productions should use the entry form of the German Competition. Select "children’s and youth film" in the entry form.
- All eligible submissions for the International and German competitions will be previewed for the International Children’s and Youth Film Competition.
10. MuVi Competition:
- Please carefully read the regulations specific to the MuVi Competition before submitting.
- Maximum running time is 15 minutes.
- The seat of production or co-production must be in Germany.
- No festival premiere is required.
- The deadline for submission is 22 February 2024.
11. German Music Videos:
- Films submitted as German music videos must meet the following criteria:
- The director or production must be based in Germany.
- The director and producer must be authorized by the rights owner to produce a music video for the selected piece of music.
- No festival premiere is required.
Please carefully read and comply with the regulations specific to each competition before submitting your film.
Categories and fees
International Porduction
Video length ：01 - 35
Screening Formats:
For all competitions, except the MuVi award, the following formats are accepted: 35 mm, 16 mm, Super 8, and DCP (Digital Cinema Package).
The MuVi award exclusively accepts films in DCP format.
Film Criteria:
Maximum running time: 35 minutes
Seat of production or co-production: Films must not be produced in Germany, except for co-productions.
Earlybird Deadline2025/10/08
Standard: 5 Dollar
Regular Deadline2026/01/17
Standard: 5 Dollar
Children's and youth film productions
Video length ：00 - 35
International productions and co-productions must be submitted via the entry form of the International Competition, German productions must be submitted via the entry form of the German Competition. Please select “children’s and youth film” in the entry form. All eligible submissions to the International and German competitions will be previewed for the International Children’s and Youth Film Competition.
Earlybird Deadline2025/10/08
Standard: 5 Dollar
Regular Deadline2026/01/17
Standard: 5 Dollar
Live Event
