Introduction to the film festival
KYIV INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILM FESTIVAL (KISFF) is largest short film festival in Ukraine.
Our festival features a diverse range of short films created by emerging and accomplished filmmakers, including film school students and independent creators from all corners of the world. Our goal is to showcase the most stirring, inventive and distinctive films while promoting Ukrainian cinema, encouraging communication and exchange of experiences between Ukrainian and international filmmakers and artists, and providing a safe and welcoming space for our audience.
Awards
INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION AWARDS
· Grand Prix
· Special Mention(s) – the juries are eligible to give one or more special awards
UKRAINIAN COMPETITION AWARDS
· Grand Prix
· Special Mention(s) – the juries are eligible to give one or more special awards
THE AUDIENCE AWARDS
The audience votes for their favourite film from each competition section.
Rules
Welcome to the 15th Kyiv International Short Film Festival (KISFF), which will take place from 17 to 23 September 2026,
We are accepting submissions of short films that are up to 35 minutes long, with a preference for Ukrainian premieres. There are no restrictions on the age of the filmmaker or the country of production, and the films submitted must be completed no earlier than January 1, 2024.
The festival has both International and Ukrainian Competitions, as well as various non-competition and thematic programs, panels, workshops, and Q&A sessions. Apart from the official selection, the program also features selections from partnering festivals and film schools. Please note that there is no separate program for student films; they are screened alongside professional films in our programs.
SUBMISSION FEE, DISCOUNTS AND WAIVERS
For individual filmmakers or distribution companies, the fees change depending on the deadline.
Submission fees play a vital role in supporting our festival, especially during times of war when other funding sources are limited. Therefore, unfortunately, we can't accommodate further individual waiver requests. If you cannot submit your film but wish to share your screener with us, please contact our programming team ().
THE TIMELINE
Early bird deadline: May 10, 2026
Regular deadline: June 10, 2026
Late deadline: July 10, 2026
Notification date: August 17, 2026
Festival dates: September 17-23, 2026
Filmmakers, producers, distributors, or other legal representatives may submit films, but the submitter must have the legal right to negotiate the use of the work with KISFF.
Our selection committee carefully chooses films for the festival, and those selected will be notified via e-mail one month before the event. We warmly invite directors of all selected films to Kyiv, and if the safety situation in Ukraine permits, accommodation will be provided.
By submitting an entry form, you agree to all terms and conditions stated in the festival regulations. We look forward to seeing your creative works and celebrating the art of short filmmaking together!
| Jury Name | Judge photos | Jury Profile |
|---|
Authorization type
Duration (several sessions)
Film Festival Features
Dates & Deadlines
2025-11-20
Submission start time
2026-05-10
Earlybird Deadline
2026-06-10
Regular Deadline
2026-07-10
Late Deadline
2026-07-10
Submission end time
2026-08-17
Finalist notification start time
2026-08-17
Finalist notification end time
2026-09-17
Award ceremony start time
2026-09-17
Award ceremony end time
Categories and fees
2026/05/10
Earlybird Deadline
Standard: 14 Dollar
Student： 10 Dollar
2026/06/10
Regular Deadline
Standard: 16 Dollar
Student： 10 Dollar
2026/07/10
Late Deadline
Standard: 20 Dollar
Student： 10 Dollar
2026/05/10
Earlybird Deadline
Standard: 14 Dollar
Student： 10 Dollar
2026/06/10
Regular Deadline
Standard: 16 Dollar
Student： 10 Dollar
2026/07/10
Late Deadline
Standard: 20 Dollar
Student： 10 Dollar
Related film festivalMore
View in the applet
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