shnit worldwide shortsfestival

With the PRO ENTRY, the festival provides a feedback system which is unique within the scope of film festivals. The aim is to give filmmakers valuable feedback on their work to enhance their artistic potential for future projects and for other festival submissions. Usually festivals do not give substantial nor personal feedback. The submitter gets the following extra add-on package:
[1] A place on the short-list «pre-selection» for the artistic director(s) (final round of selection).
[2] Personal individual feedback for every film you enter by the artistic director(s).
[3] The festival offers the representative of the film (1 person) free festival access to all screenings in all PLAYGROUNDS.
There is a higher submission fee to enter your films to the PRO ENTRY. The costs equate to the administration in order to guarantee individual treatment for the feedback system.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

- All genres are accepted.
- Maximum length: 40 minutes (including credits).
- Films must have been completed on or after January 1st, 2023.
- Only completed productions are accepted (no work-in-progress previews).
- A film may only be submitted once.
- No premiere requirement.
- Accepted digital screening formats: Apple ProRes 422 or H.264 (1080p).
- The screening copy must be in English or have English subtitles.
- Paid entry fee.
- Submitting before the Deadline June 1st, 2025.
- The submitter is responsible for all copyrights. By submitting the film, you commit the film to be screened if it is selected and the selection of the film has been accepted by the filmmaker.

HOW TO SUBMIT

- Submissions can be made via FilmFest, Festhome, Shortfilmdepot, FilmFreeway or on shortsfestival.org.
- Upload at least one still photo from the film.
- Ensure the preview file is working correctly.
- Preview file must be in English or subtitled in English.
- The final selection will be announced he latest by August 1st, 2025, at www.shortsfestival.org.
- Only submitters of selected films will be notified personally.
- The submitters of the selected films will be notified prior to the public announcement.

JURIES AND PRIZES

WORLDWIDE COMPETITION
The festival will invite a jury president. The shnit TRIBUTE nominates three films to present to the jury president to elect the winner of the WORLDWIDE COMPETITION. The following prizes will be given to the director of the awarded films:

- Jury presidents Award – THE FLAMING FAUN: 5.000 $ for the best film
- Audience Award – THE FLAMING FAUN

The winner of the WORLDWIDE COMPETITION as well as the three shnit audience nominated films of the WORLDWIDE COMPETITION will all become eligible to enter the Oscars® 2026 [Cinematic release | in accordance with the rules of the 98th Oscars®].

INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION
The festival will nominate an international jury consisting of three members. shnit TRIBUTE nominates in each jury-category three films to present to the jury. The following prizes will be given to the director of the awarded films:

- Jury Award – THE FLAMING FAUN: $2,500 for the best film under 10 minutes
- Jury Award – THE FLAMING FAUN: $2,500 for the best film under 20 minutes
- Jury Award – THE FLAMING FAUN: $2,500 for the best film under 40 minutes
- Audience Award – THE FLAMING FAUN

The three shnit audience nominated films of the INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION will all become eligible to enter the Oscars® 2026 [Cinematic release | in accordance with the rules of the 98th Oscars®].

In addition to the prizes mentioned above and with the approval of the festival, it is also possible for other organisations and associations to award films in the WORLDWIDE & INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION. Any prizes (cash or in-kind prizes) awarded by shnit are not transferable or exchangeable. The festival reserves the right to change, add or suppress awards according to circumstances.

IF THE FILM IS SELECTED

- Information given in the entry form (synopsis, credits etc.) will be used as such in marketing and publicity.
- Please have your screening copy ready for sending in from June 1st 2025.
- Screening copy must be delivered at least four (4) weeks before the festival.
- Screening copy must have English subtitles (extra file | separate from film file) and be identical to the preview copy.
- Films will be subtitled in the needed language for the screenings.
- The festival is authorized to make excerpts not exceeding 10% or max. 3 minutes of the total running time of the selected films to be used in promoting the festival in various media and the Internet and for promotional (incl. shnit-postcards), archival and other non-commercial purposes.
- The festival offers the representative of the film (1 person) free festival access to all screenings in all PLAYGROUNDS*. More information about guest services will be provided personally to successful applicants.
- Festival will not pay screening fees for films selected for the WORLDWIDE & INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION.
- Please ensure that nominated filmmakers are ready to travel to the shnit FINALE in Amsterdam (September 30th 2025) to be part of the award ceremony.

SCREENINGS

- shnit PLAYGROUNDS* Screenings: August 21st – August 31st, 2025.
- shnit EXPANDED screenings until September 30th, 2025: Films of the WORLDWIDE COMPETITION will be offered for closed screening in foreign country offices (embassies / consular offices) in various cities. A small selection of films of the INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION will be presented in cinemas and cultural centers in the program «life is shorts» outside shnit PLAYGROUNDS*. The winners of the WORLDWIDE COMPETITION and three audience-nominated films from the WORLDWIDE & INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION will be screened for seven days in a cinema in USA (NY).
- shnit FINALE Award Ceremony: September 30th, 2025, in Amsterdam, [The Netherlands].

SHNIT ONLINE FILM LIBRARY & BEST OF PROGRAM

Selected films will be included in shnit’s online film library, accessible only to accredited professionals from August 21st – August 31st, 2025. During the shnit PLAYGROUNDS* period, selected short films may be made available for a fee on a password-protected, geo-blocked shnit platform (shnit SHOWREEL). Any restrictions on online screenings must be communicated at least two weeks before the festival via showreel@shortsfestival.org.
After the festival, a few films from the official selection may be screened as a BEST OF program and in special programs in cinemas and cultural centers. shnit presents its programs with subtitles in several languages. To translate subtitles and to learn about languages shnit collaborates with language schools and can make officially selected films of the program 2025 available for students. Best efforts will be made to ensure that filmmakers whose films are being screened as BEST OF will be informed about the place(s) and date(s) of the screening(s).

NON-SPECIFIED CASES

Any such cases not mentioned in these regulations will be left to the festival's consideration (in accordance with FIAPF International Regulations). By submitting a film, the entrant acknowledges that they have read, understood, and accepted the regulations without reservation.

*shnit worldwide shortsfestival takes place simultaneously in the several cities, the shnit PLAYGROUNDS, on five continents. The planned PLAYGROUNDS 2025 are: Buenos Aires [Argentina], Cairo [Egypt], Cape Town [South Africa], Goa [India], Hong Kong [China], Moscow [Russia], Sidney [Australia], San José [Costa Rica], Toronto [Canada], the shnit OPENING in Bern [Switzerland] and the shnit FINALE in Amsterdam [The Netherlands]. Affected by the aftermath of the pandemic, there may be changes in this planning. The shnit FINALE in Amsterdam is held annually, as long as the contributions of the partners and sponsors make this possible. The final festival setup will be announced on August 1st, 2025, at www.shortsfestival.org.

Submissions for a NATIONAL COMPETITION automatically qualify as entries for the WORLDWIDE & INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION. Double submission is not necessary.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

- The origin (production county | directors origin) of the short film is out of one of the PLAYGROUND* countries
- All genres are accepted.
- Maximum length: 40 minutes (including credits).
- Films must have been completed on or after January 1st, 2023.
- Only completed productions are accepted (no work-in-progress previews).
- A film may only be submitted once.
- No premiere requirement.
- Accepted digital screening formats: Apple ProRes 422 or H.264 (1080p).
- The screening copy must be in English or have English subtitles.
- Paid entry fee | Valid waiver code
- Submitting before the Deadline June 1st, 2025.
- The submitter is responsible for all copyrights. By submitting the film, you commit the film to be screened if it is selected and the selection of the film has been accepted by the filmmaker.

HOW TO SUBMIT

- Submissions can be made via FilmFest, Festhome, Shortfilmdepot, FilmFreeway or on shortsfestival.org.
- Upload at least one still photo from the film.
- Ensure the preview file is working correctly.
- Preview file must be in English or subtitled in English.
- The final selection will be announced he latest by August 1st, 2025, at www.shortsfestival.org.
- Only submitters of selected films will be notified personally.
- The submitters of the selected films will be notified prior to the public announcement.

JURIES AND PRIZES

The festival will nominate jury consisting of three members. The following prizes will be given to the director of the awarded films:

- Jury Award – Defined by the relevant shnit PLAYGROUND*
- Audience Award – Defined the relevant shnit PLAYGROUND*

In addition to the prizes mentioned above and with the approval of the festival, it is also possible for other organisations and associations to award films in a NATIONAL COMPETITION. Any prizes (cash or in-kind prizes) awarded by shnit are not transferable or exchangeable. The festival reserves the right to change, add or suppress awards according to circumstances.

IF THE FILM IS SELECTED

- Information given in the entry form (synopsis, credits etc.) will be used as such in marketing and publicity.
- Please have your screening copy ready for sending in from June 1st 2025.
- Screening copy must be delivered at least four (4) weeks before the festival.
- Screening copy must be identical to the preview copy.
- The festival is authorized to make excerpts not exceeding 10% or max. 3 minutes of the total running time of the selected films to be used in promoting the festival in various media and the Internet and for promotional (incl. shnit-postcards), archival and other non-commercial purposes.
- The festival offers the representative of the film (1 person) free festival access to all screenings in the valid PLAYGROUND*. More information about guest services will be provided personally to successful applicants.
- Festival will not pay screening fees for films selected for a NATIONAL COMPETITION.
- shnit PLAYGROUNDS* Screenings: August 21st – August 31st, 2025.

NON-SPECIFIED CASES

Any such cases not mentioned in these regulations will be left to the festival's consideration (in accordance with FIAPF International Regulations). By submitting a film, the entrant acknowledges that they have read, understood, and accepted the regulations without reservation.

*The planned NATIONAL COMPETITIONS 2025 are: MADE IN ARGENTINA – PLAYGROUND Buenos Aires | MADE IN EGYPT – PLAYGROUND Cairo | MADE IN SOUTH AFRICA – PLAYGROUND Cape Town | MADE IN INDIA – PLAYGROUND Goa | MADE IN CHINA – PLAYGROUND Hong Kong | MADE IN RUSSIA – PLAYGROUND Moscow | MADE IN AUSTRALIA – PLAYGROUND Sydney | MADE IN COSTA RICA – PLAYGROUND San José | MADE IN CANADA – PLAYGROUND Toronto

The final competition list will be announced on August 1st, 2025, at www.shortsfestival.org.

Submissions for a NATIONAL COMPETITION automatically qualify as entries for the WORLDWIDE & INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION. Double submission is not necessary.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

- The origin (production county | directors origin) of the short film is out of one of the PLAYGROUND* countries
- All genres are accepted.
- Maximum length: 40 minutes (including credits).
- Films must have been completed on or after January 1st, 2023.
- Only completed productions are accepted (no work-in-progress previews).
- A film may only be submitted once.
- No premiere requirement.
- Accepted digital screening formats: Apple ProRes 422 or H.264 (1080p).
- The screening copy must be in English or have English subtitles.
- Paid entry fee | Valid waiver code
- Submitting before the Deadline June 1st, 2025.
- The submitter is responsible for all copyrights. By submitting the film, you commit the film to be screened if it is selected and the selection of the film has been accepted by the filmmaker.

HOW TO SUBMIT

- Submissions can be made via FilmFest, Festhome, Shortfilmdepot, FilmFreeway or on shortsfestival.org.
- Upload at least one still photo from the film.
- Ensure the preview file is working correctly.
- Preview file must be in English or subtitled in English.
- The final selection will be announced he latest by August 1st, 2025, at www.shortsfestival.org.
- Only submitters of selected films will be notified personally.
- The submitters of the selected films will be notified prior to the public announcement.

JURIES AND PRIZES

The festival will nominate jury consisting of three members. The following prizes will be given to the director of the awarded films:

- Jury Award – Defined by the relevant shnit PLAYGROUND*
- Audience Award – Defined the relevant shnit PLAYGROUND*

In addition to the prizes mentioned above and with the approval of the festival, it is also possible for other organisations and associations to award films in a NATIONAL COMPETITION. Any prizes (cash or in-kind prizes) awarded by shnit are not transferable or exchangeable. The festival reserves the right to change, add or suppress awards according to circumstances.

IF THE FILM IS SELECTED

- Information given in the entry form (synopsis, credits etc.) will be used as such in marketing and publicity.
- Please have your screening copy ready for sending in from June 1st 2025.
- Screening copy must be delivered at least four (4) weeks before the festival.
- Screening copy must be identical to the preview copy.
- The festival is authorized to make excerpts not exceeding 10% or max. 3 minutes of the total running time of the selected films to be used in promoting the festival in various media and the Internet and for promotional (incl. shnit-postcards), archival and other non-commercial purposes.
- The festival offers the representative of the film (1 person) free festival access to all screenings in the valid PLAYGROUND*. More information about guest services will be provided personally to successful applicants.
- Festival will not pay screening fees for films selected for a NATIONAL COMPETITION.
- shnit PLAYGROUNDS* Screenings: August 21st – August 31st, 2025.

NON-SPECIFIED CASES

Any such cases not mentioned in these regulations will be left to the festival's consideration (in accordance with FIAPF International Regulations). By submitting a film, the entrant acknowledges that they have read, understood, and accepted the regulations without reservation.

*The planned NATIONAL COMPETITIONS 2025 are: MADE IN ARGENTINA – PLAYGROUND Buenos Aires | MADE IN EGYPT – PLAYGROUND Cairo | MADE IN SOUTH AFRICA – PLAYGROUND Cape Town | MADE IN INDIA – PLAYGROUND Goa | MADE IN CHINA – PLAYGROUND Hong Kong | MADE IN RUSSIA – PLAYGROUND Moscow | MADE IN AUSTRALIA – PLAYGROUND Sydney | MADE IN COSTA RICA – PLAYGROUND San José | MADE IN CANADA – PLAYGROUND Toronto

The final competition list will be announced on August 1st, 2025, at www.shortsfestival.org.

Submissions for a NATIONAL COMPETITION automatically qualify as entries for the WORLDWIDE & INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION. Double submission is not necessary.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

- The origin (production county | directors origin) of the short film is out of one of the PLAYGROUND* countries
- All genres are accepted.
- Maximum length: 40 minutes (including credits).
- Films must have been completed on or after January 1st, 2023.
- Only completed productions are accepted (no work-in-progress previews).
- A film may only be submitted once.
- No premiere requirement.
- Accepted digital screening formats: Apple ProRes 422 or H.264 (1080p).
- The screening copy must be in English or have English subtitles.
- Paid entry fee | Valid waiver code
- Submitting before the Deadline June 1st, 2025.
- The submitter is responsible for all copyrights. By submitting the film, you commit the film to be screened if it is selected and the selection of the film has been accepted by the filmmaker.

HOW TO SUBMIT

- Submissions can be made via FilmFest, Festhome, Shortfilmdepot, FilmFreeway or on shortsfestival.org.
- Upload at least one still photo from the film.
- Ensure the preview file is working correctly.
- Preview file must be in English or subtitled in English.
- The final selection will be announced he latest by August 1st, 2025, at www.shortsfestival.org.
- Only submitters of selected films will be notified personally.
- The submitters of the selected films will be notified prior to the public announcement.

JURIES AND PRIZES

The festival will nominate jury consisting of three members. The following prizes will be given to the director of the awarded films:

- Jury Award – Defined by the relevant shnit PLAYGROUND*
- Audience Award – Defined the relevant shnit PLAYGROUND*

In addition to the prizes mentioned above and with the approval of the festival, it is also possible for other organisations and associations to award films in a NATIONAL COMPETITION. Any prizes (cash or in-kind prizes) awarded by shnit are not transferable or exchangeable. The festival reserves the right to change, add or suppress awards according to circumstances.

IF THE FILM IS SELECTED

- Information given in the entry form (synopsis, credits etc.) will be used as such in marketing and publicity.
- Please have your screening copy ready for sending in from June 1st 2025.
- Screening copy must be delivered at least four (4) weeks before the festival.
- Screening copy must be identical to the preview copy.
- The festival is authorized to make excerpts not exceeding 10% or max. 3 minutes of the total running time of the selected films to be used in promoting the festival in various media and the Internet and for promotional (incl. shnit-postcards), archival and other non-commercial purposes.
- The festival offers the representative of the film (1 person) free festival access to all screenings in the valid PLAYGROUND*. More information about guest services will be provided personally to successful applicants.
- Festival will not pay screening fees for films selected for a NATIONAL COMPETITION.
- shnit PLAYGROUNDS* Screenings: August 21st – August 31st, 2025.

NON-SPECIFIED CASES

Any such cases not mentioned in these regulations will be left to the festival's consideration (in accordance with FIAPF International Regulations). By submitting a film, the entrant acknowledges that they have read, understood, and accepted the regulations without reservation.

*The planned NATIONAL COMPETITIONS 2025 are: MADE IN ARGENTINA – PLAYGROUND Buenos Aires | MADE IN EGYPT – PLAYGROUND Cairo | MADE IN SOUTH AFRICA – PLAYGROUND Cape Town | MADE IN INDIA – PLAYGROUND Goa | MADE IN CHINA – PLAYGROUND Hong Kong | MADE IN RUSSIA – PLAYGROUND Moscow | MADE IN AUSTRALIA – PLAYGROUND Sydney | MADE IN COSTA RICA – PLAYGROUND San José | MADE IN CANADA – PLAYGROUND Toronto

The final competition list will be announced on August 1st, 2025, at www.shortsfestival.org.

Submissions for a NATIONAL COMPETITION automatically qualify as entries for the WORLDWIDE & INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION. Double submission is not necessary.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

- The origin (production county | directors origin) of the short film is out of one of the PLAYGROUND* countries
- All genres are accepted.
- Maximum length: 40 minutes (including credits).
- Films must have been completed on or after January 1st, 2023.
- Only completed productions are accepted (no work-in-progress previews).
- A film may only be submitted once.
- No premiere requirement.
- Accepted digital screening formats: Apple ProRes 422 or H.264 (1080p).
- The screening copy must be in English or have English subtitles.
- Paid entry fee | Valid waiver code
- Submitting before the Deadline June 1st, 2025.
- The submitter is responsible for all copyrights. By submitting the film, you commit the film to be screened if it is selected and the selection of the film has been accepted by the filmmaker.

HOW TO SUBMIT

- Submissions can be made via FilmFest, Festhome, Shortfilmdepot, FilmFreeway or on shortsfestival.org.
- Upload at least one still photo from the film.
- Ensure the preview file is working correctly.
- Preview file must be in English or subtitled in English.
- The final selection will be announced he latest by August 1st, 2025, at www.shortsfestival.org.
- Only submitters of selected films will be notified personally.
- The submitters of the selected films will be notified prior to the public announcement.

JURIES AND PRIZES

The festival will nominate jury consisting of three members. The following prizes will be given to the director of the awarded films:

- Jury Award – Defined by the relevant shnit PLAYGROUND*
- Audience Award – Defined the relevant shnit PLAYGROUND*

In addition to the prizes mentioned above and with the approval of the festival, it is also possible for other organisations and associations to award films in a NATIONAL COMPETITION. Any prizes (cash or in-kind prizes) awarded by shnit are not transferable or exchangeable. The festival reserves the right to change, add or suppress awards according to circumstances.

IF THE FILM IS SELECTED

- Information given in the entry form (synopsis, credits etc.) will be used as such in marketing and publicity.
- Please have your screening copy ready for sending in from June 1st 2025.
- Screening copy must be delivered at least four (4) weeks before the festival.
- Screening copy must be identical to the preview copy.
- The festival is authorized to make excerpts not exceeding 10% or max. 3 minutes of the total running time of the selected films to be used in promoting the festival in various media and the Internet and for promotional (incl. shnit-postcards), archival and other non-commercial purposes.
- The festival offers the representative of the film (1 person) free festival access to all screenings in the valid PLAYGROUND*. More information about guest services will be provided personally to successful applicants.
- Festival will not pay screening fees for films selected for a NATIONAL COMPETITION.
- shnit PLAYGROUNDS* Screenings: August 21st – August 31st, 2025.

NON-SPECIFIED CASES

Any such cases not mentioned in these regulations will be left to the festival's consideration (in accordance with FIAPF International Regulations). By submitting a film, the entrant acknowledges that they have read, understood, and accepted the regulations without reservation.

*The planned NATIONAL COMPETITIONS 2025 are: MADE IN ARGENTINA – PLAYGROUND Buenos Aires | MADE IN EGYPT – PLAYGROUND Cairo | MADE IN SOUTH AFRICA – PLAYGROUND Cape Town | MADE IN INDIA – PLAYGROUND Goa | MADE IN CHINA – PLAYGROUND Hong Kong | MADE IN RUSSIA – PLAYGROUND Moscow | MADE IN AUSTRALIA – PLAYGROUND Sydney | MADE IN COSTA RICA – PLAYGROUND San José | MADE IN CANADA – PLAYGROUND Toronto

The final competition list will be announced on August 1st, 2025, at www.shortsfestival.org.

Submissions for a NATIONAL COMPETITION automatically qualify as entries for the WORLDWIDE & INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION. Double submission is not necessary.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

- The origin (production county | directors origin) of the short film is out of one of the PLAYGROUND* countries
- All genres are accepted.
- Maximum length: 40 minutes (including credits).
- Films must have been completed on or after January 1st, 2023.
- Only completed productions are accepted (no work-in-progress previews).
- A film may only be submitted once.
- No premiere requirement.
- Accepted digital screening formats: Apple ProRes 422 or H.264 (1080p).
- The screening copy must be in English or have English subtitles.
- Paid entry fee | Valid waiver code
- Submitting before the Deadline June 1st, 2025.
- The submitter is responsible for all copyrights. By submitting the film, you commit the film to be screened if it is selected and the selection of the film has been accepted by the filmmaker.

HOW TO SUBMIT

- Submissions can be made via FilmFest, Festhome, Shortfilmdepot, FilmFreeway or on shortsfestival.org.
- Upload at least one still photo from the film.
- Ensure the preview file is working correctly.
- Preview file must be in English or subtitled in English.
- The final selection will be announced he latest by August 1st, 2025, at www.shortsfestival.org.
- Only submitters of selected films will be notified personally.
- The submitters of the selected films will be notified prior to the public announcement.

JURIES AND PRIZES

The festival will nominate jury consisting of three members. The following prizes will be given to the director of the awarded films:

- Jury Award – Defined by the relevant shnit PLAYGROUND*
- Audience Award – Defined the relevant shnit PLAYGROUND*

In addition to the prizes mentioned above and with the approval of the festival, it is also possible for other organisations and associations to award films in a NATIONAL COMPETITION. Any prizes (cash or in-kind prizes) awarded by shnit are not transferable or exchangeable. The festival reserves the right to change, add or suppress awards according to circumstances.

IF THE FILM IS SELECTED

- Information given in the entry form (synopsis, credits etc.) will be used as such in marketing and publicity.
- Please have your screening copy ready for sending in from June 1st 2025.
- Screening copy must be delivered at least four (4) weeks before the festival.
- Screening copy must be identical to the preview copy.
- The festival is authorized to make excerpts not exceeding 10% or max. 3 minutes of the total running time of the selected films to be used in promoting the festival in various media and the Internet and for promotional (incl. shnit-postcards), archival and other non-commercial purposes.
- The festival offers the representative of the film (1 person) free festival access to all screenings in the valid PLAYGROUND*. More information about guest services will be provided personally to successful applicants.
- Festival will not pay screening fees for films selected for a NATIONAL COMPETITION.
- shnit PLAYGROUNDS* Screenings: August 21st – August 31st, 2025.

NON-SPECIFIED CASES

Any such cases not mentioned in these regulations will be left to the festival's consideration (in accordance with FIAPF International Regulations). By submitting a film, the entrant acknowledges that they have read, understood, and accepted the regulations without reservation.

*The planned NATIONAL COMPETITIONS 2025 are: MADE IN ARGENTINA – PLAYGROUND Buenos Aires | MADE IN EGYPT – PLAYGROUND Cairo | MADE IN SOUTH AFRICA – PLAYGROUND Cape Town | MADE IN INDIA – PLAYGROUND Goa | MADE IN CHINA – PLAYGROUND Hong Kong | MADE IN RUSSIA – PLAYGROUND Moscow | MADE IN AUSTRALIA – PLAYGROUND Sydney | MADE IN COSTA RICA – PLAYGROUND San José | MADE IN CANADA – PLAYGROUND Toronto

The final competition list will be announced on August 1st, 2025, at www.shortsfestival.org.

Submissions for a NATIONAL COMPETITION automatically qualify as entries for the WORLDWIDE & INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION. Double submission is not necessary.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

- The origin (production county | directors origin) of the short film is out of one of the PLAYGROUND* countries
- All genres are accepted.
- Maximum length: 40 minutes (including credits).
- Films must have been completed on or after January 1st, 2023.
- Only completed productions are accepted (no work-in-progress previews).
- A film may only be submitted once.
- No premiere requirement.
- Accepted digital screening formats: Apple ProRes 422 or H.264 (1080p).
- The screening copy must be in English or have English subtitles.
- Paid entry fee | Valid waiver code
- Submitting before the Deadline June 1st, 2025.
- The submitter is responsible for all copyrights. By submitting the film, you commit the film to be screened if it is selected and the selection of the film has been accepted by the filmmaker.

HOW TO SUBMIT

- Submissions can be made via FilmFest, Festhome, Shortfilmdepot, FilmFreeway or on shortsfestival.org.
- Upload at least one still photo from the film.
- Ensure the preview file is working correctly.
- Preview file must be in English or subtitled in English.
- The final selection will be announced he latest by August 1st, 2025, at www.shortsfestival.org.
- Only submitters of selected films will be notified personally.
- The submitters of the selected films will be notified prior to the public announcement.

JURIES AND PRIZES

The festival will nominate jury consisting of three members. The following prizes will be given to the director of the awarded films:

- Jury Award – Defined by the relevant shnit PLAYGROUND*
- Audience Award – Defined the relevant shnit PLAYGROUND*

In addition to the prizes mentioned above and with the approval of the festival, it is also possible for other organisations and associations to award films in a NATIONAL COMPETITION. Any prizes (cash or in-kind prizes) awarded by shnit are not transferable or exchangeable. The festival reserves the right to change, add or suppress awards according to circumstances.

IF THE FILM IS SELECTED

- Information given in the entry form (synopsis, credits etc.) will be used as such in marketing and publicity.
- Please have your screening copy ready for sending in from June 1st 2025.
- Screening copy must be delivered at least four (4) weeks before the festival.
- Screening copy must be identical to the preview copy.
- The festival is authorized to make excerpts not exceeding 10% or max. 3 minutes of the total running time of the selected films to be used in promoting the festival in various media and the Internet and for promotional (incl. shnit-postcards), archival and other non-commercial purposes.
- The festival offers the representative of the film (1 person) free festival access to all screenings in the valid PLAYGROUND*. More information about guest services will be provided personally to successful applicants.
- Festival will not pay screening fees for films selected for a NATIONAL COMPETITION.
- shnit PLAYGROUNDS* Screenings: August 21st – August 31st, 2025.

NON-SPECIFIED CASES

Any such cases not mentioned in these regulations will be left to the festival's consideration (in accordance with FIAPF International Regulations). By submitting a film, the entrant acknowledges that they have read, understood, and accepted the regulations without reservation.

*The planned NATIONAL COMPETITIONS 2025 are: MADE IN ARGENTINA – PLAYGROUND Buenos Aires | MADE IN EGYPT – PLAYGROUND Cairo | MADE IN SOUTH AFRICA – PLAYGROUND Cape Town | MADE IN INDIA – PLAYGROUND Goa | MADE IN CHINA – PLAYGROUND Hong Kong | MADE IN RUSSIA – PLAYGROUND Moscow | MADE IN AUSTRALIA – PLAYGROUND Sydney | MADE IN COSTA RICA – PLAYGROUND San José | MADE IN CANADA – PLAYGROUND Toronto

The final competition list will be announced on August 1st, 2025, at www.shortsfestival.org.

Submissions for a NATIONAL COMPETITION automatically qualify as entries for the WORLDWIDE & INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION. Double submission is not necessary.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

- The origin (production county | directors origin) of the short film is out of one of the PLAYGROUND* countries
- All genres are accepted.
- Maximum length: 40 minutes (including credits).
- Films must have been completed on or after January 1st, 2023.
- Only completed productions are accepted (no work-in-progress previews).
- A film may only be submitted once.
- No premiere requirement.
- Accepted digital screening formats: Apple ProRes 422 or H.264 (1080p).
- The screening copy must be in English or have English subtitles.
- Paid entry fee | Valid waiver code
- Submitting before the Deadline June 1st, 2025.
- The submitter is responsible for all copyrights. By submitting the film, you commit the film to be screened if it is selected and the selection of the film has been accepted by the filmmaker.

HOW TO SUBMIT

- Submissions can be made via FilmFest, Festhome, Shortfilmdepot, FilmFreeway or on shortsfestival.org.
- Upload at least one still photo from the film.
- Ensure the preview file is working correctly.
- Preview file must be in English or subtitled in English.
- The final selection will be announced he latest by August 1st, 2025, at www.shortsfestival.org.
- Only submitters of selected films will be notified personally.
- The submitters of the selected films will be notified prior to the public announcement.

JURIES AND PRIZES

The festival will nominate jury consisting of three members. The following prizes will be given to the director of the awarded films:

- Jury Award – Defined by the relevant shnit PLAYGROUND*
- Audience Award – Defined the relevant shnit PLAYGROUND*

In addition to the prizes mentioned above and with the approval of the festival, it is also possible for other organisations and associations to award films in a NATIONAL COMPETITION. Any prizes (cash or in-kind prizes) awarded by shnit are not transferable or exchangeable. The festival reserves the right to change, add or suppress awards according to circumstances.

IF THE FILM IS SELECTED

- Information given in the entry form (synopsis, credits etc.) will be used as such in marketing and publicity.
- Please have your screening copy ready for sending in from June 1st 2025.
- Screening copy must be delivered at least four (4) weeks before the festival.
- Screening copy must be identical to the preview copy.
- The festival is authorized to make excerpts not exceeding 10% or max. 3 minutes of the total running time of the selected films to be used in promoting the festival in various media and the Internet and for promotional (incl. shnit-postcards), archival and other non-commercial purposes.
- The festival offers the representative of the film (1 person) free festival access to all screenings in the valid PLAYGROUND*. More information about guest services will be provided personally to successful applicants.
- Festival will not pay screening fees for films selected for a NATIONAL COMPETITION.
- shnit PLAYGROUNDS* Screenings: August 21st – August 31st, 2025.

NON-SPECIFIED CASES

Any such cases not mentioned in these regulations will be left to the festival's consideration (in accordance with FIAPF International Regulations). By submitting a film, the entrant acknowledges that they have read, understood, and accepted the regulations without reservation.

*The planned NATIONAL COMPETITIONS 2025 are: MADE IN ARGENTINA – PLAYGROUND Buenos Aires | MADE IN EGYPT – PLAYGROUND Cairo | MADE IN SOUTH AFRICA – PLAYGROUND Cape Town | MADE IN INDIA – PLAYGROUND Goa | MADE IN CHINA – PLAYGROUND Hong Kong | MADE IN RUSSIA – PLAYGROUND Moscow | MADE IN AUSTRALIA – PLAYGROUND Sydney | MADE IN COSTA RICA – PLAYGROUND San José | MADE IN CANADA – PLAYGROUND Toronto

The final competition list will be announced on August 1st, 2025, at www.shortsfestival.org.

Submissions for a NATIONAL COMPETITION automatically qualify as entries for the WORLDWIDE & INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION. Double submission is not necessary.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

- The origin (production county | directors origin) of the short film is out of one of the PLAYGROUND* countries
- All genres are accepted.
- Maximum length: 40 minutes (including credits).
- Films must have been completed on or after January 1st, 2023.
- Only completed productions are accepted (no work-in-progress previews).
- A film may only be submitted once.
- No premiere requirement.
- Accepted digital screening formats: Apple ProRes 422 or H.264 (1080p).
- The screening copy must be in English or have English subtitles.
- Paid entry fee | Valid waiver code
- Submitting before the Deadline June 1st, 2025.
- The submitter is responsible for all copyrights. By submitting the film, you commit the film to be screened if it is selected and the selection of the film has been accepted by the filmmaker.

HOW TO SUBMIT

- Submissions can be made via FilmFest, Festhome, Shortfilmdepot, FilmFreeway or on shortsfestival.org.
- Upload at least one still photo from the film.
- Ensure the preview file is working correctly.
- Preview file must be in English or subtitled in English.
- The final selection will be announced he latest by August 1st, 2025, at www.shortsfestival.org.
- Only submitters of selected films will be notified personally.
- The submitters of the selected films will be notified prior to the public announcement.

JURIES AND PRIZES

The festival will nominate jury consisting of three members. The following prizes will be given to the director of the awarded films:

- Jury Award – Defined by the relevant shnit PLAYGROUND*
- Audience Award – Defined the relevant shnit PLAYGROUND*

In addition to the prizes mentioned above and with the approval of the festival, it is also possible for other organisations and associations to award films in a NATIONAL COMPETITION. Any prizes (cash or in-kind prizes) awarded by shnit are not transferable or exchangeable. The festival reserves the right to change, add or suppress awards according to circumstances.

IF THE FILM IS SELECTED

- Information given in the entry form (synopsis, credits etc.) will be used as such in marketing and publicity.
- Please have your screening copy ready for sending in from June 1st 2025.
- Screening copy must be delivered at least four (4) weeks before the festival.
- Screening copy must be identical to the preview copy.
- The festival is authorized to make excerpts not exceeding 10% or max. 3 minutes of the total running time of the selected films to be used in promoting the festival in various media and the Internet and for promotional (incl. shnit-postcards), archival and other non-commercial purposes.
- The festival offers the representative of the film (1 person) free festival access to all screenings in the valid PLAYGROUND*. More information about guest services will be provided personally to successful applicants.
- Festival will not pay screening fees for films selected for a NATIONAL COMPETITION.
- shnit PLAYGROUNDS* Screenings: August 21st – August 31st, 2025.

NON-SPECIFIED CASES

Any such cases not mentioned in these regulations will be left to the festival's consideration (in accordance with FIAPF International Regulations). By submitting a film, the entrant acknowledges that they have read, understood, and accepted the regulations without reservation.

*The planned NATIONAL COMPETITIONS 2025 are: MADE IN ARGENTINA – PLAYGROUND Buenos Aires | MADE IN EGYPT – PLAYGROUND Cairo | MADE IN SOUTH AFRICA – PLAYGROUND Cape Town | MADE IN INDIA – PLAYGROUND Goa | MADE IN CHINA – PLAYGROUND Hong Kong | MADE IN RUSSIA – PLAYGROUND Moscow | MADE IN AUSTRALIA – PLAYGROUND Sydney | MADE IN COSTA RICA – PLAYGROUND San José | MADE IN CANADA – PLAYGROUND Toronto

The final competition list will be announced on August 1st, 2025, at www.shortsfestival.org.

Submissions for a NATIONAL COMPETITION automatically qualify as entries for the WORLDWIDE & INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION. Double submission is not necessary.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

- The origin (production county | directors origin) of the short film is out of one of the PLAYGROUND* countries
- All genres are accepted.
- Maximum length: 40 minutes (including credits).
- Films must have been completed on or after January 1st, 2023.
- Only completed productions are accepted (no work-in-progress previews).
- A film may only be submitted once.
- No premiere requirement.
- Accepted digital screening formats: Apple ProRes 422 or H.264 (1080p).
- The screening copy must be in English or have English subtitles.
- Paid entry fee | Valid waiver code
- Submitting before the Deadline June 1st, 2025.
- The submitter is responsible for all copyrights. By submitting the film, you commit the film to be screened if it is selected and the selection of the film has been accepted by the filmmaker.

HOW TO SUBMIT

- Submissions can be made via FilmFest, Festhome, Shortfilmdepot, FilmFreeway or on shortsfestival.org.
- Upload at least one still photo from the film.
- Ensure the preview file is working correctly.
- Preview file must be in English or subtitled in English.
- The final selection will be announced he latest by August 1st, 2025, at www.shortsfestival.org.
- Only submitters of selected films will be notified personally.
- The submitters of the selected films will be notified prior to the public announcement.

JURIES AND PRIZES

The festival will nominate jury consisting of three members. The following prizes will be given to the director of the awarded films:

- Jury Award – Defined by the relevant shnit PLAYGROUND*
- Audience Award – Defined the relevant shnit PLAYGROUND*

In addition to the prizes mentioned above and with the approval of the festival, it is also possible for other organisations and associations to award films in a NATIONAL COMPETITION. Any prizes (cash or in-kind prizes) awarded by shnit are not transferable or exchangeable. The festival reserves the right to change, add or suppress awards according to circumstances.

IF THE FILM IS SELECTED

- Information given in the entry form (synopsis, credits etc.) will be used as such in marketing and publicity.
- Please have your screening copy ready for sending in from June 1st 2025.
- Screening copy must be delivered at least four (4) weeks before the festival.
- Screening copy must be identical to the preview copy.
- The festival is authorized to make excerpts not exceeding 10% or max. 3 minutes of the total running time of the selected films to be used in promoting the festival in various media and the Internet and for promotional (incl. shnit-postcards), archival and other non-commercial purposes.
- The festival offers the representative of the film (1 person) free festival access to all screenings in the valid PLAYGROUND*. More information about guest services will be provided personally to successful applicants.
- Festival will not pay screening fees for films selected for a NATIONAL COMPETITION.
- shnit PLAYGROUNDS* Screenings: August 21st – August 31st, 2025.

NON-SPECIFIED CASES

Any such cases not mentioned in these regulations will be left to the festival's consideration (in accordance with FIAPF International Regulations). By submitting a film, the entrant acknowledges that they have read, understood, and accepted the regulations without reservation.

*The planned NATIONAL COMPETITIONS 2025 are: MADE IN ARGENTINA – PLAYGROUND Buenos Aires | MADE IN EGYPT – PLAYGROUND Cairo | MADE IN SOUTH AFRICA – PLAYGROUND Cape Town | MADE IN INDIA – PLAYGROUND Goa | MADE IN CHINA – PLAYGROUND Hong Kong | MADE IN RUSSIA – PLAYGROUND Moscow | MADE IN AUSTRALIA – PLAYGROUND Sydney | MADE IN COSTA RICA – PLAYGROUND San José | MADE IN CANADA – PLAYGROUND Toronto

The final competition list will be announced on August 1st, 2025, at www.shortsfestival.org.

[Translated by ChatGPT]

EXIGENCES D'INSCRIPTION

- Tous les genres sont acceptés.
- Durée maximale : 40 minutes (générique inclus).
- Les films doivent avoir été achevés le 1er janvier 2023 ou après.
- Seules les productions terminées sont acceptées (aucun aperçu de travaux en cours).
- Un film ne peut être soumis qu’une seule fois.
- Pas d’exigence en matière de première.
- Formats numériques acceptés pour la projection : Apple ProRes 422 ou H.264 (1080p).
- La copie de projection doit être en anglais ou avoir des sous-titres en anglais.
- Frais d’inscription payés.
- Soumission avant la date limite du 1er juin 2025.
- Le soumissionnaire est responsable de tous les droits d'auteur. En soumettant le film, vous vous engagez à ce qu’il soit projeté s’il est sélectionné et si la sélection a été acceptée par le réalisateur.

COMMENT SOUMETTRE

- Les soumissions peuvent être faites via FilmFest, Festhome, Shortfilmdepot, FilmFreeway ou sur shortsfestival.org.
- Téléchargez au moins une photo du film.
- Assurez-vous que le fichier d’aperçu fonctionne correctement.
- Le fichier d’aperçu doit être en anglais ou sous-titré en anglais.
- La sélection finale sera annoncée au plus tard le 1er août 2025, sur www.shortsfestival.org.
- Seuls les soumissionnaires des films sélectionnés seront personnellement avertis.
- Les soumissionnaires des films sélectionnés seront notifiés avant l’annonce publique.

### JURYS ET PRIX

COMPÉTITION MONDIALE
Le festival invitera un président du jury. Le shnit TRIBUTE nominera trois films à présenter au président du jury, qui élira le gagnant de la COMPÉTITION MONDIALE. Les prix suivants seront décernés au réalisateur des films récompensés :

- Prix du président du jury – **THE FLAMING FAUN** : 5 000 $ pour le meilleur film
- Prix du public – **THE FLAMING FAUN**

Le gagnant de la COMPÉTITION MONDIALE ainsi que les trois films nominés par le public pour la COMPÉTITION MONDIALE deviendront tous éligibles pour les Oscars® 2026 [Sortie en salles | conformément aux règles des 98e Oscars®].

COMPÉTITION INTERNATIONALE
Le festival nommera un jury international composé de trois membres. Le shnit TRIBUTE nominera, dans chaque catégorie, trois films à présenter au jury. Les prix suivants seront décernés au réalisateur des films récompensés :

- Prix du jury – **THE FLAMING FAUN** : 2 500 $ pour le meilleur film de moins de 10 minutes
- Prix du jury – **THE FLAMING FAUN** : 2 500 $ pour le meilleur film de moins de 20 minutes
- Prix du jury – **THE FLAMING FAUN** : 2 500 $ pour le meilleur film de moins de 40 minutes
- Prix du public – **THE FLAMING FAUN**

Les trois films nominés par le public pour la COMPÉTITION INTERNATIONALE deviendront également éligibles pour les Oscars® 2026 [Sortie en salles | conformément aux règles des 98e Oscars®].

En plus des prix mentionnés ci-dessus, d'autres organisations ou associations pourront, avec l’accord du festival, décerner des prix dans les COMPÉTITIONS MONDIALE ET INTERNATIONALE. Les prix décernés par shnit (en espèces ou en nature) ne sont ni transférables ni échangeables. Le festival se réserve le droit de modifier, d'ajouter ou de supprimer des prix en fonction des circonstances.

SI LE FILM EST SÉLECTIONNÉ

- Les informations fournies dans le formulaire d'inscription (synopsis, crédits, etc.) seront utilisées telles quelles dans le cadre de la promotion et de la publicité.
- Veuillez préparer votre copie de projection à partir du 1er juin 2025.
- La copie de projection doit être livrée au moins quatre (4) semaines avant le festival.
- La copie de projection doit comporter des sous-titres en anglais (fichier séparé | distinct du fichier vidéo) et être identique à l’aperçu soumis.
- Les films seront sous-titrés dans la langue requise pour les projections.
- Le festival est autorisé à utiliser des extraits ne dépassant pas 10 % ou 3 minutes de la durée totale des films sélectionnés pour promouvoir le festival dans divers médias, sur Internet et à des fins promotionnelles (incluant les cartes postales shnit), archivistiques ou non commerciales.
- Le festival offre au représentant du film (1 personne) un accès gratuit à toutes les projections dans tous les PLAYGROUNDS*. Des informations supplémentaires sur les services aux invités seront communiquées aux candidats retenus.
- Le festival ne paiera pas de frais de projection pour les films sélectionnés dans les COMPÉTITIONS MONDIALE ET INTERNATIONALE.
- Assurez-vous que les cinéastes nommés soient disponibles pour se rendre à la shnit FINALE à Amsterdam (30 septembre 2025) pour participer à la cérémonie de remise des prix.

PROJECTIONS

- **Projections shnit PLAYGROUNDS*** : du 21 août au 31 août 2025.
- Projections shnit EXPANDED jusqu’au 30 septembre 2025 : les films de la COMPÉTITION MONDIALE seront proposés en projections fermées dans des bureaux étrangers (ambassades / consulats) dans différentes villes. Une sélection de films de la COMPÉTITION INTERNATIONALE sera présentée dans les cinémas et centres culturels dans le cadre du programme « life is shorts » en dehors des PLAYGROUNDS* shnit. Les gagnants de la COMPÉTITION MONDIALE et les trois films nominés par le public des COMPÉTITIONS MONDIALE ET INTERNATIONALE seront projetés pendant sept jours dans un cinéma aux États-Unis (New York).
- **Cérémonie de remise des prix shnit FINALE** : 30 septembre 2025 à Amsterdam, [Pays-Bas].

BIBLIOTHÈQUE DE FILMS SHNIT EN LIGNE & PROGRAMME BEST OF

Les films sélectionnés seront inclus dans la bibliothèque en ligne de shnit, accessible uniquement aux professionnels accrédités, du 21 au 31 août 2025. Pendant la période des PLAYGROUNDS* shnit, les courts métrages sélectionnés pourront être mis à disposition contre rémunération sur une plateforme protégée par mot de passe et géo-bloquée (shnit SHOWREEL). Toute restriction concernant les projections en ligne doit être communiquée au moins deux semaines avant le festival à showreel@shortsfestival.org.

Après le festival, quelques films de la sélection officielle pourront être projetés dans un programme BEST OF ou lors de programmes spéciaux dans des cinémas et centres culturels. shnit propose ses programmes avec des sous-titres dans plusieurs langues et collabore avec des écoles de langue pour traduire les sous-titres. Les films officiellement sélectionnés pourront être mis à disposition pour les étudiants. Les cinéastes seront informés, dans la mesure du possible, des lieux et dates des projections.

CAS NON SPÉCIFIÉS

Les cas non mentionnés dans ce règlement seront laissés à l’appréciation du festival (conformément au règlement international de la FIAPF). En soumettant un film, le participant reconnaît avoir lu, compris et accepté le règlement sans réserve.

*Les shnit PLAYGROUNDS* se déroulent simultanément dans plusieurs villes sur cinq continents. Les PLAYGROUNDS* 2025 prévus sont : Buenos Aires [Argentine], Le Caire [Égypte], Le Cap [Afrique du Sud], Goa [Inde], Hong Kong [Chine], Moscou [Russie], Sydney [Australie], San José [Costa Rica], Toronto [Canada], l’ouverture du shnit à Berne [Suisse] et la FINALE shnit à Amsterdam [Pays-Bas]. Suite aux répercussions de la pandémie, des modifications dans cette planification pourraient survenir.