1. We accept short films up to 30 minutes, fiction, documentary, or other narrative forms, depending on the category.

2. Films in all languages are welcome. Non-English should include subtitles.
Subtitles must be clear, accurate, and appropriately timed to ensure accessibility for the audience.

3. Filmmakers must ensure they hold the necessary rights to all material submitted, including music, visuals, and any third-party content used in the film.
Any submissions found to violate copyright laws may be disqualified.

4. Filmmakers may submit multiple films for consideration.
Each film can be entered in multiple categories, provided it meets the specific criteria for each category.

5. By submitting a film, filmmakers grant the festival permission to use clips, trailers, and stills for promotional purposes.

6. Competition results are announced online each season.
All films awarded NOMINEE, HONORABLE MENTION, and WINNER status will be screened at a live screening and awards ceremony.
Part of our festival strategy is film promotion, so winners and official selection films will also be featured in promotional events, retrospectives, or encore screenings organized by the festival.
Screening dates are subject to adjustment and may deviate by several days from the initially scheduled timeline.

7. All submitted films must have a fully completed FilmFreeway page, including:
– Film in a high-quality digital format (e.g., MP4, MOV) suitable for large-scale projection with download support;
– Film trailer;
– Still photos;
– Synopsis;
– Photo and biography of the director.
Films with incomplete files, low resolution, or technical errors may not be considered.

Since part of our festival strategy is film promotion, we ask that you include the director’s (film’s) Instagram and Facebook pages.

8. Films must adhere to legal and ethical standards and should avoid content that violates age restriction guidelines applicable in the festival’s location.

9. Films will be judged based on creativity, storytelling, technical execution, and originality.
Filmmakers will be notified of selection status via email within the timeline specified on the festival’s website.

10. All fees are non-refundable.

11. All stated information, eligibility and submission guidelines, terms and conditions of entry, and entry information is subject to change by Berlin Indie Shorts Festival, without notice.