Vienna Shorts 2025 - Short Film Festival (Films and Festival Review)
Short Film Enthusiasts Come Here! Vienna Shorts Opens Its Stages
By Birgül Tombul
Vienna Short Film Festival and Festival Nominees
The Vienna Short Film Festival (Vienna Shorts), held annually in Austria's enchanting capital Vienna, stands out as one of the most prestigious and creative events in the short film world. This festival serves as a meeting point for cinema enthusiasts, directors, and producers, celebrating, supporting, and encouraging not only short films but also original stories, innovative narrative forms, and a boundless understanding of art.
Festival History and Importance
Vienna Shorts was first organized in 2004. This year marks the 21st edition of the festival, which has grown internationally since then to become one of Europe's most important short film festivals.
The festival has been organized by the Independent Cinema Association since 2005 and is also supported by the Austrian Ministry of Culture, the European Commission, and various art institutions. The festival hosts not only film screenings but also workshops, panels, and industry meetings.
In the first year of the Vienna Short Film Festival, the event program consisted of 125 short films. Now, hundreds of films are in the event program with thousands of films applying.
The festival's official selection for 2025 features 90 films from 26 countries. Films selected from over 6,000 applications adorn the festival showcase.
Screening Categories
The Vienna Short Film Festival offers a wide range by featuring short films in different genres and formats. The main categories that stand out at the festival are:
- International Competition: Competition among short films from different countries
- Austrian Competition: Section where local directors compete with their works
- Animation and Experimental Films: Special space for productions that go beyond traditional narratives
- Documentary Short Films: Productions that shed light on real stories in short format
Events and Panels
The festival is not just about watching films. In the industry-related section, the program consists of four basic elements. Participants can experience the festival more interactively with the following events:
- Talks and Q&A sessions
- Film production workshops
- Industry meetings and pitch events
- Networking nights and parties
These events offer unique opportunities for young filmmakers. Directors can promote their projects and have the chance to meet international producers. Talent Days for up to 50 film and visual arts students from Central Europe, Industry Events for accredited professionals from around the world, European Workshop for New Curators, and Social Events designed to encourage networking with international industry connections are held.
The Vienna Short Film Festival is full of industry professionals. Young directors, producers, and distributors come together at the festival. Panels, masterclasses, and industry sessions organized throughout the event are quite valuable for filmmakers who want to advance their careers.
Additionally, project development platforms, pitch sessions, and the festival's "VIS Academy" program provide support at every stage of film production.
Awards and Selection
At the end of the festival, awards are given in many different categories. Some of the most prestigious awards include:
- Golden Shorts (Best international short film)
- Best Austrian Short
- Jury Special Mention
- Audience Award
Additionally, cash prizes totaling 30,000 euros are awarded. On the other hand, winning films also have the chance to be shortlisted for larger competitions such as the European Film Awards, BAFTA, Australian Film Awards, and Oscars.
Festival Atmosphere and Participation
The Vienna Short Film Festival takes place in historic cinema halls in the city center, outdoor screening areas, and contemporary art venues. Vienna's emphasis on art is felt in every detail of the festival. It offers a very inspiring and creative atmosphere for both participants and viewers.
The festival is usually held between late May and early June. Participation and film screenings are free for those under 19, with age-appropriate film screenings. For other participants, participation is free, with screenings or ticketed sessions. Online screenings have also become part of the festival since the pandemic. Additionally, the music and video competition category at the festival is quite popular.
Vienna Short Film Festival Fiction and Documentary Nominees
Pre-Selection Jury for Nominee Short Films: Ygor Gama, Oana Ghera, Sigrid Hadenius-Ebner, Christof Kurzman, Vlademir Nadein
Selection Jury: Diana Mercoiu, Max Bergmann
Selection Chairs: Doris Bauer and Marija Milanovic
A Última Colheita (The Last Harvest) - Cape Verde production short film directed by Nino Miranda. 2024 production, 22 minutes duration.
Anba Dlo - Brazil, Cuba, and Haiti co-production short film. Directed by Luisa Calagian and Rose Calderia, 2025 production, 18 minutes duration.
Boi Thaka (The Flow of Resilience) - Indian production short film. Directed by Pranami Koch, 2024 production, 15 minutes duration.
Campolivar - Spanish production short film. Directed by Alicia Moncholi, 2024 production, 16 minutes duration.
Coeur Bleu (Blue Heart) - Haitian production short film. Directed by Samuel Suffren, 2025 production, 15 minutes duration.
Comment Ça Va? (How Are You?) - French production short film. Directed by Carolline Poggi and Jonathan Vinel, 2025 production, 30 minutes duration.
Common Pear - Slovenia and UK co-production short film. Directed by Gregor Bozic, 2025 production, 15 minutes duration.
Czyste Niebo (Clear Sky) - Poland and Ukraine co-production short film. Directed by Marcin Kundera, 2025 production, 22 minutes duration.
Do Yao Mao (The Poison Cat) - Chinese production short film. Directed by Tian Guan, 2024 production, 18 minutes duration.
El Bon Auguri (The Good Omen) - Spanish production short film. Directed by Alba Bresolí, 2024 production, 14 minutes duration.
Le Grand Calao - French production short film. Directed by Zoé Cauwet, 2024 production, 27 minutes duration.
El Jardi Del Diable (The Devil's Garden) - Spanish production short film. Directed by Pol Rebaque, 2025 production, 19 minutes duration.
Heartbeat - US production short film. Directed by Jay Rosenblatt and Stephanie Rapp, 2025 production, 30 minutes duration.
Man Number 4 - UK production short film. Directed by Miranda Pennel, 2024 production, 10 minutes duration.
Now, Near Me Good - US production short film. Directed by Dwayne LeBlanc, 2025 production, 15 minutes duration.
Pidikwe (Rumble) - Canadian production short film. Directed by Caroline Monnet, 2025 production, 10 minutes duration.
Rrugäs (On The Way) - Kosovo production short film. Directed by Samir Karahoda, 2024 production, 15 minutes duration.
Rückblickend Betrachtet (In Retrospect) - German production short film. Directed by Daniel Asadi Faezi and Mila Zhluktenko, 2025 production, 15 minutes duration.
Skin on Sakin - German production short film. Directed by Simon Schneckenburger, 2025 production, 30 minutes duration.
The Diffusion Pilot - Estonian production short film. Directed by Aurelijus Čiupas, 2024 production, 7 minutes duration.
The Spectacle - Swedish production short film. Directed by Yasmin Van Drop, 2024 production, 23 minutes duration.
Through Your Eyes - Singaporean production short film. Directed by Nelson Yeo, 2025 production, 21 minutes duration.
Washhh - Malaysia and Ireland co-production short film. Directed by Mickey Lai, 2024 production, 23 minutes duration.
Gimn Chume (Hymn of The Plague) - Germany and Russia co-production short film. Directed by Alexander Epikhov, Dimitri Gorbaty, Philipp Ivanov, and Ataka 51, 2024 production, 13 minutes duration.
A Movie - Iran and UK co-production short film. Directed by Elahe Esmaili, 2024 production, 27 minutes duration.
Razeh-Del - Iranian production short film. Directed by Maryam Tafakory, 2024 production, 28 minutes duration.
The Other Side of The Mountain - US and China co-production short film. Directed by Shirley Yumeng He and Yumeng He, 2024 production, 20 minutes duration.
Animation Avantgarde (International) Category Nominees
Animation Category Pre-Selection Jury: Benjamin Steiner
Selection Chairs: Louise Linsenbolz and Thomas Renoldner
A Round of Applause for Death - UK production animated short film. Directed by Stephen Irwin, 2024 production, 4 minutes duration.
Abzi (Aquatic) - Iranian production animated short film. Directed by Shiva Sadegh Asadi, 2024 production, 5 minutes duration.
Dead Name - US production animated short film. Directed by Gina Kementsky, 2025 production, 5 minutes duration.
Deluge - US production animated short film. Directed by Meejin Hong, 2024 production, 12 minutes duration.
Desk Bugs - South Korean production animated short film. Directed by Hakyhun Kim, 2024 production, 3 minutes duration.
Dull Spots of Greenish Colours - German production animated short film. Directed by Sasha Svirsky, 2024 production, 11 minutes duration.
Etorriko Da (Eta Zure Begiak Izango Ditu) / When It Comes (It Will Have Your Eyes) - Spanish production animated short film. Directed by Izibene Oñederra, 2024 production, 13 minutes duration.
Gerhard - German production animated short film. Directed by Ulu Braun, 2025 production, 10 minutes duration.
Glass House - French production animated short film. Directed by Boris Labbé, 2024 production, 5 minutes duration.
I'm Dickicht - Austrian production animated short film. Directed by Katerina Pichler, 2024 production, 8 minutes duration.
Jump Cut-Corridor - Canadian production animated short film. Directed by Winston W. Hacking, 2024 production, 4 minutes duration.
La Fille Qui Explose (The Exploding Girl) - French production animated short film. Directed by Jonathan Vinel, 2024 production, 19 minutes duration.
Le Tableau (The Painting) - Canadian production animated short film. Directed by Michéle Lemieux, 2024 production, 12 minutes duration.
Little Shrew (Snowflake) - UK production animated short film. Directed by Kate Bush, 2024 production, 4 minutes duration.
Mémoire Entropique (Entropic Memory) - Canadian production animated short film. Directed by Nicholas Brault, 2024 production, 6 minutes duration.
Moral Support - German production animated short film. Directed by Vuk Jevremovic, 2024 production, 4 minutes duration.
Moving Mountains - German production animated short film. Directed by Jessica Poon, 2024 production, 6 minutes duration.
Once Upon A Time on Earth - UK production animated short film. Directed by Phil Mulloy, 2024 production, 15 minutes duration.
The Garden of Electric Delights - Austrian production animated short film. Directed by Billy Roisz, 2025 production, 12 minutes duration.
The Prologue - Austrian production animated short film. Directed by Marzieh Emadi and Sina Saadat, 2025 production, 11 minutes duration.
Todos Los Frutos - Argentinian production animated short film. Directed by Bárbara Cerro, 2024 production, 12 minutes duration.
World Sorry WEB - Estonian production animated short film. Directed by Nadiia Pliamko, 2024 production, 5 minutes duration.
Burning Room - Chinese production animated short film. Directed by Xinyi Huang and Xinyi None, 2024 production, 5 minutes duration.
Dog Star - Chinese production animated short film. Directed by Yangzhaoxing FOO, 2024 production, 10 minutes duration.
Austrian Category Nominees
Austrian Category Selection: Bojana Bregar, Daniel Hadeinus-Ebner, Clara Schermer
Selection Chair: Neil Young
About Me - Austrian production short film. Directed by Fanny Rösch, 2025 production, 15 minutes duration.
At Home I Feel Like Leaving - Austria-Germany co-production short film. Directed by Simon Maria Kubiena, 2024 production, 20 minutes duration.
Der Badeanzug (The Swimsuit) - Austrian production short film. Directed by Amina Krami, 2025 production, 10 minutes duration.
Die Kastanie (The Chestnut) - Austria-Germany co-production short film. Directed by Simon Dallaserra and Iven Yoric Fenker, 2025 production, 19 minutes duration.
Die Letzten Menschen (The Lost People) - Austrian production short film. Directed by Nicholás Pindeus, 2025 production, 25 minutes duration.
Die Noonautinnen (The Noonauts) - Austrian production short film. Directed by Lorenz Tröbinger, 2025 production, 10 minutes duration.
Din 18035 - Austrian production short film. Directed by Simona Obholzer, 2024 production, 13 minutes duration.
Glimpse - Austrian production short film. Directed by Ulrike Swoboda-Osterman, 2025 production, 4 minutes duration.
Habō - Austria-Spain co-production short film. Directed by Helin Çelik, 2024 production, 23 minutes duration.
Heast - Austrian production short film. Directed by Francisca Fredrich and Lena Isabella Deisenberger, 2024 production, 11 minutes duration.
Kein Wunder (No Wonder) - Austrian production short film. Directed by Lia Sudermann and Simon Nagy, 2024 production, 11 minutes duration.
Letters From Home - Austrian production short film. Directed by Maryam Zuhuri, 2025 production, 7 minutes duration.
Navid - German production short film. Directed by Janick Entremont, 2024 production, 16 minutes duration.
Night of Passage - Austrian production short film. Directed by Reza Rasouli, 2024 production, 20 minutes duration.
Resonance - Austrian production short film. Directed by Katharina Bayer, 2024 production, 9 minutes duration.
Richard - Austria-Belgium-Germany co-production short film. Directed by Manuel Wetscher, 2024 production, 9 minutes duration.
Ruletista - Austrian production short film. Directed by Lucas Valenta Rinner, 2024 production, 21 minutes duration.
Schichtwechsel (Shift Change) - Austrian production short film. Directed by Stefanie Weberhofer, 2025 production, 4 minutes duration.
Wedlock Tradwife - Austrian production short film. Directed by Gabriele Neudecker, 2025 production, 10 minutes duration.
Weisse Bänder (White Ribbons) - Austrian production short film. Directed by Michael Heindl, 2025 production, 5 minutes duration.
Wiggle Room - Austria-Norway co-production short film. Directed by Kristian Trana, 2024 production, 4 minutes duration.
Wohnjuwel (Living Jewel) - Austrian production short film. Directed by Simon Spitzer, 2025 production, 16 minutes duration.
World at Stake - Austrian production short film. Directed by Susanna Flock, Jona Kleinlein, and Adrian Jonas Haim, 2025 production, 18 minutes duration.
Participation Requirements and Application for Producers Wanting to Join the Festival
If your short film is under 30 minutes and has a strong original voice, applications usually open in the autumn months. Applications are accepted through FilmFreeway. Since the festival language is English, subtitles are mandatory.
Festival Experience: Vienna's Artistic Fabric
The festival takes place at important cultural venues in Vienna such as Gartenbaukino, METRO Kinokulturhaus, and MuseumsQuartier. Outdoor screenings, parties, and art walks also contribute to the festival atmosphere.
Vienna's structure that blends classical art with contemporary culture is a separate source of inspiration for everyone involved in short films.
Why Is It Important for Short Film Producers?
- Visibility in Europe
- Chance for Oscar and European Film Awards pre-selection
- Access to creative networks
- Direct contact with the industry
If you want to make a name for yourself in the short film world and get your project into international circulation, the Vienna Short Film Festival is definitely waiting for you.
In Conclusion: Long Impact with Short Film
The Vienna Short Film Festival proves how powerful and effective short film is as a narrative form internationally. With its creativity, diversity, and the deep perspective it offers on art and social issues, the festival captivates cinema lovers every year.
The evaluation of short films within a special festival framework is truly a great opportunity for short film producers. If you have an interest in cinema, you should definitely add this festival to your calendar both as a viewer and as a filmmaker.
