Blog: Film festivals

Shorts In Season Film Festival is a bi-annual celebration of bold, brilliant short indie films under 20 minutes, made in Europe or by European filmmakers. The festival exists because we believe short indie films deserve a proper spotlight, a big screen, and a real audience. Run biannually, not just once a year, Shorts In Season gives filmmakers double the chance to share their work and get involved.

Based in Berlin — one of Europe’s most vital creative capitals — we aim for our events to be a place where filmmakers meet, talk, and connect, and where stories come alive before a crowd that truly cares.

Filmmakers with selected films are encouraged to attend and take part in the Q&A discussion on the night after their film has been screened. Of course, there are also plenty of opportunities to network with other filmmakers and attendees.

Shorts In Season's upcoming Summer Edition 2026 will be held at the intimate and beloved IL KINO, a former bakery turned film institution, located within East Berlin’s popular Neukölln district. Like our festival, IL KINO celebrates independent films and showcases international voices and is driven by an independent spirit.

Our team previously ran the Made In Melbourne Film Festival (2009–2016). As indie filmmakers ourselves, we’re here to support fellow indie voices, build a network, and bring people together around the thing we all love most: powerful, personal, unforgettable short films and storytelling.

Read the Submission Rules to see if your film fits before submitting your work. We look forward to viewing your film.