Baku International Short Film Festival

Festival Description: The Baku International Short Film Festival was established in 2004 by the "Sinema" center of Young Cinematographers. The festival, which has long been called "Start", has been operating under the auspices of the Baku International Short Film Festival since 2019. Although only Azerbaijani authors participated in the I Festival, in the next year the film forum attracted young people from other countries, expand their coverage and begin to gain international status. The scope of the Festival, which aims to become a reputable creative competition in the Middle East and the CIS, is now widely accepted worldwide. An international delegation is also present at the jury of the Festival, which is accepting films from about 50 countries during its operating times. The goal of the Baku International Short Film Festival, which offers minimal discounts and maximum talent, is to review and discuss films, select the best ones, and reach a wide audience, to familiarize local authors with international practices and trends. In addition, the Festival provides an opportunity for local directors to establish contacts with their foreign colleagues.

2023 Call for Entries (Archive)

The 14th Baku International Short Film Festival will take place from 10 to 15 November 2023 in Azerbaijan, Baku.

Eligibility criteria

• The competition covers nominations for short films, documentaries, and animated movies;
• Presented films must be produced in 2022-2023;
• The film should not exceed 30 minutes.

Categories

Winners of the competition will be awarded in these nominations:

• Best Short Film (Golden Pomegranate and diploma)
• Best Short Documentary Film (Golden Pomegranate and diploma)
• Best Short Animated Film (Golden Pomegranate and diploma)
• Best Short Film Director (special prize and diploma)
• Best Documentary Director (special prize and diploma)
• Best Animation Director (special prize and diploma)
• Winners of the "Asian Talents"
• Special Jury Prize
• Diploma of the Young Filmmakers Center of Azerbaijan

The winners of the festival are awarded Golden Pomegranate, a special prize, and a diploma.

• Festival's regulations and submission via FilmFreeway
• Deadline: 31 August 2023 (fees apply)

2019 Festival Coverage

• 2019 Winners

NB: 2024 Festival Dates are tentative