Dear Asian filmmakers, the International Short Film Festival Oberhausen (Germany) is accepting short films until January 18, 2027.

About the festival:
The International Short Film Festival Oberhausen has been moving in this field of tension for over 60 years; it is a catalyst and showcase for current developments, a forum for often controversial discussions, a discoverer of new trends and talents and, last but not least, one of the most important short film institutions worldwide. Oberhausen is the oldest short film festival in the world and the largest festival in North Rhine-Westphalia, with around 7,000 films submitted each year, approximately 500 films in the festival programme and over 1,100 accredited professional visitors annually.

*Note: This article will only cover categories where Asian filmmakers can submit. For other information please visit the official website: https://www.kurzfilmtage.de/en

International Competition
The world’s oldest short film competition is a forum for experiments, unusual content and formats, and the place for cinematic discoveries, regardless of genre and production country. Every year, filmmakers from over 40 countries present themselves here. Only international festival premieres are admitted to this competition. The professional audience researches new films here, and a premiere shown in this competition is often a springboard for selection at other festivals – not least for the Oscar.

International Children’s and Youth Film Competition
The Children’s and Youth Film Competition was established in 1978 and is one of the most popular sections of our Festival. It not only opens up unusual perspectives on the world to young viewers. Whether animation or documentary, experimental or feature film, there are no limits to the variety of cinematic forms.

Eligibility:
– Films must have been completed after January 1st, 2026.
– Films must not exceed the 35-minute mark.
– Films must be Germany Premiere. This requirement does not apply to the Children’s and Youth Film Competition.
– Submissions cannot be withdrawn from the competition once the submitter has confirmed their participation in writing.
– The submission of the first five works by one submitter is free of charge. From the sixth submission onwards, a handling fee of 20 euros per film will be charged. This applies to all competitions.
– Admitted screening formats are 35 mm, 16 mm, Super 8 and DCP (for on-site screenings).
– Submissions must be made via the Oberhausen’s website.
– Submission Fee: FREE
– Deadline: January 18, 2026
– Notification Date: Mid-March 2027

We urge directors and/or producers to read the Rules and Regulations here: https://www.kurzfilmtage.de/fileadmin/Kurzfilmtage/Kurzfilmtage_2027/Reglement/Reglement-73rd-SFF-Oberhausen.pdf

To submit your films please visit: https://www.kurzfilmtage.de/en/festival/submission/

We remind readers that the 73rd International Short Film Festival Oberhausen will take place from April 27 – May 2, 2027 in Oberhausen, Germany.

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