SHORT FILM COMPETITION

"Stories Beyond Borders" is an international short film competition to select and award the best visually captivating and thought-provoking short films from around the world. We are especially interested in filmmakers that have an ambition of making a social impact, bringing awareness of old and new problems in the society and making an attempt to inspire audiences for thoughts and changes. We want to inspire local community and international filmmakers visiting our town with great films, thoughtful conversations, and joyful encounters. 

Every year we pick a topic of the year. Which does not mean to be exclusive. We equally welcome short films on ANY topic. Topic of the year helps us with programming and with starting dialogue with the help of film. Topics of our previous years: 2023 - The Impacts of War; 2024 - Women in Film; 2026 - Mental Health. Topic for 2027 edition - Childhood. Adolescence. Youth.

Childhood is where everything begins - first friendships and first heartbreaks, the places that shaped us, the adults who inspired or failed us, the moments we never quite forget. We're looking for films that explore the full spectrum of growing up: funny, tender, strange, difficult, joyful, and everything in between. From coming-of-age stories to reflections on what childhood means across different cultures, communities, and generations - we welcome shorts, documentaries, and animation that take young lives seriously as a subject. This is a theme that every single member of your audience has lived through, and we can't wait to see how filmmakers around the world have told it.

Our Jury for short films consists of film scholars and professional filmmakers. Each submission is viewed by minimum 2 and maximum 5 judges before proceeding to the jury.