Munich Film Festival - OnlyShorts

International Film Festival OnlyShorts — Munich 2025
Welcome to OnlyShorts, Munich’s annual celebration of short films from around the world! Held at the iconic City Kinos on July 15, our festival brings together filmmakers, cinephiles, and industry experts for a day packed with screenings, talks, and networking.

Filmmakers are invited to submit their work by June 18. Selected films will compete for awards and be screened in our official program — with results announced on June 28. Films not selected for the cinema program may still be featured in our online showcase.

Alongside up to 30 outstanding short films, the festival offers masterclasses, lectures, and networking opportunities — all in the vibrant cultural heart of Munich.

Join us at OnlyShorts and connect with a global community of storytellers!

Official Regulations for Participation in the OnlyShorts Film Festival

1 Eligibility:

Open to all directors and producers worldwide.
Films must be produced in 2019 or later.
Maximum running time of 43 minutes.
Films must feature German or English dialogue or be subtitled in German or English.
Resubmissions of films previously submitted to OnlyShorts are allowed only if the film has not been shown at the festival before.
Only those involved in the film's direction, production, or those authorized by them can submit their films.
All genres and themes of short films are welcome, including animation, documentary, experimental, and narrative.

2 Submission Categories and Fees:

Different submission categories may have varying fees. Please refer to the festival website for specific details about submission fees for each category.
Student filmmakers must provide proof of their student status to qualify for a discounted submission fee.
All submission fees are non-refundable.

3 Rights:

By submitting a film, the filmmaker confirms that the film can be shown at the OnlyShorts festival and for advertising purposes on the festival's website, social media, and other promotional materials or events.
The filmmaker and respective rights holders agree to the free use of the film as part of the OnlyShorts event.
All third-party rights, including copyrights, performance protection laws, personality rights, name and trademark rights, must not be violated, and all third-party materials such as music, film, images, or text used in the film must have been cleared for use.
The submitter is fully responsible for the use of the respective film, including the necessary and reasonable costs of legal defense. The jurisdiction is Munich.
 

4 Submission and Entry Deadline:

The submission form with all necessary documents and the evaluation copy must be received by October 25, 2023, at OnlyShorts in Munich.
The submission occurs digitally and can only be sent by mail in exceptional cases. More information can be found on the festival website.

5 Judging and Selection:

All submitted films will be reviewed by a pre-selection committee and then by a jury panel.
The jury panel will consist of experienced professionals from the film industry, including directors, producers, actors, and film critics.
The selection process will be based on the originality, creativity, storytelling, and technical aspects of the films.

6 Screening Copy:

The final copy for screening should be of the highest possible quality.
Films in a language other than German or English must have German or English subtitles.
In case of trouble with the final screening copy, the evaluation copy will be used instead.

7 Notification:

Submitters will receive an email notification around the middle of October 2023 if their film has been accepted.
A list of all accepted films will be published on the festival's website at the end of October.

8 Awards and Prizes:

Awards will be presented in various categories, including Best Short Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Sound, Best Actor, Best Actress, and other special categories.
Winners in each category will receive prizes, certificates, and recognition on the festival's website and social media channels.
Prizes may be provided by festival sponsors or partners and may include cash, equipment, or other valuable items.

9 Film Promotion and Distribution:

By submitting a film, filmmakers grant OnlyShorts the right to use film stills, posters, and trailers for promotional purposes in perpetuity.
Filmmakers may also grant OnlyShorts the right to screen their films at future festival events or partner screenings to help promote the festival and the filmmakers' work.
Any additional promotional or distribution agreements must be negotiated separately between the filmmaker and OnlyShorts or its partners.

10 Privacy Policy:

OnlyShorts is committed to protecting the personal information of its participants and will not share personal information with third parties without the explicit consent of the participants.
By submitting a film, participants agree to receive occasional updates and promotional materials from OnlyShorts via email. Participants may unsubscribe from these communications at any time.

Note: The festival administration reserves the right to change the time and location of the festival, and the payment for the application is non-refundable. In case of any disputes, the decision of the festival administration will be final.