01
Submit your film
Submit through FilmFreeway. We welcome independent filmmakers from around the world, especially creators working with small budgets.
International independent cinema
First edition / 2027
Warsaw Short Film Festival — International independent cinema
Short films.
Long futures.
New voices. Bold stories. A festival for independent filmmakers from around the world. Meet us in Warsaw.
Rules & Terms · PL / EN18.06.2027ATLANTIC CINEMA · CHMIELNA 33
Atlantic Cinema, Chmielna 33
Warsaw, Poland.
Warsaw, Poland.
18.06.2027✳CALL FOR ENTRIES✳WARSAW✳SHORT FILM COMPETITION✳
01About the festival
Short format.
Big possibilities.
Warsaw Short Film Festival is a new international short film festival in Warsaw, created for independent filmmakers.
We believe in cinema driven by the need to tell a story. Films made with imagination, courage and a love of the craft, even without a big budget.
Your story matters.
Not the size of your budget.
Not the size of your budget.
Our mission is to bring independent cinema to wider audiences and support filmmakers at the beginning of their careers. We want the festival to be a first step towards new encounters, collaborations and future films.
We combine a short film competition with public screenings and planned support for promotion and building industry relationships. Your film could find a new life beyond the festival.
First edition · 18 June 2027
Atlantic Cinema · Chmielna 33 · Warsaw
Atlantic Cinema · Chmielna 33 · Warsaw
SHORT FILMS. LONG FUTURES.
Your story.
On the big screen.
Give your film a chance to connect with an audience. Warsaw is ready for new voices and independent stories.
Submit your film02A city that lives cinema
Warsaw.
Your next frame.
A city of encounters, contrasts and new perspectives. A place where film heritage meets the energy of a new generation. This is where we want to create a space for short stories from across the world.
Film schools, independent cinemas, festivals and open-air screenings help shape a home for independent cinema. Warsaw inspires filmmaking — and conversations about film.
- 01A cinematic heritageWarsaw has strong links to Andrzej Wajda and Krzysztof Kieślowski. Their cinema opened new perspectives and asked bold questions.
- 02The next generationWajda School and Warsaw Film School help new generations of filmmakers develop their craft. Industry events and encounters keep the city’s film scene alive.
- 032026 · Year of Andrzej WajdaThe Polish Senate designated 2026 the Year of Andrzej Wajda. It offers an inspiring context to look towards the future of Polish cinema and the voices still to be heard.
03Your film’s journey
From submission
to the big screen.
Several stages. One purpose: to give independent stories the space they deserve.
02
Official selection
An appointed jury of short film experts and industry practitioners will choose the festival’s official selection.
03
Screenings & gala
Selected filmmakers will be invited to Atlantic Cinema, Chmielna 33, Warsaw, on 18 June 2027 for public screenings and the festival gala. A networking event is also planned.
04
Beyond the festival
For nominated and awarded films, we plan promotional support and help with building industry relationships.
04For independent filmmakers
More than
a moment on screen.
Your film is a beginning. We want to help you take the next step.
01 / WSFF
An audience for your story
Official screenings offer a chance to see how your film connects with viewers and share your work beyond your own circle.
02 / WSFF
Meet the industry
Our planned networking event will bring filmmakers together with industry representatives. Meet people who could become part of your next project.
03 / WSFF
Visibility & promotion
The festival plans to work with local media to help independent films and their creators reach new audiences.
04 / WSFF
Opportunities beyond the festival
Nominated and awarded films will have the opportunity to receive planned promotional support and help with building industry relationships.
Different voices.
A shared space.
Details of the competition categories are available on FilmFreeway.
Awards that recognise filmmakers.
Winners will receive official festival trophies. Non-cash or cash prizes will depend on secured sponsorship partnerships.
05Your story starts here
Small budget.
Bold film.
Your space.
Making films out of passion? We want to discover your work. Independent filmmakers from every corner of the world are welcome.
Earlier submissions will benefit from a lower entry fee. The fee schedule and deadlines will be available on the festival’s FilmFreeway profile.
Submit through FilmFreeway
Open the Warsaw Short Film Festival profile on FilmFreeway, choose your category and submit your film. Current deadlines, fees and rules are available on the platform.
Submit on FilmFreewayRules & Terms · PL / EN
06Good to know
Before you
submit your film.
Essential information about the first edition. More details will be announced soon.
When and where will the festival take place?
The first edition takes place on 18 June 2027 at Atlantic Cinema, Chmielna 33, 00-021 Warsaw, Poland. The cinema will host the screenings and final gala. The detailed programme will be announced soon.
Who can submit a film?
We welcome independent filmmakers from around the world, especially low-budget filmmakers and emerging voices. Detailed eligibility rules, including runtime limits, subtitle requirements and production dates, will be published in the regulations.
How do I submit and what is the entry fee?
Submit through the Warsaw Short Film Festival profile on FilmFreeway. Check the platform for current fees, deadlines and submission rules. Earlier submission periods offer lower entry fees.
What does official selection offer?
Selected filmmakers will be invited to screenings and the gala on 18 June 2027 at Atlantic Cinema in Warsaw. We also plan networking, promotion in local media and support for nominated and awarded films in building industry relationships.
What are the categories, awards and jury?
Details of the competition categories are available on FilmFreeway. The jury will be announced soon. Winners will receive official festival trophies. Non-cash or cash prizes will depend on secured sponsorship partnerships.
What makes this international short film competition different?
Warsaw Short Film Festival focuses on independent short film creators and their career development. It combines an international competition, encounters with audiences and industry representatives, and planned promotional support beyond the event.
Is WSFF also a film competition for amateur filmmakers?
Yes. Warsaw Short Film Festival also welcomes amateur filmmakers who create out of passion and want to share their films with a wider audience. We invite emerging filmmakers and independent creators, including those making low-budget productions. A film school education or a large budget is not required to be invited to participate. Check the festival profile on FilmFreeway for current submission rules.
07Festival cinema
WSFF / FESTIVAL CINEMA / 2027
Atlantic Cinema.
Where we meet through film.
Special thanks to Atlantic Cinema for supporting our initiative and independent filmmakers from around the world.
Opened in 1930, the iconic Atlantic is Warsaw’s oldest operating cinema. Located on Chmielna Street in the city centre, it has brought audiences and filmmakers together for generations, hosting premieres, conversations with artists and acclaimed film festivals.
Warsaw Short Film Festival screenings and the final gala will take place here on 18 June 2027.
18.06.2027
Atlantic CinemaChmielna 33
00-021 Warsaw, Poland
08Festival partners
Together for
independent cinema.
Thank you to the partners supporting the first edition of Warsaw Short Film Festival.
