First, check whether the competition fits your film
When comparing short film competitions, start with their programming focus. Consider whether your work fits, whether you meet the production requirements and whether you can supply the required screening version. A recognisable festival name is not a substitute for eligibility or a considered plan for your film's festival journey.
WSFF accepts films completed in 2025 or 2026. Total running time must not exceed 30 minutes, and individual categories have their own limits. Previous screenings and online publication do not exclude a film, but you should still check whether earlier agreements allow the festival uses you are authorising.
Measure the export, not just the story
Running time includes credits, logos and every other part of the finished file. A one-minute story preceded by a title card and followed by lengthy credits is not a one-minute film. Open the final export in a player and record its exact duration rather than relying on a rough timeline estimate.
WSFF's main duration bands are up to one minute, over one and up to eight, over eight and up to fifteen, and over fifteen and up to thirty minutes. A film lasting exactly eight minutes belongs in the band ending at eight minutes. Format and thematic eligibility must be checked separately.
Prepare materials that accurately represent the film
A synopsis should communicate the film's starting point without promising a different experience from the one on screen. Include accurate credits, completion year and running time in the production information. Keep titles and names consistent across the form, end credits and promotional materials to reduce corrections later.
Keep your screening copy separate from promotional assets. A clean still without subtitles may be more useful than a casual player screenshot. The organiser may also request a poster, trailer, filmmaker biography or evidence of your authority to enter the film. Preparing these files early reduces pressure after selection.
- A working link to the complete film and a current password if needed.
- A concise synopsis, production details and accurate contact information.
- Subtitles and supporting materials meeting the festival requirements.
- A record of the submission confirmation, chosen category and fee.
Check subtitles and playback outside your editing setup
WSFF's rules require English subtitles, including for films with English dialogue. Polish-language films may be entered without them, but must provide them if selected. In a film without dialogue, text essential to understanding the story also needs an English translation, such as a letter read by a character.
Test the review version on another device. Check timing, spelling, subtitle readability and whether the film is accessible without signing into your private account. If you change a password or link after submitting, notify the organiser. Your own working copy is not a substitute for an accessible submission screener.
Do a final check before paying
A WSFF submitter must be at least 18 and authorised to enter the film and grant the necessary permissions. Review music, archive footage and other third-party material. If the scope of your permissions is uncertain, resolve it before submission rather than assuming a festival can solve the issue for you.
The regular deadline is 28 February 2027. An additional period ending by 31 March is not automatic, so plan around the deadline currently announced. Check the fee and relevant conditions on FilmFreeway. Entry does not guarantee selection, and not winning an award does not itself create a refund entitlement; consult the rules for the applicable terms.
Questions and answers
How do I choose a category in a short film competition?
Check the film's dominant format, the exact duration of its finished file and any thematic criteria. WSFF's main duration bands are mutually exclusive. A category title does not replace its full description or the relevant provisions of the rules.
Do end credits count towards the running-time limit?
Yes. WSFF's limits cover the entire film, including opening and closing credits, logos and other included material. Choose a category using the final export's duration, not just the length of the narrative, animated or documentary content.
Do short film competitions require a premiere?
Requirements vary, so check each event separately. WSFF permits films previously screened at festivals or published online. The submitter remains responsible for being able to authorise the festival uses described in the permissions they grant.
Can I submit a Polish-language film without English subtitles?
WSFF permits Polish-language films to be submitted without English subtitles during the entry stage. If selected, the film must provide them with its screening materials. It is sensible to plan subtitle preparation before the selection result arrives.
Can I enter several films in WSFF?
Yes. You may submit any number of different films, provided each independently meets the requirements. Each needs a separate submission and applicable fee. Entering one film in several categories is subject to the additional provisions in the rules.
When will I receive an Official Selection notification?
Selected filmmakers will be notified by 10 May 2027 through FilmFreeway or their supplied email address. Keep your details current and check spam folders. An acknowledgement that your entry has been received is not a selection notification.