No, as of 2025 there will not be an open entry for short films. Instead, the Festival management reserves the right to extend invitations to those works it deems appropriate. These, along with the rest of the films in the Zabaltegi - Tabakalera section, will compete for the award of the same name.
However,
If you have a short film (up to 30') made at your school, you can participate in Nest (international production).
If you have a micro-short film (up to 3') that promotes the dissemination of positive messages related to the contribution made by the rural and coastal environment and the first sector of the Basque Country to urban society, you can participate in Eusko Label (Basque production).
If you have a short film (up to 30') that spreads positive and hopeful messages that promote the redistribution of wealth, the elimination of inequalities and social justice, you can participate in Cortometrajes Loterías (Spanish production).
If you have a project under development, you can register it in the Europe-Latin America Co-Production Forum or Ikusmira Berriak residence program, as long as you meet the registration requirements.
With the exception of the specific sections (indicated above), short films and medium-length films, all others can be submitted to any of the Festival sections. The Festival Committee will then decide which section is most suitable for the film submitted.
World premiere
The film has never been officially screened before an audience.
International premiere
The film has been screened in cinemas or at a national festival in its country of origin, but in no other country.
European premiere
The film has been screened or released in cinemas outside Europe, but has never been screened in a European country.
Spanish premiere
The film has never been screened in Spain.
No premiere
The film has been screened and/or premiered in cinemas including Spain. In this case its only option is inclusion in the Made in Spain or Zinemira Panorama sections.
The fee for each film submitted for pre-selection by the Festival is:
Short and/or medium-length films (up to 59'): €70 (including 21% VAT)
Feature-length films (more than 60'): €110 (including 21% VAT)
DCP in physical format (2.5 hard drive, CRU or similar): €200 (including 21% VAT) or
DCP submitted digitally (Aspera, Media Shuttle or similar): €210 (including 21% VAT), no matter what the runtime.
Said fee will be payable in euros during the film submission process and can only be paid by credit card (Visa, American Express or Mastercard) or PayPal.
The submissions for WIP Latam, WIP Europa and Nest is free.
The projects submission in the Europe-Latin America Co-Production Forum or Ikusmira Berriak residence program is for free.
No, students do not qualify for a discount on the submission fee. However, if you have a short film made at your school you can submit it free of charge to Nest.
The calendar for announcing the films will be decided by the Communication Department, which will first of all inform the person responsible for its submission.
In the event of wishing to change any of the details provided you can contact us at films@sansebastianfestival.com, telling us what you want to change.
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