You just finished your short film. Now what?

Finishing a short film is one thing. Knowing what to do with it is another. The festival circuit exists precisely for that: to give visibility to projects that otherwise would have nowhere to be shown, and to connect those who make them with the rest of the industry.

But it works by its own rules, and it's worth knowing them.

What is the point of submitting your short film to festivals?

It's not just about awards. A festival gives you visibility among programmers, producers, and other filmmakers. It allows you to compare your work with others. And if your short film is selected, you have something concrete to add to your portfolio and professional resume.

For someone just starting out, an official selection is already an endorsement. An award, even more so.

How the circuit works

  • Registration: Most festivals accept short films through platforms like Festhome, FilmFreeway, or Short Film Depot. Some have their own open calls. It's important to carefully review the guidelines: maximum length, genre, and whether they accept short films that have already premiered at other festivals or online.
  • Selection: A committee reviews the submitted short films and decides which ones advance to the official selection. The criteria vary depending on the festival.
  • Premiere and windows: Many festivals require that the short film not have been published online before its screening. If you want to upload your short to YouTube or Vimeo, wait until the festival season is over or until the festival explicitly authorizes it.
  • Awards and accreditations: Some awards at festivals accredited by the Spanish Film Academy grant direct access to the Goya Awards pre-selection. It's worth knowing which ones before choosing where to submit your work.

What nobody tells you

The festival circuit requires time, organization, and a certain strategy. Not all festivals are created equal, nor are they suitable for all projects. It's best to start with the most accessible ones, learn how the process works, and adjust based on the results.

And the sooner you start filming, the sooner you'll have something to present.

At Bande à Part, students produce short films from their first year. These are real projects, created with professional equipment, that form part of their portfolios as they enter the market. If you want to learn by doing, the Advanced Vocational Training Cycle in Audiovisual Project Production and Entertainment or the Bachelor's Degree in Cinematography are the place for you. No entry requirements. Ask about our Talent Scholarships.