Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival
The biggest short film festival in the world, and its biggest short film market. What it programmes, how to submit and what to expect as a first-time filmmaker.
- Where
- Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Founded
- 1979
- Usually runs
- January–February
- Qualifies for
- Oscars
- Focus
- All genres; the largest short film festival in the world
- Official site
- clermont-filmfest.org
Clermont-Ferrand is to short film what Cannes is to features. Every winter the French city fills with filmmakers, programmers, buyers and huge, enthusiastic audiences, and its short film market is the busiest in the world.
What it programmes
The festival runs international, national (French) and experimental (Labo) competitions, alongside retrospectives and themed programmes. Selection is extremely competitive: thousands of films are submitted each year.
Submitting
Clermont-Ferrand uses Short Film Depot rather than FilmFreeway. It has its own rules on running time, completion date and premiere status, so read them carefully.
Why go even without a film
The short film market is where sales agents, festival programmers and broadcasters watch shorts and meet filmmakers. Going as a visitor, with a film you are about to finish, is one of the best ways to learn how the short film world works.
See how to choose short film festivals before you plan a submission.
Dates, rules and award-qualifying status change every year. Check the official site before you submit.
Visit the official Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival website