Don’t find what you’re looking for? Search info here.
Here’s what we have been up to
Letter from the festival director
MAY 2023
Hi, I’m Patrick Zimmermann. As the director of the Budapest Short Cut Film Festival, my life revolves around a simple but powerful idea: the magic of storytelling in short films.
Budapest, with its rich culture and vibrant art scene, felt like a natural choice to bring my vision to life. This picturesque city reflects the essence of short films – condensed, powerful, and breathtakingly beautiful.
Thus, the Budapest Short Cut Film Festival was born. Our mission is to create a stage for these mini epics, an arena where each frame, each second counts. A platform that brings together diverse creators from all over the globe, each with their unique voice and unique vision.
Every year, I witness filmmakers, audiences, sponsors, and movie-lovers come together to create a unique cinematic experience. An experience that transcends borders and languages, that fosters connections, sparks dialogues, and leaves us all a bit changed.
In the end, being the director of this festival is more than a role. It’s a commitment to spotlight the brilliant talent behind short films. A promise to every filmmaker that their stories, their visions, their voices have a place here.
We continue to unravel the world, one short film at a time.
Patrick Zimmermann,
Director, Budapest Short Cut Film Festival
The Unique Structure of Budapest Short Cut Film Festival
BSC Festival operates under a unique, exciting structure designed to spotlight the most exceptional short films from around the world. Here’s how it works
Triple Selection Rounds
The festival conducts three selection rounds each year, giving filmmakers numerous opportunities to submit their work for consideration
Shortlist Compilation
Following the three selection rounds, a shortlist is compiled from the winners across all categories. Not all winners will make it onto the shortlist. The shortlist is category-independent, meaning a film from any category can be selected. This shortlist forms the line-up for the annual live Screening
Full-fledged Winners
All winners of the selection rounds are considered full-fledged festival winners. They’re eligible to receive the official laurels, trophy, and electronic certificates that commemorate their achievement
Prizes and Sponsor Awards
In addition to these honours, round winners can also receive prizes provided by the festival’s sponsors. These might include cash prizes, filmmaking equipment, or other benefits that can aid in their future cinematic pursuits.
Annual Live Screening
The shortlisted films will be showcased at the annual live festival, where audiences and industry professionals can appreciate the selected works in a vibrant, communal setting. This event serves not only as a celebration of the chosen films but also as a networking opportunity and a chance for the filmmakers to garner wider recognition
Please submit your movies at FilmFreeway
Our Categories
Full List
Best Short Film
€8
Best Student Short Film
€8
Best Comedy Short Film
€8
Best Horror / Thriller Short Filml
€8
Best Animation Short Film
€8
Best Low Budget Short Film
€8
Best Director
€8
Best Female Director
€8
Best Drama Short Film
€8
Best Experimental Short Film
€8
Best Documentary Short Film
€8
Best Music / Musical Short Film
€8
Best Lead Actor
€8
Best Lead Actress
€8
Best Cinematography
€8
Best Screenplay
€8
Best Editing
€4
Best Sound Design
€4
Best Trailer
€4
Most Promising Director
€4
Best Original Score
€8
Best Production Design
€4
Best Poster Design
€4
Best Supporting Actor
Actress
€4
RuLES
Submission Method
All entries must be submitted via FilmFreeway with a secure online screener. Throughout the examination process, this protects the security and integrity of your work.
Format Requirements
Accepted works must be submitted in.mp4 or.mov format. While we prefer these formats for their adaptability and quality, if your film is in another format, please contact.
Rights Confirmation
By entering the competition, you certify that you own or have obtained the essential film rights. This includes, but is not limited to, copyright, trademarks, and publicity rights.
Completion Date
Projects must have been completed on or after January 1, 2019. This allows us to present recent works that represent current filmmaking trends and viewpoints.
Genre Diversity
Our event welcomes all genres. We value variety in storytelling and welcome submissions in all forms and types of short film.
Multiple Submissions
Filmmakers may submit multiple entries. Each project, however, must have its own Entry Form, online screener, and paid Entry Fee. This guarantees that each entry is recognized as a distinct entity and is judged on its own merits.
Non-refundable Entry Fee
There are no refunds for entry fees. Fees pay the festival’s administrative and operational costs and are required for the management and assessment of your film.
Festival Date and Location Change
Please note that the festival administration reserves the right to change the date and/or location of the event at their discretion. This may occur due to unforeseen circumstances or requirements. In the event of such a change, all entrants will be notified in a timely manner, and the necessary accommodations will be made to ensure the continued smooth operation of the festival.
Language and Subtitles
If the film’s original language is not English, we require English subtitles. This ensures that our diverse panel of judges can fully understand and appreciate your work.
Film Length
While there is no minimum running time, the maximum running time for any submission should not exceed 59 minutes. We believe this duration is optimal for our format and allows for a rich diversity of films to be showcased.
About BSC FESTIVAL
Budapest Short Cut Film Festival
BSC Festival is an international festival of short filmmaking. The festival, held in the heart of Europe’s most lively city, Budapest, is committed to displaying and promoting the finest in short film from Hungary and throughout the world.
The festival, founded by cinephile Patrick Zimmermann, aspires to give a forum for those distinct voices and views that are capturing our reality in short, compelling narratives. We think that every frame, scene, and line of dialogue in a short film has enormous potential, and we are here to recognize that potential. From drama, comedy, and horror to experimental and animation, we embrace all genres, presenting a wide range of stories that inspire, provoke, and excite.
Our competitive event, held three times a year, culminates in a live festival showcasing the shortlisted films. These selected winners receive official laurels, trophies, and electronic certificates, besides having the opportunity to win festival-sponsored prizes.
The Budapest Short Cut Film Festival isn’t just about screening films; it’s about building a community of storytellers and movie-lovers. It aims to foster talent, start conversations, and spread awareness of the remarkable art of short filmmaking.
So whether you’re a filmmaker with a story to tell, an industry professional looking for fresh talent, or a movie enthusiast.
join us at the Budapest Short Cut Film Festival.
Contact Us
We’d love to hear from you! Drop us a line below and we’ll do our best to get back to you within one business day.
bscfilmfest@gmail.com