About ISFF Detmold

The International Short Film Festival Detmold is an annual event taking place in the beautiful town of Detmold, showcasing a variety of high-quality short films from around the globe. Every year, we receive more than 3,000 short film submissions from experienced, as well as up-and-coming filmmakers. The festival focuses on non-commercial short films: documentaries, animations, fiction, art-house, music videos, experimental films, etc. We especially encourage submissions on inclusivity and accessibility.

Access for everyone

Everyone has the right to participate in cultural life. That is our big why, our mission. We are screening barrier-free film blocks for all visitors with hearing or vision impairments. Audio descriptions, sign-language translation and subtitles make it possible for people with special needs to enjoy short films together with their loved ones and new friends they make during the festival. The festival venue is accessible to everyone. The ISFF Detmold is a celebration of diversity, inclusion and togetherness.

A hybrid festival

The 17th edition of the ISFF Detmold will come to you both on-site and online. We have implemented numerous digital solutions to make the online experience as close to real-life as possible. Join us at the Stadthalle Detmold, watch at home or on a friend’s sofa – the choice is yours. You can chat with other visitors,  filmmakers and -enthusiasts, network with organisations active in the field of inclusion, enjoy art installations and concerts. The festival buzz won’t escape you wherever you are taking part.

Call for art!

Digital Art Competition with 2000 Euro Award

Artists can enter the competition with contemporary artworks such as video art, installation, virtual reality, etc.

– The competition is open to all artists living in Lippe.
– Artists can enter the competition individually or as a group.
– Artists can apply with more than one project for the exhibition
– Works produced in 2020 & 2021 will be accepted for the competition
– The works should not have been exhibited in any place before, not even on social media and Youtube

Submit now!

We continue our journey!

Last year we introduced you to a new format of the ISFF Detmold. While we welcomed our lovely guests at the Stadthalle Detmold, hundreds of others tuned in via our online stream to watch films, as well as celebrate inclusivity, togetherness and the art of filmmaking.

But we took it one step further. In addition to a simple online live-stream that allows you to watch movies on a screen best suitable for you, we brought the whole cinema to you. We experimented with a 360° live-stream that takes you inside the festival venue, almost like sitting there yourself, watching the films, hearing and seeing the crowd around you.

To make this experience available for everyone, we created festival kits, including DIY virtual-reality headsets, the festival program and small surprises.
This year we plan to continue with the hybrid festival. We want to improve this format to give our guests an even higher quality experience. So be ready for another ISFF Detmold. We will definitely be ready for you.

See you in October!

Throwback time!

Take a look at our catalogue from last year
While we are working very hard to go through every submission for the 18th ISFF Detmold and preparing for October, we invite you to take a trip down memory lane and look at the catalogue from last year. Find your favourite short films again, because soon we will offer a whole new programme.
Have fun!

Short films and more!

In addition to our short film programme, we offer a variety of side events.

Concerts
Multimedia exhibitions
Workshops
Parties
Art exhibitions