The ISFF – ISFF 2024

Be the director of your own life.

And of the best film ever.

The International Short Film Festival Detmold (ISFF) is an annual event taking place in the beautiful town of Detmold, showcasing a variety of high-quality short films from around the globe. In 2024, the ISFF will celebrate its 20th anniversary. The happening has become a fixture of fascinating cultural events being held in the region of Ostwestfalen-Lippe. The renowned film event brings together filmmakers and film fans from the entire world in the heart of Detmold.
From 2002 onwards, “Kultur & Art Initiative” has been organizing the event in “Hangar 21”. Like in the previous years, we’re glad to announce the ISFF Detmold takes place in Stadthalle (town hall) located in the heart of the city, right between Detmold Castle and Landestheater Detmold.
The ISFF Detmold is dedicated to high-quality films by creative filmmakers from all around the world. Each year, more than approx. 3,000 short films from about 80 countries in the world are submitted to the festival. The ISFF Detmold is happy to cooperate with schools and has thus been able to present a selection of short films for kids in previous years.

Come and watch films with us. Even if you’re not able to see.

The International Short Film Festival Detmold prides itself on showing films for everyone – and made by those who are among the best in their field. What’s more: We’re screening barrier-free films for all visitors and filmmakers suffering from hearing or vision impairments – and thus enable them to take part in cultural life. During our festivals, we come together with people from different countries, celebrating diversity and our differences together. The audio descriptions and subtitles make it possible for handicapped people to join us and enjoy short films together with their loved ones and new friends they make during the festival. Inclusion to us means a lot to us, and this inclusiveness is within our mission.

We’re happy to share with you that during our festivals, there are always co-productions of people from different nations – just like non-handicapped people teaming up with handicapped people to create magnificent short films together. The short films produced by participants from our workshop “Get your own picture” are presented in ISFF Festival Detmold along with the results from out other workshops. That way, the ISFF Festival Detmold brings forth the creative potential of the people living in the beautiful region of Ostwestfalen-Lippe.

Talent abounds when creative people from around the world come together to create art in the residential city.

Multimedia

Films can be presented in multiple ways – and far beyond the screen. Experience it yourself!

Live music

Every year, we welcome both local and international musicians to the ISFF Detmold. We would be happy to welcome you, too!

Performances

During ISFF Detmold, acting might even take place outside the screen. Come watch our creative live shows on-site!

Art exhibitions

Let the paintings and photography widen your horizon. Come and see a huge variety of artists presenting their works!

Party hardy

We’re not only experts in filmmaking – we also know how to party. Come join us!

Workshops

Feel free to take part in one of the various workshops we offer! Learn to create your own short film in less than two weeks – or to produce your own music beats.