TEHRAN International Short Film Festival (42)

Festival start: 19 October 2025      Festival end: 24 October 2025

The Tehran International Short Film Festival (TISFF) stands as one of Asia's most prestigious and widely recognized platforms for short films, celebrated for its dedication to creative excellence, innovation and the promotion of diverse voices in cinema. Over the course of its illustrious history, TISFF has evolved into a vibrant hub for global storytelling, attracting thousands of submissions from filmmakers worldwide—a reflection of its unparalleled reputation as a cornerstone for emerging talent and visionary cinematic voices.
To support emerging filmmakers and promote diversity, TISFF allows free film submissions; ensuring financial barriers never hinder talented filmmakers from sharing their unique visions.
Organized by the Iranian Youth Cinema Society (IYCS), a leading organization in short film production and education, TISFF benefits from an extensive infrastructure comprising 57 branches across Iran and a thriving network of filmmakers and alumni. The IYCS supports the production of countless short films annually and trains aspiring filmmakers each year. Many of its graduates have risen to prominence as some of the most celebrated filmmakers in international cinema, reinforcing its profound influence on the global filmmaking stage.
An OSCARS®-qualifying festival, TISFF is renowned for embracing innovation while celebrating cinematic tradition. For its 42nd edition, TISFF proudly showcases its established categories of fiction, documentary, animation, and experimental films—genres that have long been at the heart of its commitment to cinematic excellence, with the Grand Prize winner becoming eligible for Academy Awards® consideration. In addition, the festival spotlights its AI Competition Program, highlighting the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence in redefining storytelling and artistic expression, reflecting TISFF's vision for the future of filmmaking.
New this year, TISFF proudly presents the Emerging Horizons Award which reflects TISFF's enduring focus on emerging talent. This category is dedicated to first or second short fiction films from filmmakers in the MENA region, offering a platform for fresh and visionary voices from this dynamic part of the world.
As ever, TISFF remains a global platform for filmmakers to present their work, fostering the evolution of short film as a compelling artistic and cultural medium. We warmly invite you to join us in vibrant and culturally rich Tehran this autumn for the 42nd edition of TISFF.

Cash Prizes: 8,000€

The Tehran International Short Film Festival (TISFF) is a festival approved by the Academy Awards® and the winner of the Grand Prize becomes eligible for the OSCARS®.
Grand Prize: Trophy + Diploma + $2000
Best Fiction: Trophy + Diploma + $1500
Best Documentary: Trophy + Diploma + $1000
Best Animation: Trophy + Diploma + $1000
Best Experimental: Trophy + Diploma + $500
Emerging Horizons Award: Trophy + Diploma + $1500
Best AI (Artificial Intelligence): Trophy + Diploma + $500

- Films must be completed after January 1, 2024, to qualify for competition.


- Films completed before this date will be disqualified.


- Films must not exceed 40 minutes in length.
Note: The maximum runtime for films in the experimental section is up to 20 minutes.


- Selected participants will be announced by September 25 and notified via email.


- Films previously screened at TISFF are not eligible.


- A pre-selection committee will review all submissions and make the final selection for each category.


- If selected, the original video (without subtitles) must be submitted along with subtitles and transcripts in both the original language and English.


- Once selected, films cannot be withdrawn from the festival program.


- Films that have been publicly broadcast, distributed, or screened in Iran are ineligible.


- Iranian short films must be submitted to the national section via: https://festival.iycs.ir/fa/


- Iranian short films for the international section will be selected through collaboration between the National and International Selection teams.

NOTE: By "Iranian entries," we mean films with a main producer who is an Iranian citizen or permanent resident. For clarification, contact: tehranfilmfest@gmail.com


- For AI Competition Program - Films are eligible to submit if they use AI to generate their visuals. The festival reserves the right to request proof of AI tools used in the creation of submitted works.


- Submission to TISFF implies acceptance of all the above rules and regulations.