The CineFilmFest’s competition presents a carefully curated selection of outstanding short films from emerging filmmakers. The program highlights works distinguished by their artistic vision, originality, and the power to move, challenge, or inspire audiences.
A window onto contemporary short cinema, this festival is open to short films of any genre, from anywhere in the world, celebrating creativity, originality, and strong storytelling without thematic limits.
While submissions for the main festival competition are open to short-format works across all creative genres, we will host extra screening sessions dedicated to:
– “Frames of Italy”: A celebration of the enduring imprint of Italian cinema on the global imagination. This curated selection brings together short films that, in one way or another, share a connection with Italy, creating a space where different stories, perspectives, and cinematic voices meet. This programme’s section emerges from a series of local events organized by IPN Cultura, the cultural branch of the most important Italian networking group in The Netherlands.
– “Justice on Screen”: Rooted in the Netherlands’ legacy as a global hub for international law and human dignity (symbolized by The Hague), this section is dedicated to short films examining justice in its legal, social, moral, or personal dimensions.
– “Science & Imagination”: Exploring how cinema can reveal the unknown, challenge what we think we know, and imagine what might come next, this section welcomes films rooted in scientific research and documentary, as well as fictional works that use science and technology as a starting point for storytelling, speculation, and imagination.
Each year, only a limited number of films are selected for the official competition, ensuring that every film receives focused attention from both audiences and industry guests. The full program will be announced at a later date.
MISSION
Where cinema observes, questions, and reflects.
Cine Film Fest exists to support filmmakers who use cinema as a tool for expression, reflection, and social awareness. We aim to create a space where storytelling meets purpose — where local audiences and international creators can engage through powerful cinematic experiences.
Our mission is to:
Support independent filmmakers from around the world
Present carefully curated short films to a local and international audience
Encourage reflection, conversation, and cultural exchange
Create an accessible festival experience rooted in The Hague’s civic and cultural identity
Cinema, for us, is not only entertainment — it is observation, interpretation, and expression.
We are committed to:
Promoting independent short films from around the world
Encouraging dialogue around culture, society, and justice
Supporting emerging and established filmmakers
Bringing high-quality cinema to the local community in The Hague
VISION
Where cinema observes, questions, and reflects.
We envision Cine Film Fest as a cultural meeting point — where stories travel freely, perspectives are exchanged, and cinema becomes a catalyst for understanding. Cine Film Fest is a meeting point between images and ideas
A festival where:
Short films are experienced as complete artistic works
Local audiences discover global perspectives
Filmmakers find an attentive and curious public
Themes of justice, identity, and social responsibility are explored with nuance and creativity
As the festival grows, Cine Film Fest aims to become a recognizable platform for cinema that engages with the world — thoughtfully, critically, and poetically. Growing into a multidisciplinary platform with screenings, talks, and workshops
We want to grow together with you!
Submit Your Short
Filmmakers are invited to submit short films (not exceed 25 minutes in total runtime, including credits) that demonstrate a distinctive voice, cinematic craft, and a strong point of view. We are particularly interested in works that take creative risks, explore new perspectives, and leave a lasting impression.
If you have created a film that deserves to be experienced on the big screen and discovered by a curious, culturally engaged audience, we invite you to submit your work. All film submissions to CineFilmFest are handled exclusively via FilmFreeway.
We strongly recommend filmmakers to:
- Submit through our official FilmFreeway page (read Filmfreeway FAQ in case of questions) 🡪 add link once available
- Carefully read the Rules & Regulations before applying 🡪 add link to Regolamento
- Reach out to us only for non-submission-related inquiries. See contact details below.
FilmFreeway ensures a transparent, secure, and professional submission process
SECTIONS
CINEFILMFEST features three curated sections, each designed to highlight a specific cinematic perspective.
International Shorts
An open window onto contemporary short cinema, highlighting originality, strong visual language, and personal vision from filmmakers across the globe.
Open to short films of any genre, from anywhere in the world.
This section celebrates creativity, originality, and strong storytelling without thematic limits.
International Shorts
Frames of Italy
As a spin-off of local events organized by the Italian Professionals community in NL, this section is dedicated to films that are connected to Italy in any meaningful way, either because they:
Are shot in Italy
Focus on a cinematic journey through Italy (real, imagined, or reinterpreted)
Feature Italian actors
Revolve on narratives centered on Italian culture, memory, or everyday life
Are directed by a Italian filmmakers
Focus on Italians living far from home
Frames of Italy
Justice on Screen
Focused on films exploring justice in all its forms — legal, social, moral, or personal. Given The Hague’s symbolic role as the International City of Justice, this section specifically reflects on fairness, rights, accountability, and human dignity.
Justice on Screen
Events & Workshops
Cine Film Fest extends beyond screenings through a series of public events and educational moments.
These may include:
Conversations with filmmakers
Thematic panels and talks
Informal networking gatherings
Workshops on storytelling, directing, and film circulation
These events are designed to engage both film professionals and curious spectators, creating a shared cultural experience.
Planned workshops:
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Rules & Regulations
Download the Competion Rules & Regulations here
Submit Your Short
Filmmakers are invited to submit short films (not exceeding 25 minutes in total runtime, including credits) that demonstrate a distinctive voice, cinematic craft, and a strong point of view. We are particularly interested in works that take creative risks, explore new perspectives, and leave a lasting impression.
If you have created a film that deserves to be experienced on the big screen and discovered by a curious, culturally engaged audience, we invite you to submit your work. All film submissions to CineFilmFest are handled exclusively via FilmFreeway.
We strongly recommend filmmakers to:
- Submit through our official FilmFreeway page (read Filmfreeway FAQ in case of questions)
- Carefully read the Rules & Regulations before applying
- Reach out to us only for non-submission-related inquiries. See contact details below.
FilmFreeway ensures a transparent, secure, and professional submission process
AWARDS
An international jury will award prizes recognizing excellence and impact in filmmaking, while the audience will also have the opportunity to vote for their favorite film.
Awards are presented during the official festival award ceremony, held in The Hague.
Full details about eligibility and selection criteria are available on the Rules & Regulations page
