Yalda Short Film Festival

We celebrate the Iran that exists in people’s hearts, not in the headlines.

Our festival welcomes and invites filmmakers from all backgrounds to participate. Your film only needs to include Iran in the slightest way: a word, an image, a reference, a nod. That small connection is enough to be part of this celebration.

Let’s reflect the Iran that lives in people’s kitchens and playlists, in their art, poetry, food, music, architecture, and jokes — the Iran carried in culture and memory, far from the geopolitical games of superpowers.

Eligibility

• Films with a reference to Iranian art, culture, poetry, food, history, or social themes.

• Open to filmmakers worldwide, in any language.

• English subtitles required.

• Maximum runtime: 20 minutes.

• Films must have been completed within the last 5 years.

Awards

The Yalda Award includes a laurel, a digital certificate, and a $200 AUD cash prize for the festival’s top film of the year.

Categories

• Best Fiction Short Film

• Best Documentary Short Film

• Best Animation

• Best Music Video

Terms & Conditions

• Filmmakers must hold all rights and permissions for music, images, and any copyrighted material; proof may be requested.

• You confirm you have the rights or permissions for all materials used in the film.

• You grant the festival permission to use stills or short clips for promotional purposes.

• You consent to your film being screened at our monthly events and at the annual competition