Our Story
The Aberdeen Short Film Festival is a prestigious annual event that celebrates the power and artistry of short films, taking place in the vibrant and historic city of Aberdeen, Scotland. Renowned for its strong community of artists and cultural enthusiasts, Aberdeen serves as the perfect setting for a festival that honors both emerging and established filmmakers.
For nine years, we have been dedicated to showcasing the very best in short-form storytelling, from thought-provoking documentaries to heartwarming dramas, laugh-out-loud comedies, and bold experimental works. Our festival has grown from a local celebration to an internationally recognized platform for independent cinema.
Our Mission
Aberdeen Short Film Festival is more than just a film festival—it's a gathering of creative minds, a platform for groundbreaking storytelling, and a celebration of the diverse voices that make up the global film community. By bringing together filmmakers, audiences, and industry professionals, the festival fosters a creative and collaborative atmosphere where ideas flourish and innovation thrives.
Our mission is to elevate independent filmmakers and provide a platform for their work to reach a wider audience, while also nurturing a love for the art of cinema among our attendees.
Why Aberdeen?
Aberdeen, Scotland's cultural capital of the north, provides the perfect backdrop for our festival. The city's rich history in the arts, combined with its vibrant creative community, makes it an ideal location for celebrating independent filmmaking. Our venue at Exchequer Row in the heart of Aberdeen offers an intimate and professional setting for screenings, workshops, and networking events.
The city's stunning architecture and scenic landscapes have also served as inspiration for many of the films we showcase, particularly in our "Local Legends" category, which highlights works created by Aberdeen filmmakers or set in our beautiful city.
Festival Leadership
Under the guidance of Festival Chair Michael Stewart, our dedicated team works year-round to curate an exceptional program that represents the diversity and creativity of contemporary short filmmaking. Michael brings years of experience in film production and festival programming, ensuring that each year's festival maintains the highest standards of quality and innovation.
Our Values
- Inclusivity: We celebrate diverse voices and stories from filmmakers of all backgrounds
- Excellence: We maintain high standards in our selection process and event production
- Innovation: We support experimental and boundary-pushing filmmaking
- Community: We foster connections between filmmakers, industry professionals, and audiences
- Education: We provide learning opportunities through workshops and masterclasses
- Accessibility: We strive to make our festival welcoming and accessible to all
Looking Forward
As we continue to grow and evolve, the Aberdeen Short Film Festival remains committed to its core mission of supporting independent filmmakers and celebrating the art of short-form storytelling. We look forward to welcoming filmmakers and film lovers from around the world to our 2025 festival, where we will continue to showcase the very best in contemporary short cinema.
Join us in Aberdeen this September for an unforgettable celebration of creativity, artistry, and the power of storytelling through film.