Recognition of Excellence
The Aberdeen Short Film Festival recognizes outstanding achievement in short filmmaking across multiple categories. Our awards celebrate the diverse voices and innovative storytelling that make independent cinema so compelling.
Winners are selected by our distinguished jury of industry professionals, filmmakers, and cinema experts who evaluate each submission based on originality, technical excellence, and emotional impact.
Award Categories
Main Competition Awards
- Best Film
- Best Short Film
- Best Director
- Best Screenplay
- Best Cinematography
- Best Editing
- Best Sound Design
- Best Hair & Makeup
Genre Awards
- Best Documentary
- Best Drama
- Best Comedy
- Best Animation
- Best Experimental Film
- Best Sci-Fi
- Best Thriller
- Best Foreign Film
Special Recognition
- Best Emerging Director
- Best Alumni Film
- Best Student Film
- Best Kid Video
- Best Indie Short Film
- Best Proof of Concept Film
- Best Inspirational Film
- Best Write of Passage Spotlight Film
Performance Awards
- Best Actor
- Best Actress
- Best Supporting Performance
- Best Ensemble Cast
Technical Excellence
- Best Cinematography
- Best Sound Design
- Best Original Score
- Best Visual Effects
- Best Production Design
- Best Photographer
Audience & Industry Choice
- Audience Choice Award
- Audience Award
- Festival Award
- Industry Choice Award
Specialized Categories
- Best Scriptural Integration
- Best Film Commercial of the Year
- Best Social Impact Film
- Best Environmental Film
- Best Cultural Heritage Film
Judging Criteria
Originality and Creativity
The jury values innovative storytelling, unique artistic expression, and fresh perspectives that push the boundaries of traditional filmmaking.
Emotional Impact
Films should resonate emotionally with audiences, creating lasting impressions through compelling narratives and authentic characters.
Technical Quality
Cinematography, editing, sound design, and overall production value are carefully evaluated for their contribution to the film's effectiveness.
Director's Vision
Priority is given to films with a strong artistic voice and clear narrative ability, demonstrating the director's unique perspective and storytelling skills.
Awards Ceremony
The Aberdeen Short Film Festival Awards Ceremony takes place on the final evening of the festival, September 25, 2025. This glamorous event brings together filmmakers, industry professionals, and festival attendees to celebrate the year's outstanding achievements in short filmmaking.
Winners receive beautifully crafted awards and recognition that can significantly boost their careers and open doors to new opportunities in the film industry. Many past winners have gone on to achieve success at major international festivals and in feature film production.
What to Expect:
- Red carpet arrivals and photo opportunities
- Highlights from award-winning films
- Acceptance speeches from filmmakers
- Networking opportunities with industry professionals
- Celebration reception following the ceremony
Past Winners
Over our nine-year history, the Aberdeen Short Film Festival has recognized hundreds of talented filmmakers and has become a launching pad for many successful careers in cinema. Our alumni have gone on to win awards at Cannes, Sundance, and other prestigious festivals worldwide.
We are proud to have discovered and supported emerging talent while also celebrating the work of established filmmakers who continue to push the boundaries of short-form storytelling.