Festival Events

Opening Night Celebration: Red Carpet Welcome

September 20, 2025 • 7:00 PM

The festival kicks off with a grand opening night celebration, including a red carpet event, a welcome address by festival chair Michael Stewart, and a highly anticipated short film screening.

• Interact with filmmakers, producers, and industry professionals
• Celebrate the start of the festival with live music, drinks, and networking opportunities
• Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere and enjoy the charm of the red carpet

International Short Film Showcase: Diverse Storytelling

September 21-24, 2025 • Multiple Sessions Daily

The heart of our festival features high-quality short films from around the world, including narrative, documentary, animation, experimental, and music videos.

• Local Legends: Short films created by Aberdeen filmmakers or set in Aberdeen
• Women in Film: Stories told by female filmmakers, highlighting women's voices in cinema
• Global Perspectives: Films exploring cultural diversity and shared human experiences
• Experimental Vision: Short films breaking traditional storytelling boundaries
• Documentary Focus: Short documentaries exploring real-world issues
• Voices of Youth: Celebrating works by student filmmakers and emerging directors

Masterclasses and Professional Workshops

September 21-23, 2025 • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Daily

Learn from industry experts through hands-on workshops and masterclasses designed for aspiring filmmakers, students, and cinema enthusiasts.

• Screenwriting Essentials: Crafting compelling characters, dialogue, and narratives
• Directing Short Films: Balancing storytelling with visual style
• Cinematography Masterclass: Enhancing visual impact through lighting and composition
• Film Distribution and Marketing: Strategies for getting your films into festivals and beyond

Emerging Filmmaker Support

September 22, 2025 • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Our "Emerging Director Spotlight" provides independent creators with a platform to showcase their skills and gain industry exposure.

• Portfolio review sessions with industry professionals
• Mentorship opportunities
• Networking with established filmmakers

Panel Discussions: Industry Insights

September 22-23, 2025 • 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM

Interactive discussions featuring filmmakers, critics, and industry professionals exploring topics relevant to the modern film landscape.

• The Future of Short Films in the Digital Age
• The Role of Festivals in Independent Filmmaking
• Storytelling for Social Change

Special Themed Screenings

Various Times Throughout Festival

Dedicated sessions highlighting unique themes and stories.

• Scottish Stories: Films celebrating Scotland's history, culture, and people
• Comedy Shorts Night: A fun evening featuring laugh-out-loud short films
• Midnight Madness: Thrilling and suspenseful short films screened late at night

Documentary Day

September 24, 2025 • Full Day Event

A full day dedicated to short documentaries exploring impactful stories, real-world issues, and unique perspectives.

• Screenings of award-winning, thought-provoking documentaries
• Q&A sessions with documentary filmmakers
• Discussions on the ethics and challenges of non-fiction storytelling

Networking Events: Connection and Collaboration

Daily • 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Informal events where filmmakers, industry professionals, and audiences can meet, share ideas, and build lasting connections.

• Social gatherings with refreshments
• Opportunities to pitch ideas to producers and collaborators
• Build relationships for future projects

Closing Awards Ceremony

September 25, 2025 • 6:00 PM

The festival concludes with a grand awards ceremony celebrating the best films and filmmakers of the year.

• Highlights from award-winning films
• Acceptance speeches from winners
• Celebration of creative talent showcased during the festival

Closing Night Screening

September 25, 2025 • 8:30 PM

The final screening features an outstanding short film that leaves audiences inspired and energized, setting the stage for next year's festival.