21 December: International Short Film Day

In the cosy months that autumn and winter bring, the days are getting shorter and the nights long. The best conditions for watching short films together! No day is more predestined for this than the shortest day of the year - Short Film Day on 21 December! All those who want to celebrate the short film in large or small groups, on the couch at home or in the cinema hall, are cordially invited.

All information about the shortest day of the year can be found here.

Our Programmes 2024

This year we have prepared four events for you and you are spoiled for choice. There are three programs that are aimed more at young audiences and our favorites invite you to enjoy a cozy get-together with mulled wine.

Our events at a glance (free admission everywhere):

From 11 a.m.: Short treasures from the bag of tricks (Wichtelkino, Striezelmarkt Dresden)
3 p.m.: Short film challenge at Lingnerschloss (Clubkino im Lingnerschloss, Bautzner Str. 132)
4 pm: FILMFEST DRESDEN Favourites (Büro für gute Maßnahmen e.V., Jordanstraße 9)
5 pm: FILMFEST DRESDEN presents: HAND IN HAND - Short Film Day at the Palace (Central Library, Foyer on the 2nd floor, Kulturpalast Dresden, Wilsdruffer Straße 18)

FILMFEST DRESDEN Favourites

WHEN: 4 p.m. start, film program from 5 p.m., expected to end at 8 p.m.
WHERE: Büro für gute Maßnahmen e.V., Jordanstraße 9

Immerse yourself in an exciting surprise program in which the FILMFEST Dresden team members present their very personal favorite films! Visit us in Neustadt at the Büro für gute Maßnahmen, where you will have the opportunity to meet our creative team and be inspired by a special selection of short films. Come by! The screening starts at 5pm. Let's celebrate the shortest day of the year together with great short films and a warming glass of mulled wine. We are looking forward to a convivial evening!

(YOUTH CINEMA): Short Film Challenge at Lingnerschloss

WHEN: 3 pm, duration approx. 2 hours
WHERE: Clubkino in the Lingnerschloss, Bautzner Str. 132

Kurz.Film.Scouts present: The best short films ever made - and we mean it! We invite you to come to KURZFILMTAG on December 21, 2024 at Lingnerschloss in Dresden, one of the legendary Elbe castles with a unique view over the Christmas-lit city.

Our promise? The short films in our programme don't need long explanations or introductions. They are the kind of short films that grab you straight away - be it with suspense, humor or emotion or simply because they are technically perfectly made. In just a few minutes, they will stick in your memory, perhaps even forever. Every movie is a small masterpiece with an impact that will stay with you.

This is the challenge: bring your whole family and even your most critical friends and put us to the test. We're convinced we'll blow everyone away - bet? The best short films you've ever seen are waiting for you!

Join us, experience unforgettable cinema and interactive specials in the special ambience of Lingnerschloss.

(KID'S CINEMA): FILMFEST DRESDEN presents: HAND IN HAND

WHEN: 5 p.m., programme duration approx. 60 min; age recommendation from 5 years
WHERE: Central Library, Foyer on the 2nd floor, Kulturpalast Dresden, Wilsdruffer Straße 18

Short film day at the palace: Attention explorers and adventurers! Join us on a fun excursion through the world of our heroes, with lots to discover alongside original songs and brave wellies. With all the hustle and bustle, community and fun are of course at the top of the program. So grab your friends, dive into the lives of your favorite animals with us and look forward to one or two fantasy creatures!

An animated film program for the whole family - selected and moderated by the Young Curators of FILMFEST DRESDEN

(KID'S CINEMA): Short treasures from the bag of tricks

WHEN: 11 a.m., program duration 20 min, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. on the half and full hour; family cinema from 4 years of age
WHERE: Wichtelkino, Striezelmarkt Dresden

The Fantasia animation school and Filmfest Dresden have selected a great programme for you on Short Film Day. Four short stories will surprise you with lots of original ideas: tricky & imaginative! We look forward to seeing you!

RESCUE IN THE LAST BATHTUB
Class 1d of the 30th Primary School Dresden | Germany 2023 | 4 min | Legetrick & animated film
What if? An ending often offers a new start, especially for the imagination!

STORIES FROM THE SHOE RACK: EPISODE 5 - TODAY YOU HAVE TO SHINE
Director: Alice von Gwinner, Sebastian Stoer | Germany 2023 | 4 min | animated film
One morning, the old winter boot Jäätä and the little sneaker Wetz are lying in front of the shoe rack, shining clean and looking mysterious. The other shoes wonder why the mismatched shoes have been missing all night.

FOREVER SEVEN
Director: Antje Heyn, Alexander Isert | Germany 2023 | 9 min | animated film
Mauser has no idea what treasure he has discovered when he stumbles across an abandoned crate on Monday morning. Afterwards, it's Dragon who appropriates it. And then Kitty, Dachshund, Frog, Snail and Pig come into possession of it - only to discover that the box cannot be owned. Or in a different way than they initially thought.

MY DEAR CATS
Director: Daria Fedorova, Kira Mertseva | Germany 2024 | 3 min | puppet animation film
Throw the cat out of the house...