Short Encounters

At the heart of the 5th edition of the Short Encounters Film Festival stand this year’s award-winning films. Unique works that distinguished themselves with clarity of vision, artistic integrity, and emotional resonance.
Each of these films carved its own path, demonstrating a compelling command of cinematic language and a profound engagement with its subject matter. In a program defined by its high caliber, these works rose to the forefront, not only for their technical and narrative strength, but for the lasting impression they leave behind.
They are films that stay with us reminding us of cinema’s power to move, to challenge, and to connect.
Congratulations to the filmmakers for this well-deserved recognition.

As part of the 5th edition of the Short Encounters Film Festival, four films stood out and were awarded Honorable Mentions in various categories, highlighting the creativity and fresh perspective of their creators. These films are by no means lesser in merit, but emerged within an exceptionally strong and balanced competition, where distinctions were drawn along the finest of margins. Their recognition reflects their unique strength and distinctive voice within a program of outstanding works.
Warm congratulations to the filmmakers for their participation and inspiration.

We proudly present this year’s official selections for the Fiction Shorts category! This year’s lineup is a global celebration of diversity, fearless storytelling, where bold visions collide with raw political urgency. The competition starts tomorrow, Wednesday the 17th. Short films from searing drama to skin-crawling horror, spanning every genre in between.

It will be a great honor to welcome an ensemble of the Kamerata Orchestra of the University of Ioannina to our award ceremony, under the direction of Maestro George Chlitsios. Their presence will add a distinguished musical dimension to the evening, as they accompany the awards presentation with selections from some of the most iconic film scores, enriching the atmosphere with the timeless magic of cinema.
We are also, especially delighted to welcome mezzo-soprano Martha Sotiriou, an accomplished opera singer, who will join the ensemble for this special evening. Her expressive voice and stage presence will bring a unique lyrical depth to the ceremony, enhancing the musical program and offering the audience a truly memorable artistic experience.