30th EUROPEAN FILM FESTIVAL IN LEBANON CALL FOR PARTICIPATION 

SHORT FILM COMPETITION

INTRODUCTION

In the framework of the 30th European Film Festival in Lebanon, organized by the European Union Delegation in Lebanon in partnership with the Member States of the European Union and the Metropolis Association, a Call for Short Films is organized.

Throughout its previous editions, the European Film Festival has been keen on supporting the talents of young audio-visual and cinema students in Lebanon. University students and up-and-coming directors with short films produced in Lebanon in the last two years are invited to submit their films.

A jury of film industry professionals will oversee this competition to select two winners.

ABOUT THE EUROPEAN FILM FESTIVAL

The European Film Festival, now in its 30th edition, has become one of the most awaited events for the cinema-going audience in Lebanon, and has played a pivotal role in providing access for the public to preview the latest European film productions, which rarely have any other chance of screening in a regular commercial cinema hall. The festival for example has traditionally been a platform to present films from European countries not represented in the actual cinema circuit, and to show on the big screen restored masterpieces of European cinema, subsequently inspiring upcoming Lebanese talents. 

In recent years the festival annually has attracted at least 13,000 people.

The Short Film Competition will be open for all young emerging filmmakers, residing in Lebanon, to participate with their films produced since January 2024. 

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

WHO CAN APPLY

The competition is open to filmmakers residing in Lebanon.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION

All applications must be submitted electronically by midnight, March 8, 2026.

ELIGIBILITY

• The film should have been produced after January 2024.
• The run time should not exceed 30 minutes including end credits.
• The competition accepts submissions in Arabic, English or French. Film submissions in Arabic must be subtitled in English or French.
• The entire film must not have been already published online.
• Priority will be given to films that have not yet premiered in Lebanon.

THE JURY 

• A jury composed of film industry professionals will review and evaluate all submissions received and select the winning short films.
• The jury will select two winning short films. 

AWARDS

In the framework of the 30th European Film Festival a total of two awards will be offered in collaboration with EU Member States. 

The directors of the two winning short films will be offered the opportunity to participate in a key international cinema event in Europe. 

HOW TO APPLY AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO APPLICANTS

• All applications should be submitted online via this entry form.
• Please note that by joining the competition, you agree with the competition guidelines. Your entry cannot lead to abusive, harassing, discriminatory, racist or pornographic content. 
• Your entry must not infringe upon the rights, trademarks or any other intellectual property rights of any third person or entity.
• It is imperative that the applicant provides a copy of the film’s shooting permit issued by the General Security Directorate.
• Directors of selected films will be contacted privately to provide the screening copy of their film (accepted screening formats: DCP, Blu-ray, HD file), with technical information (synopsis, biography of the director, credits) and promotional materials (1 film still, 1 photo of the director).
• Selected films will be announced publicly in the framework of the 30th European Film Festival in Lebanon.

For any additional inquiries, please contact info@metropoliscinema.net