kontrast Film Festival (kontrast – Das Bayreuther Filmfest)

kontrast Film Festival

kontrast – Das Bayreuther Filmfest

Also known as: kontrast Filmfest, Bayreuther Kurzfilmfestival, kontrast Filmfestival
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Short films made by amateurs and professionals share the screen at kontrast in Bayreuth, Germany. Organised by the volunteer-run Bayreuther Filmfest e.V. since 2000, the festival accepts works of up to 30 minutes without restrictions on production year or subject. An annually changing special theme gives one part of the programme its focus, alongside documentary screenings and two children’s programmes for audiences aged four and nine upwards. Children choose their winning films by applause, while other awards combine audience voting and a jury of festival organisers.

The 2027 edition takes place at DAS ZENTRUM, Bayreuth’s International Youth Cultural Center, on 12–14 February 2027. Its special theme, “Hoppala”, explores mistakes, coincidences and unexpected turns in life.

Country

Germany

Focus

Animation, Documentary, Experimental, For Kids

Categories

Animation, Documentary, Experimental, Short

Dates

12 February 2027 — 14 February 2027

Awards and prizes

For the 2027 edition, the TMT Special Jury Award recognises the best film on the annual theme, “Hoppala”, with a €300 prize. The jury consists of festival organisers. The Sparkassen Film Award is selected by the audience and carries €300; the festival also recognises second and third places in the audience vote. Sunday screenings are excluded from the main audience ballot. Children select the winners of the two children’s programmes by applause. The Knax Children’s Film Award carries €100. The documentary audience award carries €100. The separate “kontrast zu Gast” event at Sübkültür presents the audience-selected Gülden Glöbe, sponsored by Neuneinhalb e.V., with a €100 prize.

Festival rules

2027 edition: Films of all themes and styles are eligible, with a maximum running time of 30 minutes and no restriction on production year or country. Multiple submissions are permitted. The special theme is “Hoppala” (Whoopsie Daisy); two separate children’s programmes address audiences aged four and nine upwards. German versions or original versions with German subtitles are preferred. English-language versions or original versions with English subtitles are also considered. The regulations exclude DCP, 35 mm, DVD and Blu-ray as screening formats. The submitter must hold all relevant film, music and third-party rights or be authorised by the rights holder. Submission constitutes acceptance of the regulations and an agreement not to charge screening, licence or other fees. The published general deadline is 1 September 2026; the children’s film deadline is 1 October 2026.

Contacts

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