The International Short Film Festival Oberhausen is one of the major international crossroads for the short form, unique in the range of forms and genres it presents to the public, and particularly well known for its spotlight on experiments.

In short film, anything is possible: formally, content-wise, or aesthetically. Hard to pin down, extremely open – and for that reason endlessly fascinating – short film remains an inexhaustible reservoir from which cinema, television, Internet and even the museum cull new visual languages. Oberhausen’s competitions are equally open to artistic and cinematic trends, they are exhibitions as well as film programmes. The festival is always looking for works that defy tradition, that have the courage to try out something new.

Oberhausen stands for short distances, intensive discussions, sold-out theatres and plenty of opportunities to make contacts. The four competitions, featuring some 140 new films and videos from all around the world, attract television programme editors as well as curators, festival representatives and journalists. Films vie for some 40,000 euros in prize money. The main award of the festival is the Grand Prize of the City of Oberhausen, which includes a grant of 7,500 euros, in the International Competition. A 5,000-euro prize awaits the winner of the German Competition. Other honours include the 2,500-euro ARTE Award for a European short film and the 3sat Promotional Award, likewise for 2,500 euros.

Media partners for the competitions are ARTE, 3sat, INTRO.