How many films and videos are selected for the competitions each year?

Every year the Festival's selection committees select about 140 contributions for the competitions, including around 60 for the International Competition, 20 for the German Competition, 10 for the NRW Competition, 41 for the International Children's and Youth Film Competition, and 10 for the MuVi Award.

What is the difference between competitions and the Theme?

The films and videos running in the competitions must be submitted and are then selected by the selection committee. Competition contributions have to comply with the regulations of the International Short Film Festival Oberhausen. The Theme is non-competitive, specially curated on specific subjects. Under some circumstances competition entries may also be selected for the Theme.

How does one go about applying for the competition?

Submissions for the competitions of the Festival should be made via the international Internet platform reelport.com, where submitted films can be uploaded directly. If this is not possible, you can also fill in our new online submission form here and send a preview DVD to Oberhausen. We accept only DVD as preview format. Please find out whether the film/video meets the competition requirements. The regulations are on our website by October. In case of doubt, the Festival will try to answer any questions

How does one apply for the Theme?

It is not possible to submit a film specifically for inclusion in the Theme; however, all competition submissions are examined to determine their suitability for the Theme.

How does one apply for the MuVi Online Audience Award?

Only nominations for the MuVi Award can participate in the Online Audience Award competition.

Which awards can be won in Oberhausen?

The main awards in Oberhausen are the Grand Prize of the City of Oberhausen in the International Competition and the prize for the best contribution to the German Competition. The total prize money in all four competitions amounts to 44,000 euros: 26,500 euros in the International Competition, as well as a (non-cash) cinema award in the form of a buying option by the KurzFilmAgentur Hamburg (Short Film Agency Hamburg); 7,500 euros in the German Competition; 1,500 euros in the NRW Competition, three prizes each 1,000 in the International Children's and Youth Film Competition, and 5,500 euros in the MuVi competition. All prizes go to the film directors. For more detailed information please see the current Festival regulations.