International Inter University Short Film Festival-IIUSFF

International Inter University Short Film Festival-IIUSFF IIUSFF is an international festival dedicated to promoting student filmmakers. Maximum length is 15 minutes.

2. Maximum length is 20 minutes.

3.

In 2007, International Inter-University Short Film Festival started its journey with the goal to provide a platform for the young and talented student filmmakers in Bangladesh and overseas to showcase their talent. Over the years, it has succeeded in creating a name of its own and to work as a cross-cultural platform to portray the different styles and dimensions of young university-going filmmake

rs throughout the world. Poster Theme of 13th IIUSFF:

Being an international platform, the International Inter-University Short Film Festival aims to feature a native art form of Bangladesh in order to introduce the world with the country’s incredibly rich culture and history. In this edition, the 13th IIUSFF is showcasing the ‘Nakshi Kantha’ or embroidered quilt. One of the most traditional forms of art practiced in different parts of Bangladesh, Nakshi Kantha refers to well-worn clothes that feature ‘naksha’ or artistic patterns, sewn by rural women. The quilts provide a canvas to these artisans to weave their thoughts, aspirations and stories into each colourful design and find a home for their creative expressions. Every Kantha gracefully embodies the rural women’s sense of agency and incorruptible artistic vision. As a filmmaker designs his story, starting from scratch, to be ultimately transformed into a coherent form on the big screen, the same dogged pursuit is found in the little circles of rural women who huddle together and needle away for weeks or even months, for the sake of their art. In light of our age-old craft tradition and the historical significance of embroidered quilts, the 13th IIUSFF's main theme has been set to be Nakshi Kantha - a relic of our glorious past and a promise of better days on our horizon. SUBMISSION CATEGORIES:

Applicants can submit their films in 4 main categories, which are:

1. Competition:
Films focused on different topics and of diverse genres are accepted in this category. Panorama:
These films will be screened upon selection. These films will not take part in the competition but will be considered for special mentions. One Earth Short FIlm:

Climate Change is now one of the most concerning issues all over the world as the whole world is witnessing the adverse effects of it. As the ecosystem surrounding us is changing like never before, the whole planet is struggling to keep up with the transformations and difficulties to do so is increasing. In order to combat this crisis, understanding the crisis is very important. Visual representation is indispensable for us to realise the gravity of this global challenge. This category, introduced for the first time in the 15th edition of IIUSFF, is dedicated to raising awareness about the pressing issue of climate change through youth filmmaking, encompassing live-action, animation, and documentary formats. The goal is to platform a variety of stories of resilience and crises in the context of climate change from around the world. Maximum length for this category is 15 minutes.

4. One-Minute Shorts:
Short films no longer than 60 seconds of duration are accepted in this category

SUBMISSION PROCEDURE:
Eligible entrants (according to the rules and terms below) can participate in the festival through submitting their fictional/ Non-fictional/docu-short/ interview short films via FilmFreeway
https://filmfreeway.com/iiusff

SUBMISSION FEE:
All of the submissions are free of cost.

01/10/2025

In the sunlit fields of rural Bengal, life moves with rhythm and the winds carry the faint perfume of harvest. Boys race their wooden boats in a narrow canal. Simplicity lives here in every gesture. Between these ordinary motions, an artisan’s hand lifts a palm leaf and folds it into a Tal Pakha.

The Tal Pakha carries stories of generations that soaked, dried, and shaped every leaf. It stands on its own as a metaphor for soul and beauty in a world consumed by convenience and machinery.

But now the winds have changed. What once fanned every household now sits as a relic of the past. And yet, the Tal Pakha flutters tenderly, bearing witness to the resilience of those who refuse to let it vanish.

This year, it became our muse at the 16th International Inter University Short Film Festival-IIUSFF, organized by the Dhaka University Film Society with support from the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Dhaka and United Nations Development Programme in Bangladesh. Through cinema, we honored the story of Talpakha; of craftsmanship, of heritage, of Bengal itself.

29/09/2025

From a flicker of an idea to a full-blown festival, IIUSFF has carried stories that cut across borders, stitched together by the hands of young film enthusiasts.

What began in 2007 as a small student-led initiative has now become a global platform. Every frame acts as a reminder that the future of cinema is still in its first draft. And who’s holding the pen? The youth.

So here’s to the storytellers who scribbled their dreams into motion. Keep rolling. Because as long as the reels spin, the story never ends.

Explore global youth unity and innovation through the lens of the 16th International Inter University Short Film Festival-IIUSFF — organized by Dhaka University Film Society with support from the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Dhaka and the United Nations Development Programme in Bangladesh

Witness student collaboration, creativity, and cross-cultural solidarity in action!

24/09/2025

In lands that once breathed the scent of rich soil, the air now carries only the bitter traces of human damage. Rivers that once gave life are now polluted, poisoned by waste, and burdened by rising heat. The forests that once sheltered countless beings are cut down, and the soil beneath our feet is weakened, no longer able to promise the same harvests as before. This is the story of those who live closest to the land—feel the silent grief of the earth, carrying its burdens in their everyday life.

At IIUSFF, we honor the lived realities of climate change, amplifying the voices of those living on the frontlines of climate change. 16th International Inter University Short Film Festival-IIUSFF organised by Dhaka University Film Society supported by United Nations Development Programme in Bangladesh and Royal Norwegian Embassy in Dhaka.

In Bangladesh, only about 9.9% of people use clean cooking fuels, leaving the vast majority of households reliant on tra...
20/09/2025

In Bangladesh, only about 9.9% of people use clean cooking fuels, leaving the vast majority of households reliant on traditional fuels. This exposes many, especially women and children, to harmful smoke on a daily basis, posing serious health risks.

The 16th International Inter University Short Film Festival-IIUSFF is being organized by Dhaka University Film Society with support from the United Nations Development Programme in Bangladesh and the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Dhaka

For more information, visit:
Facebook - facebook.com/iiusfff
Instagram - instagram.com/iiusff
Twitter - twitter.com/iiusff1

Over 80% population of Bangladesh lives on the fragile Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna delta. For millions, their home is on l...
20/09/2025

Over 80% population of Bangladesh lives on the fragile Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna delta. For millions, their home is on land less than 2 meters above sea level where a cyclone or storm surge can erase entire villages overnight. Floods not only wash away soil but also sweep away lives, livelihoods, and hope. In this delta, the rising waters mean a future under constant threat.

The 16th International Inter University Short Film Festival-IIUSFF is being organized by Dhaka University Film Society with support from the United Nations Development Programme in Bangladesh and the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Dhaka

For more information, visit:
Facebook - facebook.com/iiusfff
Instagram - instagram.com/iiusff
Twitter - twitter.com/iiusff1

The curtains have closed on the 16th International Inter University Short Film Festival (IIUSFF)’s three-day celebration...
02/09/2025

The curtains have closed on the 16th International Inter University Short Film Festival (IIUSFF)’s three-day celebration of cinema at TSC, University of Dhaka — and we are thrilled to announce the outstanding winners of this year’s edition!

Zahir Raihan Best Short Award
Film: Side by Side
Director: Amir Raisian
Country: Islamic Republic of Iran

Tareque Masud Best Emerging Director
Film: The Wave
Director: Faysal Ahmed
Country: Bangladesh

One Earth Short Winner
Film: The 9th Continent
Director: Mostafa Borzouyan Dastjerdi
Country: Islamic Republic of Iran

One Earth Short Runner-up
Film: Journey in the Ocean
Director: Xinyi Nie
Country: China

Best One Minute Short
Film: Unconditionally
Director: Anna Rebecca
Country: France

👏 A round of applause for these incredible talents! 🌟

Honorable Mentions:

Best Sound
Film: Taxidermist
Directors: Behzad Alavi, Sousan Salamat
Country: IR Iran

Best Editing
Film: Piano in the Bushes
Director: Dashka Dementeva
Country: Estonia

Best Cinematography
Film: CheckMates
Directors: Cler Reizale, Milo Galarte, Lucas Khel, Nicolas Zocoralo, Eduardo Mikio, Fernando Boni
Country: Brazil

Best Screenplay
Film: Hawr
Director: Robert Minassian
Country: Lebanon

Best Documentary
Film: Mother
Director: Bayaman Zhoomartovich Asanaliev
Country: Kyrgyzstan

Best Animation
Film: The Hair: From the Works of Guy De Maupassant
Director: Aurélien Billon
Country: Belgium

We received inspiring films from around the world, and this year’s winners truly embody the spirit of storytelling beyond borders. A heartfelt thank you to all the filmmakers and our dedicated Jury Board for making the 16th IIUSFF an unforgettable celebration of cinema.

The 16th International Inter-University Short Film Festival (IIUSFF) is coming to a grand close tomorrow at TSC, Univers...
01/09/2025

The 16th International Inter-University Short Film Festival (IIUSFF) is coming to a grand close tomorrow at TSC, University of Dhaka!
The final day will showcase the last round of screening sessions, wrapping up this year’s incredible lineup of short films. The Closing Ceremony will be held at 5:00 PM in the TSC auditorium.
With the spirit of Talpakha, a timeless emblem of Bengal, this year’s festival has celebrated the creativity and voices of young filmmakers from around the globe. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this memorable finale!

The 16th International Inter University Short Film Festival-IIUSFF is being organized by Dhaka University Film Society with support from the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Dhaka and the United Nations Development Programme in Bangladesh.

In Khulna and Satkhira, climate-driven salinization is poisoning vital drinking water sources. Cyclones and storm surges...
01/09/2025

In Khulna and Satkhira, climate-driven salinization is poisoning vital drinking water sources. Cyclones and storm surges repeatedly destroy freshwater reserves, leaving communities in crisis. In response, rainwater harvesting systems and community water plants are being set up to provide safe drinking water. These targeted efforts are lifelines for families battling the silent threat of salt in their water. But lasting solutions demand stronger climate resilience and protection of freshwater resources.

The 16th International Inter University Short Film Festival-IIUSFF is being organized by Dhaka University Film Society with support from the United Nations Development Programme in Bangladesh and the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Dhaka

For more information, visit:
Facebook - facebook.com/iiusfff
Instagram - instagram.com/iiusff
Twitter - twitter.com/iiusff1

We are proud to present the honorable jury panel of the 16th International Inter University Short Film Festival (IIUSFF)...
01/09/2025

We are proud to present the honorable jury panel of the 16th International Inter University Short Film Festival (IIUSFF).

This year’s board features four distinguished personalities: Bidhan Rebeiro, Bangladeshi film critic, writer, journalist, and teacher; Sadia Khalid Reeti, Bangladeshi screenwriter, film critic, and journalist; and Madhuja Mukherjee, filmmaker and professor of Film Studies at Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India.

Among 1438 short films submitted by students of 70 countries, five short films in four categories will win awards, and seven short films are selected for honorable mentions.

The names of the respective short films will be announced in the award-giving ceremony of the 16th IIUSFF, arranged at TSC premises, University of Dhaka, tomorrow at 5pm.

All film enthusiasts are cordially invited!

16th IIUSFF is being organized by Dhaka University Film Society and supported by the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Dhaka and the United Nations Development Programme in Bangladesh.

Today on the second episode of Season 05 of IIUSFF Talks titled 'Past the Studio Gates: Independent Cinema and Market Dy...
01/09/2025

Today on the second episode of Season 05 of IIUSFF Talks titled 'Past the Studio Gates: Independent Cinema and Market Dynamics', filmmaker Juboraj Shamim, editor and producer Bayezid Khan joined with us.

The 16th International Inter University Short Film Festival-IIUSFF is being organized by Dhaka University Film Society with support from the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Dhaka and United Nations Development Programme in Bangladesh.

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TSC, University Of Dhaka
Dhaka

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International Inter University Short Film Festival (IIUSFF), organized by Dhaka University Film Society (DUFS) is not only a festival which gives viewers the opportunity to enjoy short films, it is also a great platform for young independent film-makers to promote and screen their films. Filmmakers can submit in four categories- Competition, Panorama, One minute Short and Short film for Refugee. Starting from 2007, IIUSFF has successfully completed 11 editions. On 2020, IIUSFF stepped into its 12th year.

Short films made by young filmmakers from local and international universities are screened in this Festival. A jury board consisting of the best filmmaker, academic, critic and activists in the scene judge the films. The best short film is awarded with “Zahir Raihan Best Short” award. The director of the best short film from Bangladesh is awarded with “Tareque Masud Best Emerging Director Award”. IIUSFF aspires to be a cross-cultural platform for young filmmaker and film-enthusiasts to showcase their work and share their dreams with each other. We hope to inspire young people towards realizing their dreams in film, like our slogan states, "TAKE YOUR CAMERA FRAME YOUR DREAM"