Lisboeta International Short Film Festival

26/05/2026

We always find it inspiring when acclaimed actors continue to take part in short films - supporting emerging filmmakers, independent cinema, and powerful storytelling beyond budgets.

Varvara Shmykova, known for her performances in 'Loveless' and in Andrey Zvyagintsev’s recent film 'Minotaur', which won the Grand Prix at the 79th Cannes Film Festival, also appeared in the short film 'Inflatable Bear, Hourly', officially selected and screened at the 5th Lisboeta International Short Film Festival.

Just a reminder that short cinema is not “lesser cinema,” but a space where talented artists continue to work creatively and collaboratively.

27/04/2026

In an exclusive interview to AVFRI.com, Polina Biliaieva, the director of the film 'F**k Them All' -awarded Best Film at the 5th Lisboeta International Short Film Festival - talks about a deeply personal and politically charged reflection on war, motherhood, and the limits imposed on the body.

Avfri is an online voice and inspiration for creative and critical minds.

02/04/2026

This year, the Jury Special Mention is awarded to two films; “The Land of Wanting More” and “Color of Tea”...
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Jury Special Mention – “The Land of Wanting More”

For its intimate and poetic exploration of womanhood, “The Land of Wanting More” is awarded a Jury Special Mentionat the 5th Lisboeta International Short Film Festival.

Blending fragmented storytelling with a raw, cinéma vérité aesthetic, the film weaves a nonlinear tapestry of desire, memory, and lived experience. Both personal and collective, it unfolds as a quiet yet powerful reflection on the complexities of being, becoming, and wanting more.

Our congratulations go to the film’s director, Marianna Rantou, as well as to the cast and crew.
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Jury Special Mention – “Color of Tea”

For its subtle yet powerful portrayal of dignity, resistance, and everyday injustice, “Color of Tea” is awarded a Jury Special Mention at the 5th Lisboeta International Short Film Festival.

Through a simple, deeply human story, the film sheds light on entrenched social hierarchies and the quiet strength of those who challenge them. With restraint and clarity, it transforms an ordinary moment into a profound reflection on identity, belonging, and equality.

Our congratulations go to the film’s director, Raj Sargam, as well as to the cast and crew...

01/04/2026

For its courage, humanity, and unflinching gaze at a reality too often reduced to headlines, “F**k Them All” is awarded Best Film at the 5th Lisboeta International Short Film Festival.

With striking realism and emotional precision, this powerful student film confronts autonomy and survival in the shadow of war - a raw and deeply human story of grief, exile, and impossible choice.

Our congratulations go to the film’s director, Polina Biliaieva, as well as to the cast and crew...

30/03/2026

As this year’s edition comes to a close, we extend our sincere gratitude to all filmmakers, jury members, and audiences who made this journey meaningful.

Across these days, we witnessed a remarkable range of stories, voices, and perspectives that reflect the richness of contemporary cinema.

We are proud to present the winners of this year’s festival, which concluded on Sunday, March 29th in Nicosia, Cyprus!

Best Film | F**k Them All, directed by Polina Biliaieva

Best Cinematography | Happy People, Darvas Bence

Best Script | Majonezë, Giulia Grandinetti

Best Female Actor | Daria Polunina for the role in the film 'F**k Them All', directed by Polina Biliaieva

Best Male Actor | Mohamed Mamdouh for the role in the film '32 B', directed by Mohamed Taher

Best Child Cast | The cast of 'Monkey', directed by Mohsen Habibi

Jury Special Mention | The Land of Wanting More, directed by Marianna Rantou and Colour of Tea', directed by Raj Sargam

Audience Award | 32 B, directed by Mohamed Taher

Congratulations to all the winners!..

25/03/2026

This year, in its 5th Special Mediterranean Edition, LISFF arrives at a time of deep uncertainty across Cyprus and the wider region.

In moments like these, cultural spaces do not exist in isolation. The ways we gather, create, and share stories are inevitably shaped by the political realities around us. To continue is, in itself, a gesture - a commitment to dialogue, to plurality, and to the enduring necessity of artistic expression.

For this edition, our jury will be composed of three members: Rahme Veziroğlu, Agnieszka Rakoczy, and Yvan Knezevic. Today, we introduce and thank these three voices who take on this responsibility.

01/03/2026

The LISFF 2026 Official Selection program has been announced:
https://www.avfri.com/lisff

23/02/2026

**This year, our official festival poster features a still image from 'The Land of Wanting More' , a film by Marianna Rantou, which will be the festival’s closing film.

Screenings will take place at the legendary Rustem Bookshop.

The screening program will be announced soon.**

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09/02/2026

Today we announce the Official Selections for LISFF 2026!

We received 1,583 submissions from 108 countries.
205 films were preselected, and 22 films have been officially selected.

Many thanks to everyone who submitted their films, and congratulations to all the films selected for the Official Selection!

Our 5th -Special Mediterranean- Edition will take place in Nicosia (North), Cyprus, on 27- 29 March 2026.

08/02/2026

In our spotlight:

A deeply impressive film, 'Mother Country', directed by Moges Ababu Belachew, depicts two brothers on opposing sides of the Ethiopian Civil War, and their mother caught painfully between them.
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Mother Country | Directed by Moges Ababu Belachew | 16:48 min | Ethiopia | 2024..
Please note that the complete list of official selections will be announced on February 9...