Opening of the Zarifa Academy Short Film Festival - Paris 2025

We are thrilled to announce the very first edition of the Zarifa Academy Feature Film Festival, an extraordinary cinematic celebration set to take place in the heart of Paris on November 7–8, 2025. For two unforgettable days, the magic of cinema will unfold. Day one will mark the grand opening ceremony and the start of the official competition, while day two will feature the prestigious closing ceremony, where the winners will be unveiled.

Important Note:

To submit your film to the competition section, please use
our official submission portal at Stay up to date with all festival news and official announcements

via our website and Zarif Academy Instagram: [@ZARIFAACADEMY] .

 

Zarifa Film Academy FestivalShort Film Competition Regulations

Article 1 – Purpose:
The Zarifa Academy, composed of permanent members and invited artistic jurors, is committed to evaluating short fiction and experimental films in a way that encourages and motivates filmmakers to elevate the quality of their work.

Note 1:
The event will take place on November 7th and 8th in Paris

Article 2 – Festival Director:
The Festival Director holds the final authority in all decisions and matters relating to the Short Film Festival.

Note 1:
Appointed by the Zarifa Academy Board, the Director is entrusted with full responsibility for coordinating the festival’s programming, film selection, jury processes, as well as the execution of the awards ceremony and all associated events.

Article 3 – Eligibility:
All short fiction and experimental films produced within the past 3 years are eligible for submission and judging.

Note 1:
Films containing pornographic content, or promoting fascism, racism, gender discrimination, or any religious or sectarian propaganda are strictly prohibited. Such films will be disqualified and permanently barred from future editions.

Note 2:
Once submitted, a film cannot be withdrawn from the selection or judging process.

Note 3:
Submitting a film implies full acceptance of all festival rules and regulations.

Note 4:
Films that participated in previous editions of the festival are not eligible for resubmission.

Note 5:
The runtime of all submitted films must be under 20 minutes with subtitles.

Note 6:
Films will be evaluated based on the official submission form provided by the filmmaker.

Article 4 – Selection Committee:
The selection committee for short fiction and experimental films will consist of five members. This team will evaluate submissions and select at least 50 films for final jury consideration.

Note 1:
The committee includes cinema professionals and experts invited by the Zarifa Academy’s Board. All appointments are subject to approval by the House of Cinema and are officially issued by the Festival Director.

Note 2:
No selection committee member may submit a film for competition.

Article 5 – Judging Panel:
All judging will be carried out by the Zarifa Academy, a registered cultural and artistic institution based in Paris. The jury includes permanent members and distinguished cultural figures. The festival is firmly committed to the national values of France — Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity — and prioritizes upholding these ideals through this international celebration of cinema.

Article 6 – Awards:

One Golden Zarifa Statuette, also known as the Motherly Statuette, will be awarded to the best short film as selected by the jury.

Note 1:
Six Certificates of Merit will be awarded in the following categories: Best Screenplay, Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Cinematography, Best Film Score, and Best Editing.

Note 2:
The scoring and evaluation process will follow the official guidelines of the Zarifa Academy.

Note 3:
Official judging forms will be provided to all jury members by the Academy.

Note 4:
All votes will be counted solely by the Festival Director, Academy Jury, and a representative from the Board, and will remain confidential until the official announcement.

Note 5:
All selected participants will receive an official Certificate of Participation.

Note 6:
In each award category, five nominees will be announced, from which one winner will be selected.

Note 7:
The Best Film award will be presented to the director of the winning film to honor and protect the filmmaker’s moral rights.

Article 7 – Unforeseen Matters:
Any matters not addressed in these regulations will be decided by the Festival Director and, upon approval by the Zarifa Academy Board, shall be considered final and binding.

Article 8 – Cash Prize:
A cash award for the Best Film will be provided by the Academy’s management, with the amount announced at the start of each festival cycle.

Article 9 – Opportunity for Emerging Filmmakers:
Zarifa Academy offers an exceptional opportunity for the most promising filmmakers of each edition. If outstanding talent and creativity are discovered, the Academy may support the development of future film projects — offering roles in directing, acting, scoring, and editing to these emerging artists.

 

Important Note:

To submit your film to the competition section, please use
our official submission portal at Stay up to date with all festival news and official announcements

via our website and Zarif Academy Instagram: [@ZARIFAACADEMY] .

Presented by Zarifa Art Association –
Paris Public Relations.