Founded in 1982, Uppsala International Short Film Festival has since become Sweden’s premier arena for short film, having attained both national recognition of the Swedish Film Institute and genuine international renown. In addition, the festival is the most important international cultural event in Uppsala. Every year the festival shows more than 300 short films in five different sections exploring the diversity and richness of the short film – from new film to retrospective programmes, from fiction film, documentaries and experimental film to animations.
Uppsala International Short Film Festival is recognised by Academy of MotionPicture Arts and Sciences, which means that winning the international or national competition at the festival makes a film eligible for a nomination for an Oscar. Screening at the festival also qualifies Swedish short films for Guldbagge nominations and British short films for BAFTA nominations.
Taking place in the university town of Uppsala at four cinemas located in the city’s classic cinema district, the Uppsala International Short Film Festival is a meeting place for audience, industry and media. The many Swedish and international film makers and other professionals that every year attend are offered an extensive programme of activities that give an insight into Swedish film, culture and history. Buyers, distributors and festival representatives have access to a video library during the festival. The festival offers film makers many opportunities to meet their audience, and discussions are held both at the screenings and at special director´s talks. The festival also hosts a number of parties, and the festival pub is open every night.