The PASO XXV Film Festival is set to celebrate student filmmakers and recent graduates from around the world, providing a platform for their creative works in fiction, documentary and animation. This year marks the festival’s 25th edition, continuing its mission to give emerging filmmakers the opportunity to showcase their passion and craftsmanship.
Launched to address the lack of screening opportunities for student-produced films, especially those from universities in the host country, the PASO Film Festival seeks to bridge the gap between cinema artists, audiences and the valuable works created by students. These films often carry significant artistic potential, yet they rarely receive the recognition they deserve due to limited exhibition opportunities.Unlike many festivals, the PASO Film Festival does not operate under a competitive format; instead, it focuses on providing a space for discussion and engagement with student films. By doing so, it encourages a collaborative and reflective environment where students, filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts can come together to share their insights and celebrate creativity.
The festival will be held from April 17 to 19, and will feature the following two main film categories:
• Ultra Short Film Competition: Films that are no longer than 60 seconds, excluding up to 15 seconds for credits. This category challenges filmmakers to tell a complete and compelling story in a very short time frame. Open to fiction, documentary and animation.
• PASO Short Film Competition: Films ranging from 75 seconds to 20 minutes, including credits. This category allows filmmakers to explore a variety of genres and storytelling techniques while pushing the boundaries of short-form filmmaking. Like the Ultra Short Film Competition, it is open to fiction, documentary and animation.
For those interested in participating, submissions must be received by March 1, 2025. The official selections will be announced on March 25, 2025. Filmmakers are encouraged to review the festival’s rules and regulations before applying.
The festival provides an opportunity to connect with a global network of artists and cinephiles, and the organizers promise an exciting line-up of screenings and events in the lead-up to the main festival. For further inquiries or for information about submissions and festival details, interested parties can contact the festival team at paso@comd.bilkent.edu.tr or follow them on social media at @bilkent_comd and @pasofilmfestival. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of the PASO XXV Film Festival, where the next generation of filmmakers will have their voices heard on a global stage.
