Founded in 2003, IN THE PALACE International Film Festival is dedicated to short films and audiovisual arts. Originating as a competitive forum for student films, it is now a recognized platform for expression of both young artists and experienced professionals. Among the oldest in the Balkans, it is the only professional short film festival in Bulgaria.
IN THE PALACE ISFF is a Goya Awards qualifying festival, Student Academy Awards® qualifying festival, and an Academy Awards®/OSCAR® qualifying festival for shorts in the categories of Best Animation, Best Fiction, Best Documentary, and Best National Film. IN THE PALACE ISFF is a member of the international network of festivals and institutions serving the short film sector – the Short Film Conference.
IN THE PALACE ISFF annually launches the last weekend of June and for a week presents:
• International and national, professional and student competitive programs of fiction, documentary, animation and experimental films
• ON FOCUS film programs & screenings
• Q & A sessions
• FILMER FORGE industry program: panels, industry meetings, pitching training and sessions, an interdisciplinary conference and a range of opportunities for formal and informal networking
• THE SHORT FILM: GENRE SUI GENERIS – annual science conference on the short film genre since 2018
• Video library
• Film events and initiatives for general audience
• Parties
The festival offers a range of events, activities, and programs for both - local and international film industry and audience. IN THE PALACE ISFF is a cultural meeting point of film industry, artists, students, educational institutions, and the general public - by providing access to industry, trends and developments, and learning in the arts and culture through exhibition, training and interdisciplinary exchange.
