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The Oscar-qualifying festival has closed international submissions for its 43rd edition, attracting thousands of fiction, documentary, animation and experimental shorts from around the world.
The 43rdTehran International Short Film Festival has received 8,755 international submissions ahead of its 2026 edition, scheduled to take place in Tehran from 17 to 22 October.
The figure was announced following the closure of the festival’s international submission period, making the selection process one of the most competitive stages of this year’s event. The submissions span fiction, documentary, animation and experimental cinema.
Organised by the Iranian Youth Cinema Society, the Tehran International Short Film Festival—widely known as TISFF—is one of Asia’s longest-running events dedicated to short-form cinema.
Thousands of films now enter the selection process
According to figures released by the organisers, fiction accounts for the largest share of the submissions, with 4,372 entries received in that category.
The remaining submissions include documentaries, animations and experimental films, all of which will now be assessed for possible inclusion in the international competition and associated programmes.
The volume illustrates the level of competition filmmakers face at large qualifying festivals. Even before national submissions and other festival sections are considered, only a small percentage of the 8,755 international entries are likely to reach the final programme.
The festival has not yet announced its 2026 international selection.
An Oscar-qualifying opportunity
TISFF is recognised as an Academy Awards-qualifying festival for short films.
The recipient of its international Grand Prize may become eligible for consideration in the Academy Awards’ short-film categories, provided the film also complies with the Academy’s remaining eligibility and submission requirements.
A qualifying-festival win does not guarantee an Oscar nomination. It provides an eligibility route into the Academy’s consideration process.
The Academy’s current calendar lists 8 October 2026 as the final submission deadline for Animated Short Film, Documentary Short Film and Live Action Short Film entries for the 99th Academy Awards.
AI and emerging filmmakers remain part of the programme
The 43rd edition will continue to accept traditional fiction, documentary, animation and experimental work while maintaining programming connected to emerging filmmaking technologies.
Its call for entries also includes an AI Competition Programme, reflecting the festival’s continued interest in films using artificial intelligence and other developing production methods.
The Emerging Horizons Award will return for debut fiction and documentary filmmakers. For the 2026 edition, the award is focused on filmmakers from countries connected to the historic Silk Road.
These sections sit alongside the main international competition and provide more specialised entry points for first-time filmmakers and creators experimenting with new forms.
What submitted filmmakers should watch next
With submissions now closed, participating filmmakers should monitor the festival’s official channels for:
- Selection and notification announcements
- Requests for screening files or updated subtitles
- Accreditation and attendance information
- The international competition programme
- Jury and award details
Filmmakers should also be cautious about treating unofficial social posts or third-party listings as confirmation of selection. Only direct communication from the festival or publication in its official programme should be considered definitive.
The 43rd Tehran International Short Film Festival is due to run from 17–22 October 2026 in Tehran.
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