As autumn colors paint the hills of western Georgia, film lovers from around the world come together for the Kutaisi International Short Film Festival, a vibrant showcase of bold ideas and fresh voices in cinema. Set for September 27 to October 2, 2025, in the historic city of Kutaisi, this event celebrates the power of short films to tell big stories. From emotional dramas to clever documentaries, the festival draws filmmakers, critics, and audiences to a place where movies meet ancient culture. Held in venues that blend old stone walls with modern screens, it creates a space for inspiration, learning, and the simple joy of watching great films.
A Celebration of New Voices and Cinema Heritage
Since its start in 2020, even during the challenges of the pandemic, the Kutaisi International Short Film Festival has grown into a key event for short films. Born from a desire to revive Kutaisi’s long film history, which dates back over 100 years, it focuses on finding and lifting up new talents. The festival honors the city’s role as a cradle of Georgian cinema, once home to pioneers like Vasil Amashukeli. By 2025, it will welcome about 5,000 guests, mixing locals with international visitors in a week of screenings, talks, and workshops.
The event stays true to its roots, keeping things open and welcoming. There are no red-carpet barriers here, just shared spaces where ideas flow freely. Past years have built a loyal crowd, and the 2025 edition looks set to continue that warmth, with films that spark talks long after the credits roll.
The Site: Ancient Streets and Modern Screens
Kutaisi, Georgia’s third-largest city and a former ancient capital, sets the perfect stage for this festival. With UNESCO-listed spots like the Bagrati Cathedral and Gelati Monastery nearby, the town feels like a living film set. Dinosaur footprints in the hills and myths from the Argonaut legends add layers of wonder. The festival spreads across cozy venues, such as historic theaters, outdoor plazas, and community halls, turning the city into a giant cinema.
Picture strolling cobblestone streets between screenings, grabbing khachapuri from street vendors, or chatting with directors under leafy trees. The layout invites easy movement, from main halls for big crowds to small rooms for close-up panels. It’s a setup that ties the films to Kutaisi’s soul, making every corner feel part of the story.
A Line-up of Bold Shorts and Global Stories
The heart of the festival beats in its films, all under 35 minutes long. The 2025 main competition will spotlight short fiction and documentaries from around the world, with categories for best film, best director, and audience picks. An independent critics’ jury adds its own award, named after Georgian film expert Mikheil Kobakhidze. Expect a mix of raw emotions, social issues, and creative twists, from tales of family bonds to looks at changing worlds.
Looking back, the 2024 edition wrapped up just weeks ago, from October 4 to 9, and left a strong mark. It featured 15 fiction and 15 documentary shorts in competition, plus Ukrainian films in focus amid global support for the country. Directors like Jonas Mekas and Otar Iosseliani got retrospectives, alongside rising Georgian names. Masterclasses by Guga Kotetishvili and Leo Gabriadze drew crowds, and the awards celebrated fresh voices that tackled themes like identity and resilience. For 2025, organizers promise even more surprises, with submissions closing soon and selections out by mid-August.
Days and Nights of Films and Talks
Days at the festival hum with energy. Mornings kick off with coffee and industry panels, where pros share tips on scripting or shooting on a budget. Afternoons fill with back-to-back screenings, from quiet dramas that make you think to lively animations that spark laughs. Food breaks mean trying Georgian wines or walnut sauces, all while mingling with fellow film buffs.
As night falls, the vibe shifts to magic. Outdoor screens glow under starry skies, casting shadows on ancient walls. Q&A sessions let you ask directors about their sparks of genius, turning viewers into part of the creative loop. Late nights bring pop-up jams, where filmmakers swap stories over tea. In 2024, these moments built real bonds, like when a Ukrainian short on hope won hearts and led to tearful applause. The flow keeps things relaxed, so you can catch what moves you without rush.
A Festival Built on Growth and Connection
More than just movies, this festival nurtures the art. Workshops on script development, like the Rezo Gabriadze series, help new writers polish their work. Cinematography classes teach lighting tricks, and critics’ sessions sharpen reviews. It’s all about building skills and networks in a supportive spot. The event also spotlights short films’ worth, proving these quick tales can hit as hard as features.
Eco-friendly touches shine through, too. Organizers team with local spots to cut waste, using reusable cups and supporting nearby farms. In 2024, this drew praise for blending culture with care. The schedule mixes planned shows with open time for chance meetings, fostering a sense of community that lasts.
Planning Your Visit
Getting to Kutaisi is straightforward, with an international airport just 20 minutes from downtown. Tickets for screenings are affordable, often free for some events, and passes for the full week go fast, so book early via the festival site. Submissions for filmmakers are open now, with fees that fit tight budgets.
Stay options range from budget hostels to charming guesthouses in the old town. Many pick the festival’s partner hotels for easy access. Pack layers for cool evenings, and download the app for schedules. Families and students get deals, making it open to all. If you’re submitting, note films must be 10 to 35 minutes, and you keep all rights while letting clips promote the event.
Why Kutaisi International Short Film Festival Stands Out
In a sea of big film fests, Kutaisi feels fresh and real. No flashy ads or elite gates, just pure passion for stories that fit in a breath. It spotlights shorts from overlooked places, giving voices a global ear. Past winners have gone on to bigger screens, proving the festival’s launchpad power.
It’s where a quiet doc on village life might outshine a blockbuster, or a workshop turns a hobbyist into a pro. In 2024, amid Georgia’s own cultural shifts, it became a beacon of unity, with crowds cheering films that bridged divides. For 2025, it promises that same spark, reminding us cinema thrives in small packages and shared spaces.
Explore the Surroundings
Step beyond the screens, and Kutaisi rewards with gentle adventures. Hike to Prometheus Cave for glowing stalactites, or visit the Colchis Fountain where myths come alive. Farmers’ markets buzz with fresh figs and spices, perfect for a picnic. A short drive takes you to Imereti’s vineyards for tastings, or the Rioni River for lazy boat rides.
These breaks weave into the festival flow, like a morning walk to clear your head before a screening. In 2024, many found magic in blending film chats with site tours, turning a trip into a full cultural dive. It all deepens the pull of this corner of Georgia, where history whispers and stories shout.
The Kutaisi International Short Film Festival 2025 does more than screen films, it lights up dreams in a city that’s seen centuries pass. With its mix of new shorts, wise workshops, and warm welcomes, it calls you to watch, learn, chat, and leave inspired. Whether you’re a maker chasing a win or a fan seeking that perfect reel, it’s a week to carry home.