11th International Inter University Short Film Festival in Bangladesh

Dhaka University Film Society (DUFS) partnering up with United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) presents you with the 11th edition of International Inter University Short Film Festival (IIUSFF). It is a festival to promote and inspire the work of young university going filmmakers with the slogan ‘Take Your Camera, Frame Your Dream’.

In 2007, International Inter-University Short Film Festival started its journey with the goal to provide a platform for the young and talented student filmmakers in Bangladesh and overseas to showcase their talent. Over the years, it has succeeded in creating a name of its own and to work as a cross-cultural platform to portray the different styles and dimensions of young university-going filmmakers throughout the world.

Submission Categories

Applicants will submit their films in 4 main categories, which are:

• Competition:
  Films focused on different topics and of diverse genres are accepted in this category. Maximum length is 15 minutes.
• Panorama:
  These films will be screened on screening sessions upon selection. These films will not take part in the competition but will be considered for special mentions. Maximum length is 20 minutes.
• Short Film on Refugee:
  Refugees are people who have fled war, violence, conflict or persecution and have crossed an international border to find safety in another country. They often have had to flee with little more than the clothes on their back, leaving behind homes, possessions, jobs and loved ones. Refugees are defined and protected in international law. The 1951 Refugee Convention is a key legal document and it defines a refugee as: “someone who is unable or unwilling to return to their country of origin owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion.”

  Often, the words “refugee” and “migrant” are used interchangeably in the media and public discourse. “Migrants” choose to move to another country on their own will mainly to improve their lives by finding work, or for education, family reunion, or other reasons whereas “refugees” are compelled to flee to another country due to persecution or conflicts.

  Further, unlike “refugees” who are unable to safely return to their home countries, “migrants” have no such impediment and are entitled to the protection of their government when abroad and upon return to their home country.

  Short films featuring the Refugee crisis across the world are welcome in this category. The maximum length for this category is 15 minutes.

• One minute shorts:
  11th IIUSFF introduces a new category titled ‘One Minute Shorts’. Where films will feature a compact storyline which will not exceed 60 seconds. (They may have extra few seconds for the credits line)