Short films (even those for adults) are often dismissed as children’s stuff, as a training platform for their big brother, feature-length films, where students learn their craft. But the short film is much more than just the lean version of the feature-length film!

It is a place to experiment, to fantasize, to try things out or to focus on a topic in great detail. Because of the relatively low budget, the short form offers great artistic freedom and plenty of room for experimentation. In addition, short films are less standardized than feature-length films, which often have to adhere much more closely to visual or narrative conventions due to financial pressure.

The fact that short films are sometimes much more uncomfortable for our (entrenched) viewing habits than feature-length films is a hurdle that is worth overcoming. Although it leaves us alone with our thoughts after a short time and thus limits our deep immersion in the story, it also gives us time for reflection and discussion. This is not only a great advantage for use in schools, but is also immensely important for media reception in general.

In addition, short films can move through all genres. Therefore, a short film programme always offers the possibility of direct comparison and contextualization. And this is necessary and beneficial for the development of an understanding of media and for shaping one’s own taste. Short films are therefore extremely suitable for young audiences, who are often much more receptive to experimental forms and surprises.

Last but not least, for younger children in particular, a key advantage of short films is simply their brevity. Because of children’s limited attention spans, short films offer an ideal introduction to the cinema as a new and magical place.