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Young Short Film Festival Hamburg

Mo&Friese stands for short film. All genres, all forms, all age groups!

The Hamburg Short Film Festival is one of the most renowned and important short film festivals in Europe. Since 1998 it has also been dedicated to the younger audience with the young short film festival Hamburg Mo&Friese and shows current and relevant short films in eight international competition programs every year at the beginning of June, which meet their target group at eye level and take their personal point of view seriously.

Thanks to the presence of many filmmakers, numerous moderated events succeed in bringing viewers, filmmakers and specialist audiences together. In addition, annually changing film workshops introduce children and young people to aspects of filmmaking and stimulate their own creativity. In addition, the ” High 5!” screening for young filmmakers invites young filmmakers up to the age of 18 to submit their own short works.

The FRIESE, MO and NEON Jury

Mo&Friese is a competition festival. That is why three children’s and youth juries, staggered in different age categories, each award a prize for their favorite film.

The Friese Prize is awarded by 7 to 9-year-old jurors for the programs from 4 and 6 years.

The Mo-Prize goes to a film from the 9+ programs chosen by 10 to 13-year-olds.

The Neon Prize is awarded by a jury of young people aged between 14 and 18 for films aged 12 and over.

The ECFA Jury

In addition, a three-member adult jury selects a film from the 4+, 6+ and 9+ programs for the ECFA PRIZE of the European Children’s Film Association. The award includes a nomination for the “Best European Film for Young Audiences of the Year” in the short film category.

Franciszek Drąg

studied film and cultural studies at the Adam Mickiewicz University, where he is currently working on his doctorate. A long-time member of the short film section at the Ale Kino! international film festival, he has also curated programs for the Animator Film Festival and the Short Waves Festival, among others. He is occasionally involved in film criticism and publishes in various Polish film magazines.

Jéssica Pestana

first studied violin, later art and film studies. She is currently completing a Master’s degree in Women’s Studies in Society and Culture. She is a programmer at IndieJunior and a member of the short film committee of the IndieLisboa International Film Festival, where she coordinates various educational projects.

Gudrun Sommer

is the festival director of DOXS RUHR and owner of fair enough, an office for sustainable and collaborative cultural work. In 2002, she initiated the first nationwide documentary film festival for children and young people doxs! and founded “Freund*innen der Realität e.V.” for several years. She directed the Duisburg Film Week for two years and worked as a curator and juror for numerous festivals and institutions.

Tickets

Advance ticket sales for the afternoon and weekend events will take place online and via the venues from May 13.
Tickets: €3.50
Box office opening: approx. 15 minutes before the start of the performance

In case of technical problems: ticketing@shortfilm.com

Kindergarden and schools

During the festival week (June 3 to 6), moderated kindergarden and school screenings take place in the mornings at the cinema
Tickets: €3.50 per school and daycare child (accompanying persons free)
Group registration: The button is linked to the respective program.

Questions about booking at: anmeldung@shortfilm.com

Film language and accessibility

All programs are presented in an age-appropriate manner. Foreign-language short films up to the age of 14 will be presented live in German Language. The competition program from the age of 14 is subtitled in German. We also offer some of our programs with translation into German sign language and audio description . These are marked accordingly.

Accompanying educational material

We offer accompanying educational material for all film blocks in the competition, which can be used to prepare for and follow up on the visit to the cinema in class, covering both the content dealt with in the film and the cinematic aspects. All materials can be downloaded and printed out as PDF files from the end of May as a link to the respective program.

Program schedule and booklet

For an overview of the festival week, you find here the schedule and the booklet.

Accreditation

Accredited professional visitors can get tickets upon presentation of their festival pass. At the ticket counter in the festival centre Post Kaltenkircher Platz and in all festival cinemas (except filmRaum). You can register for the Short Film Festival Hamburg and for the Young Short Film Festival Hamburg Mo&Friese an accreditation here.

Theatres

Festivalzentrum Post Kaltenkircher Platz: Augustenburger/Kaltenkirchener Straße
3001 Kino: Schanzenstraße 75 (040-43 76 79)
Abaton Kino: Allende-Platz 3 (040-41 32 03 20)
Bürgerhaus Wilhelmsburg: Mengestraße 20 (040-752 01 70)
Lola Kulturzentrum: Lohbrügger Landstraße 8 (040-724 77 35)
Metropolis Kino: Kleine Theaterstraße 10 (040-34 23 53)
Zeise Kinos: Friedensallee 7-9 (040-30 60 36 82)

Why we love short films

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, fantasize, try things out or concentrate on a topic with great attention to 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, as they are often much more receptive to experimental forms and surprises. Last but not least, however, one of the main advantages of short films, especially for younger children, is simply their brevity. Because of the limited attention span of children, short films offer an ideal introduction to the cinema as a new and magical place.

Value Statement

We, the team of Kurzfilm Festival Hamburg and Junges Kurzfilm Festival Hamburg Mo&Friese view our festival as space for artistic freedom and freedom of expression, critical debate and encounters characterised by mutual respect. We consider it our mission to provide everyone with an experience that is as safe and inclusive as possible – free from any form of abusive behaviour or discrimination.

We take a clear stance against all forms of group-based misanthropy, such as ableism, ageism, anti-Muslim hatred, anti-Semitism, discrimination of LGBTQIA+ individuals, classism, racism and sexism, as well as against any and all forms of physical or verbal violence.

We expect ourselves and our guests to approach one another with respect and consideration. We take seriously any incident in which individuals experience discrimination or feel that their personal boundaries have been violated, we listen to those affected and we make great effort to find individual solutions.

In order to implement these values within the festival production process in a sustainable, binding manner, it takes continuous and critical self-reflection on the part of all those involved. We are engaged in a constant learning process, taking in advice and repeatedly adapting our position where necessary. This text offers the possibility for a conscious positioning both internally and externally.

We would also like to draw your attention to the festival’s statement on addressing the effect of the war in Gaza on the national cultural scene.

We look forward to experiencing the festival together with you on this basis.

Participate

In addition to all the great short films that we like to watch with you in the cinema and then talk about, we are always delighted if you would like to take part in Mo&Friese. And there are many different ways to do this.

Every year we need the support of children and young people who rate the films or submit their own short works to us. Perhaps there are also film topics that you would like to get to know a little better? We have a wide range of workshops for this, which we offer not only during the festival week. And if you’d like to give others tips on which films are worth seeing, then you’ve come to the right place as a reporter.

High 5! “WITH OTHER EYES”

Maybe everything I see as red is blue to my girlfriend … or everything I find magical is completely unappetizing to my boyfriend. Sometimes our view of the world changes over time. Things that used to fascinate us are now boring or vice versa. And what actually happens when we close our eyes?

Our theme for this year’s High 5! Young Talent Film Program offered young filmmakers plenty of freedom to show everything that means something to them with the theme “With different eyes”.

We will be showing a selection of the submitted films at
on Sunday, June 8 at the Festival Center Post.

The films for filmmakers up to 13 years of age will be shown at 12 noon, the films for filmmakers between 14 and 18 years of age as part of Gib Mir 5! NEON at 3 pm.

Give Me 5! NEON was curated by a youth jury and is presented independently in cooperation with the Esche Jugendkunsthaus and DREH DEINEN FILM! e. V.

Gib Mir 5! “MIT ANDEREN AUGEN”

“Die Augen sind die Fenster der Seele”, sagte die Universalgelehrte Hildegard von Bingen schon vor 1000 Jahren! Und diese Fenster sind so verschieden wie die Menschen selbst. Denn wir sehen die Welt alle mit unterschiedlichen Augen, quasi jeder durch seine eigene Brille. Da lohnt es sich manchmal, den Blickwinkel zu verändern und sich zu überlegen, wie andere die Welt wohl sehen. 

Vielleicht ist alles, was ich als rot sehe für meine Freundin blau … oder alles, was ich zauberhaft finde, für meinen Freund ganz und gar unappetitlich. Manchmal verändert sich im Laufe der Zeit auch unser Blick auf die Welt. Sachen, die uns früher fasziniert haben, sind heute langweilig oder anders herum. Und was passiert eigentlich, wenn wir die Augen schließen?

Hast du eine Idee dazu und möchtest sie filmisch umsetzen? Unser diesjähriges Thema “Mit anderen Augen” bietet jede Menge Freiheit. Also schnapp dir eine Kamera und dreh etwas über Sichtweisen, Augen, Brillen oder Monokel oder was auch immer dir vor die Augen gerät.

Um am Gib Mir 5!-Nachwuchs-Filmwettbewerb teilzunehmen, solltest du deinen maximal 5 Minuten langen Film bis Ende März 2025 bei uns einreichen. Wir bieten zwei Nachwuchswettbewerbe an: für Filmschaffende bis 13 Jahre und zwischen 14 und 18 Jahren.

Wir freuen uns auf eure Filme!

Gib Mir 5!
So 8.6. | 12 Uhr
Festivalzentrum Post Kino Saal

Gib Mir 5! NEON
So 8.6. | 15 Uhr
Festivalzentrum Post Kino Lampenlager

Kurzfilm Agentur Hamburg e.V.
Junges Kurzfilm Festival Hamburg Mo&Friese
Bodenstedtstr. 16 | 22765 Hamburg
moundfriese@shortfilm.com

Mo&Friese is divided into three age-graded film competitions. A jury decides on the awards for each competition.

The Friese Prize is awardedby jurors between 7 and 9 years old for the programs from 4 and 6 years old.The Mo Prize goes to a film from the program from 9 years old, chosen by 10- to 13-year-olds.For films from 12 and 14 years old, a jury of young people between 14 and 18 years old awards the NEON Prize.

We look forward to receiving jury applications from enthusiastic short film fans by mid-April of each year.

Competition juries for June 2025

If you like to watch a lot of movies – preferably in theaters – and can’t stop talking about them afterwards, then you’ve come to the right place! Because all you need for our jury is a passion for films and time during the festival week. As a member of the children’s or youth jury, you will discuss your cinema experiences with other film fans and decide which films win the prizes. If you are between 7 and 9 years old, you can apply for the jury of the Friese Prize, between 10 and 13 years for the jury of the Mo Prize and between 14 and 18 years for the Neon Prize. As an application, we would be delighted to receive a short text written by yourself. Tell us a bit about yourself and why you would like to be on the jury.

Apply now!

… Or send your application by letter or e-mail to:

Kurzfilm Agentur Hamburg e.V.
Junges Kurzfilm Festival Hamburg Mo&Friese
Bodenstedtstr. 16 | 22765 Hamburg
moundfriese@shortfilm.com

We will get back to you as soon as possible after the application deadline on April 15 .

Prizes in three categories

The Friese Prize is awarded by 7- to 9-year-old jurors for the 4 and 6+ programs. The Mo Prize goes to a film from the 9+ programs selected by 10- to 13-year-olds. For films aged 12+ and 14+, a jury of young people aged 14 to 18 awards the Neon Prize. All prizes of the international competition are endowed with 1000 euros.

In addition to the carefully curated and wide-ranging short film program, Mo&Friese Young Short Film Festival Hamburg offers creative workshops every year that approach the medium of film in very different ways.

Children and young people are invited to become active themselves in small groups. Together with experts from the respective fields, we provide insights into artistic filmmaking behind and in front of the scenes and encourage participants to be creative. The workshops usually take place between April and June. Registration must be made by email by the specified deadline. More detailed information on the currently bookable offers will be announced here in good time

Register now!
Zur Zeit finden keine Workshops statt...

Some short film enthusiastic kids watched some films in advance last year and gave you an insight into their favorites on our Instagram channel.

If you would like to be the first to watch the short films this year, then apply to be a Mo&Friese reporter by April 15, 2025.

Apply now!

About us

Why we love short films

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.

Team

Value Statement

We, the team of Kurzfilm Festival Hamburg and Junges Kurzfilm Festival Hamburg Mo&Friese view our festival as space for artistic freedom and freedom of expression, critical debate and encounters characterised by mutual respect. We consider it our mission to provide everyone with an experience that is as safe and inclusive as possible – free from any form of abusive behaviour or discrimination.

We take a clear stance against all forms of group-based misanthropy, such as ableism, ageism, anti-Muslim hatred, anti-Semitism, discrimination of LGBTQIA+ individuals, classism, racism and sexism, as well as against any and all forms of physical or verbal violence.

We expect ourselves and our guests to approach one another with respect and consideration. We take seriously any incident in which individuals experience discrimination or feel that their personal boundaries have been violated, we listen to those affected and we make great effort to find individual solutions.

In order to implement these values within the festival production process in a sustainable, binding manner, it takes continuous and critical self-reflection on the part of all those involved. We are engaged in a constant learning process, taking in advice and repeatedly adapting our position where necessary. This text offers the possibility for a conscious positioning both internally and externally.

We look forward to experiencing the festival together with you on this basis.

Impressions 2024

Our 2024 festival

Friese Award 2024

The Secret of Lost Socks (Kadunud sokid) – Oskar Lehemaa

This year’s Friese Prize goes to an animated film that takes us into the unusual morning of a family. An everyday family situation becomes an exciting adventure in which you could feel the whole movie theater join in the excitement. We were particularly impressed by Pilles courage, the magical energy and how much space there can be under a bed.

We look forward to new sock adventures and congratulate Oskar Lehemaa on the film “Kadunud sokid”.

Mo Award 2024

The Creators – Madeleine Homan

The Creators presented the creation of the earth, humans, animals and much more in a different, funny way. It was very interesting to watch as you got to experience a creative perspective with great colors and unique animation.

NEON Award 2024

Bubbling – Che-ming Chang

This year’s winning film is “Bubbling” by Taiwanese filmmaker Che-ming Chang. We were particularly impressed by this film because of its great story about a boy who struggles with himself and takes his first steps towards finding his sexuality. We were touched by the very intimate and personal way the story was told.

ECFA Nomination 2024

Beurk! – Loïc Espuche

There is the time when you can’t imagine that kissing is fun, there is the time when the desire for this touch awakens and there is the time when it is a completely natural way to express love, affection and longing .

With simple, edgy animation, director Loic Espuche uses the cosmos of a campsite to show kissing as the most natural thing in the world. Desire lights up as glittering pink lip gloss, between young and old, between spouses, singles or the same sex.

And in this hot summer, a self-confident little girl first asks the insecure boy if he is ready and then tries it out together. For the first time and hopefully never let it go. Maybe kissing will make the world a better place!

Friese-Jury

Semiotics of the home – Hsin-Yu Chen, Jessi Ali Lin

The honorable mention goes to a short film set in an unusual place where normal things actually happen. The experimental film shows comical or even funny moments in which everyday situations are turned upside down. We were surprised with every scene because we didn’t know what to expect next.

Mo-Jury

Circle – Yumi Joung

Circle was an interesting experimental film in which a very exciting plot captivates the audience. Because it is not clear what is happening, you watch the movie with full attention. The animation was beautiful and realistic.

NEON-Jury

Papillon – Florence Miailhe

This year’s honorable mention is “Papillon” by French filmmaker Florence Miailhe. It tells the very tragic life story of Olympic swimmer Alfred Nakache. We found this film so fascinating and special above all because of the way it was made. Its animation technique makes it look like a painting that keeps changing to tell a story. We were also very impressed by the plot, which is based on the true life story of Alfred Nakache.

ECFA-Jury

À mort le bikini! – Justine Gauthier

When do women have to cover their upper body? A tiny piece of clothing is the trigger for the awakening of a courageous, self-confident girl who decides not to subordinate herself to anything or anyone.At the age of10, Lili already instinctively senses that no one has to tell her who she is and how she should appear. Director Justine Gauthier has found a terrific cast and finds powerful, dynamic images for her timeless yet modern story. We love the energetic final scene when the boys in her clique dress up in brightly colored bikinis in an extremely charming and self-deprecating manner, while Lili throws hers away with a grand gesture as she free-falls down the water slide. She has long since gone her own way, free and self-determined. Thank you Lili, thank you Justine!

Friese-Jury 2024

240608_KFF_Sa_623

Mo-Jury 2024

NEON-Jury 2024

ECFA-Jury 2024

Mo&Friese in Space

“In fabulous company” (inclusive)

Program: Mo&Friese

Program: Neon

Give me 5! Young talent film program

Selected films by filmmakers up to the age of 13 on the theme “Everything is turning”

Give me 5! NEON newcomer film program

Selected films by filmmakers between the ages of 14 and 18 on the theme “Everything is turning”

Award ceremony

Industry Day

Kitavorstellung in the Zeise

Up-and-coming presenters at NEON 1

NEON 2 in the lamp store

Mo&Friese Late Night

New territory

an inclusive performance for ages 6 and up

Cyanotype workshop

Shadow play theater

Next in 3001

Opening Short Film Festival Hamburg

Film and craft party “Photosynthesis” on June 2, 2024

Program selection 2025

14+

Gib Mir 5! NEON
Mit anderen Augen

08.06.,15.00 Uhr | Festivalzentrum Lampenlager | Buy Ticket
75

The illusory

Germany | Silas Landgraf

Mr. Leyton is just finishing the newspaper edition when he suddenly receives a mysterious call.

Die Kraft im Kleinen

Germany | Fatlind Daci

After his parents' death, Elias feels empty and lost. But an unexpected moment gives his life a new turn.

Anna Blume

Germany | DREH DEINEN FILM! e.V.

Over a hundred years ago, the Dadaist Kurt Schwitters wrote the enigmatic love poem "An Anna Blume" - a poetic blend of romance, comedy, and absurdity whose addressee remains unknown to this day. In 2023, a young Hamburg film crew brings the famous poem to the screen in a fresh, creative film adaptation, inviting viewers to rediscover Anna Blume.

Lap und der Unsinn

Germany | Adrian Lapidus

A new lollipop on the market is causing unrest.

Vergissmeinnicht

Germany | Kaya Melüh

Aphantasia means no inner images, the forget-me-not symbolizes memory – a silent connection of the invisible and the visible.

Delfin – Nisanur

Germany | Graf-Friedrich-Schule Diepholz

Delfin tells the story of the paraswimmer Nisanur.

05+

Underwater Worlds with Cyanotype

04.06.,16.00 Uhr | Festivalzentrum Playground 08.06.,14.00 Uhr | Festivalzentrum Playground
120 Min.

Cyanotyping is an ancient and fascinating technique for creating photos without a camera. Objects and plants are placed directly on light-sensitive paper, exposed under a UV lamp, and then washed and fixed. The result is beautiful, water-blue fantasy images.
Hamburg-based photographer Kathrin Brunnhofer introduces participants to this ancient art form and lets them work independently.
The workshop is suitable for adults and children aged five and over. It takes place at the festival centre and is translated into German Sign Language.
No registration required. Just drop by!

05+

Greenscreen – On the canvas underwater

01.06.,16.00 Uhr | Festivalzentrum Playground 04.06.,16.00 Uhr | Festivalzentrum Playground 08.06.,14.00 Uhr | Festivalzentrum Playground
120 Min.

The technique of the greenscreen is one of the great yet simple magic tricks of the art of filmmaking. With one click, the green background can transform into all sorts of worlds. We take you on an underwater journey where you can dive completely without snorkels and oxygen cylinders and watch yourself dive on the screen.

16+

Mo&Friese Late Night

05.06.,21.30 Uhr | Festivalzentrum Lampenlager | Buy Ticket
120 Min.

... and those who haven't had enough of it in the morning, we invite you to look up late at night. With exquisite treasures from our international competition programs.

Akababuru: Expresión de asombro (Akababuru: Expression of astonishment)

Colombia 2025 | Irati Dojura | Feature film | 13'33

Kari, an indigenous girl, learns the power of women's laughter and finds her own strength.

The last day of the bear (L’ultimo giorno dell’orso)

Italia 2024 | Antonio Donato | Feature Film | 12'12

Dennis is moving from the family home to his new home. The uncertain future scares him.

Dragfox

UK 2024 | Lisa Ott | Animation | 8'10

Sam is encouraged by a singing fox to embrace his true self.

Nine days in August (Neun Tage im August)

Germany 2024 | Ella Knorz | Feature Film | 17'17

Lea is 18 and pregnant. Instead of partying, she has to deal with the bureaucracy of an abortion.

A Night at the Rest Area (パーキングエリアの夜)

Japan 2024 | Saki Muramoto | Animation | 11'34

At a midnight highway rest area, weary travelers relax in peace.

06+

Silent Movie Concert

08.06.,16.00 Uhr | Metropolis Kino | Buy Ticket
90 Min.

We're going back to the roots of cinema! Short, black and white, silent and definitely hilarious! Together with Metropolis Kino, we are showing two silent film classics by Buster Keaton with live music for children aged 6 and over!
We will be showing “Water Has No Bars” from 1921 and “The Blacksmith” from 1922. Both films will be set to music by the musicians Krischa Weber (cello) and Ernst Bechert (piano).

Program schedule and program booklet

For an overview of the festival week, you can find the program schedule and the program booklet here.

Single Tickets

Advance ticket sales for the afternoon and weekend events will be possible from May 13.
Ticket prices for adults and children: €3.50
Box office opening: approx. 15 minutes before the start of the performance..

Support for technical problems at: ticketing@shortfilm.com.

Group registration: Kindergarden & Schools

During the festival week, moderated kindergarden and school screenings will take place in the mornings (3 to 6 June) in the cinema.

Ticket prices:
€3.50 per school and daycare child | admission is free for accompanying persons

The registration form can be found linked next to the respective program on our website. Once we have received your registration, you will receive a confirmation.

If you have any questions about booking, please contact: anmeldung@shortfilm.com

Accompanying educational material

We offer accompanying educational material for all film blocks in the competition, which can be used to prepare for and follow up on a visit to the cinema in class.

The material covers both the content covered in the film and the cinematic aspects.

All materials can be downloaded and printed out as PDF files as a link to the respective program from the end of May.

Film language and accessibility

All programs are moderated in an age-appropriate manner. Foreign-language short films up to the age of 14 will be dubbed in German. The competition program from the age of 14 is subtitled in German. We also offer some of our programs with translation into German sign language and audio description . These are marked accordingly in our booklet.

Newsletter Registration

Thank you for your interest in our newsletter!
Please confirm your registration in your e-mail account.

Press

Young Short Film Festival Hamburg Mo&Friese(lettering)

Young Short Film Festival HamburgMo&Friese (lettering)

Young Short Film Festival Hamburg Mo&Friese (Logo)

Mo&Friese NEON –
Programs 12+ (Logo)

NeonLogo_MF_8.2.22

Give me 5! Newcomer
Film Competition (Logo)

Gibmir5LogoProgramm

PRESS CONTACT For information, images and press inquiries, please contact our communications team:

Marcel Wicker & Lara M. Gahlow at: kommunikation@shortfilm.com

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