We’re partnering with WeTransfer on a new short film competition called Unsanctioned! It’s a showcase for filmmakers shut out from submitting to festivals due to sanctions.

Let me explain.

Unless you’re a film programmer at a festival you’re likely unaware that filmmakers from countries like Iran, Afghanistan, Cuba, and others are prohibited from paying the submission fees for many international festivals due to economic sanctions. While some films from these countries do manage to receive outside support and find their way onto the international scene, there are many who never get that chance. We believe great stories cross borders and transcend politics. These are perspectives we often don’t get to hear from and are often from young, emerging filmmakers making films at great expense and personal risk. For years, we’ve heard from many of these filmmakers and we want to do something.

The Unsanctioned Shorts Competition is a free international event dedicated to celebrating these filmmakers. If you are unable to access global payment systems you can submit for FREE via Shortverse, where it’s free to join, make a page for your film, and then submit to Unsanctioned.

We’re offering great prizes for finalists and winners that will get your short film in front of an audience of millions.

Submissions are open today until September 10, 2023.