The iWISE Olympiad’s filmmaking category is designed to empower young filmmakers by offering a prestigious international platform to hone their craft and launch their careers. Its core objective is to challenge participants to develop and refine their directorial skills, push creative boundaries, and use film to inspire their global audience.
Develop directorial and storytelling skills
– Encourage innovative storytelling: Challenge filmmakers to go beyond conventional narratives and experiment with innovative ways to convey a message or tell a story.
– Refine directorial abilities: Provide an opportunity for aspiring directors to fine-tune essential skills, including shot planning, directing actors, and working with a crew to realize their vision.
– Push creative limits: Encourage participants to take risks and be ambitious with their ideas, exploring new genres and visual techniques to create impactful and original work.
– The short film can be any of the following genres: drama, action, documentary, science fiction, literary, etc. The film must portray one of the three themes. In other words, the short film category is not genre-specific, but it would be beneficial to label your film in a specific field.
– The length of a short film must not exceed 5 minutes.
– The language of a short film can be any language, but must have English subtitles if any other language other than English is used.
– Short films must have a title in English and have credits with the actor’s names.
– Short films must be related to the announced theme.
– Short films can be done and presented by up to 3 students, working together in one group.
– Content used in the short film must be the Participant’s own work. This applies to the use of branded material: no copyrighted music (see the COPYRIGHT RELEASE FORM), no branded items on the screen (such as foodstuffs with visible labels or sponsorships through marketable items) ,etc.
- Click on the Registration Tab
- Select one of the Virtual Rounds
- Fill in your details.
- Fill in your selected category details on the corresponding form.
- Select your available time for the Judging process.
- Submit your zoom judging session.
- Proceed to payment.
- Complete your submission.
The iWISE Olympiad’s short film category evaluation criteria are designed to identify innovative young filmmakers who can effectively tell a story and demonstrate strong directorial skills. A successful submission will be judged on its creativity, storytelling, and technical execution, reflecting a holistic understanding of the filmmaking process.
Evaluation criteria
Creativity and originality
– Originality of concept: The uniqueness and inventiveness of the film’s core idea, plot, or themes.
– Innovative technique: The use of imaginative or unconventional approaches in storytelling, visuals, or overall style.
– Distinctive voice: The film possesses a clear and unique perspective that sets it apart from more conventional works.
Storytelling and direction
– Narrative flow and structure: The story is coherent, well-paced, and holds the audience’s attention. The film’s beginning, middle, and end are clearly defined and purposeful.
– Character development: Characters are compelling, multi-layered, and their motivations and journeys are effectively communicated.
– Directional vision: The director’s choices regarding shot selection, camera angles, pacing, and performances work together to create a unified and impactful visual narrative.
– Dialogue (if applicable): The dialogue feels natural and helps to move the story forward while revealing character.
Technical execution
– Cinematography: The quality of the film’s visual presentation, including framing, composition, lighting, focus, and camera movement. A high score reflects intentional and visually effective choices.
– Editing: Transitions are smooth, and the editing rhythm supports the film’s pacing. The editor’s choices effectively clarify and enhance the story.
– Audio/Sound design: Dialogue is clear, and the music, sound effects, and overall sound design complement and enhance the film’s story and mood.
Audience engagement and emotional impact
– Impactful message: The film connects with the audience on an emotional or intellectual level, leaving a lasting impression.
– Audience connection: The story effectively engages viewers and provokes a thoughtful or emotional response.
– Artistic quality: The film demonstrates an intentional and meaningful artistic sensibility, showing that it is more than just a simple recording.
Requirements for Virtual Finals:
Written Abstract describing short film.
PowerPoint/Video presentation.
Participants create a high-resolution video of their film together with their presentation.
No clip art, stock photos, or copyrighted materials.
Share link of the video via zoom chat with Judges, you can use a google drive link or YouTube link.
Group submission is up to 3 participants.
All Short films must be in line with the one of our inspiration themes or any other relevant theme.
The inspiration themes are: Coming of age, Dreamscapes Explored & Art in Motion.
Participants only need to pick one theme for their submission.
Requirements for Global Finals:
Participants must submit high resolution video of their film together with their presentation.
No clip art, stock photos, or copyrighted materials.
Entries must be the original work of participant(s).
The short film must be a DCP or HD file.
Bring Your Own Laptop.
Abstract, Portfolio, Poster.
Group submission is up to 3 participants.
All speeches must be in line with the one of our inspiration themes or any other relevant theme.
The inspiration themes are: Coming of age, Dreamscapes Explored & Art in Motion.
Participants only need to pick one theme for their submission.