- On Saturday, November 1, Seminci will show a special screening session of all five nominated short films at Auditorio FUNDOS Fórum
The European Film Academy has officially announced the five nominees for the prestigious European Short Film–Prix Vimeo 2026 category at a special event held today at the Mirror’s Hall in Calderon Theatre during the Valladolid International Film Festival (SEMINCI). This year’s selection at the 70th SEMINCI highlights the festival’s commitment to championing European Auteur Cinema and providing a prominent platform for short film artists, which has been part of its competitive program since its founding.
The nominated filmmakers represent the cutting edge of European short film cinema and will compete for one of the most coveted awards at the 38th European Film Awards, taking place on January 17, 2026, at the House of World Cultures (HKW) in Berlin, Germany. This year’s ceremony will also honour legendary actress, director, and screenwriter Liv Ullmann (SEMINCI’s Spike of Honour in 2014) with the European Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her outstanding contribution to world cinema.
The 2026 Nominees for European Short Film-Prix Vimeo
The selection of short films showcases the diversity and creativity of contemporary European cinema: Being John Smith by John Smith (United Kingdom), City of Poets by Sara Rajaei (Netherlands), L’Avance by Djiby Kebe (France), Man Number 4 by Miranda Pennell (United Kingdom), and The Flowers Stand Silently, Witnessing by Theo Panagopoulos (United Kingdom).
Together, they represent a rich blend of fiction and documentary forms, ranging from poetic essays and experimental reflections to socially engaged narratives. While some works, such as Man Number 4, Being John Smith and The Flowers Stand Silently, Witnessing, fall within the realm of documentary and essay film, others like L’Avance and City of Poets merge fiction and personal experiences. Each director approaches questions of identity, memory, and perception through a deeply personal cinematic language that challenges conventional storytelling and highlights the artistic potential of the short film format.
Meet the Filmmakers
After the announcement, film enthusiasts will have the unique opportunity to meet the five nominated directors alongside Sandra Leege, representative of the European Film Academy. The session provided insights into the rigorous selection process, the significance of European Film Academy recognition for emerging filmmakers, and the evolving landscape of short film production in Europe. The directors will share personal perspectives on their creative journeys and the stories behind their nominated works.
Screening
On Saturday, November 1, at 4:30 PM, Seminci will host a special screening of all five nominated short films at Auditorio FUNDOS Fórum. The screening will include a presentation, offering audiences a unique opportunity to engage directly with the works and their creators.
The nominees will also be recognized during SEMINCI’s closing gala on November 1.
About the European Film Awards
The European Film Academy seeks to support and connect its 5,400 members and celebrates and promotes their work. Its aims are to share knowledge and to educate audiences of all ages about European cinema. Positioning itself as a leading organisation and facilitating crucial debates within the industry, the Academy strives to unite everyone who loves European cinema, culminating annually in the European Award Season and the European Film Awards, by including European film heritage in its portfolio and by expanding its focus on young audiences through the European Young Audience Award.
Candidates for the European Short Film–Prix Vimeo 2026 are chosen through a collaborative process involving around 30 European festivals with international short film competitions. Each festival’s jury selects one standout film from its program, creating a pool of 30 candidates. From this pool, five films are nominated for the European Short Film–Prix Vimeo 2026, and the winner is then selected through a vote by the 5,400 members of the European Film Academy. This system ensures that the award highlights exceptional and diverse short films from across Europe.