Doris Lang-Mayerhofer

Short Films, Broad Horizons Short films tell compelling stories and offer fresh perspectives on our world. The Linz International Short Film Festival gives this distinctive art form an international stage, enriching Linz as a UNESCO City of Media Arts. More than 4,000 submissions from 121 countries demonstrate the appeal of the festival’s ninth edition. They reflect the team’s success in attracting filmmakers from around the world and establishing our city as a place for cinema and exchange. Supporting emerging talent is especially close to my heart. Through the Film Talent Academy, the festival provides a professional environment with an impact well beyond the festival itself. Filmmakers from Linz can develop their projects and build international connections. The opportunity for selected talents to present their work in Cannes next year shows how Linz can open doors. Art needs freedom, curiosity and the courage to explore new paths. The festival creates space for this and brings people into dialogue across borders. My thanks go to Parisa Ghasemi, Ashkan Nematian and the entire team for their dedication. I wish all our guests inspiring encounters and memorable moments at the cinema!