Frequently Asked Questions

Any smartphone or tablet is permitted. You can shoot with an iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Xiaomi, Google Pixel, Huawei, iPad, or any other device running Android or iOS.

The festival aims for democratized filmmaking. Having an older phone does not disadvantage you: the jury assesses storytelling, direction, rhythm, performance, and creative interpretation of the annual festival theme.

Strictly no. DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, dedicated cinema cameras, action cameras (such as GoPro), and camera drones are strictly prohibited.

Rule 1 exists to ensure a level playing field for all young filmmakers around the globe. Smartphones are universally accessible, pushing students to rely on imagination rather than costly film studio rigs.

Yes. The 3-minute limit (strictly ≤ 180 seconds) applies to the total duration of the video file.

Timing starts from the very first video frame to the final black frame or audio fade-out. Our submission portal automatically validates video length: files exceeding 180 seconds cannot be uploaded.

Please follow these standard technical guidelines when submitting your film:

• Containers: MP4 or MOV (encoded in standard H.264 or H.265 with stereo AAC audio);
• Aspect Ratio: Both landscape (16:9 cinema widescreen) and portrait (9:16 mobile format) are welcomed;
• Resolution: 1080p Full HD (1920×1080) or 4K is recommended;
• File Size: Please keep the exported file under 300 MB for smooth online streaming and jury playback.

The festival welcomes students, young cinema club members, and aspiring directors aged 10 to 18 years old.

Entries are divided into two competitive age categories:

• Category I: Students aged 10 to 13 years old;
• Category II: Students aged 14 to 18 years old.

Each category awards 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes along with special jury commendations.

Adult assistance must be strictly limited to:

• Ensuring health and safety on set;
• Providing hardware access (phones, computers, tripods);
• Assisting with file export and registration form submission.

Creative decisions must remain 100% in the hands of the students: screenplay, camera operation, directing, acting, and editing must be executed by youth. Submissions with dominant adult creative involvement are disqualified.

Each filmmaker may submit no more than one film per festival year (Rule 3).

Collaborative and class projects are warmly welcomed! In the submission form, specify the lead director and credit co-authors, crew members, or your school in the synopsis field.

Every festival visitor is entitled to one verified vote for their favorite short film in the official selection.

Voting occurs directly in the "Competition & Audience Voting" section of our website. The leaderboard updates in real-time, and the film with the most verified votes receives the prestigious Audience Choice Oak Trophy.

Winners are honored with handcrafted original festival awards:

• Handcrafted Oak Statuettes: custom sculpted wooden trophies celebrating Kaunas Oak Grove;
• Official Laureate Diplomas signed and sealed by Kaunas International Gymnasium and jury presidents;
• Partner Gifts and Sponsor Prizes for young directors and film clubs;
• Cinema Broadcast: screening in the main hall and broadcast on INGtv.

Date: April 17, 2026.

Venue: Kaunas International Gymnasium (Vytauto pr. 50, Kaunas, Lithuania).

The red carpet gala brings together student directors, families, educators, and film industry guests. The event is recorded and broadcast live by INGtv, with photos published in our festival archive.

Submission deadline: April 2, 2026 at 23:59 UTC+3.

Late entries cannot be accommodated as official jury deliberations and digital screening cataloging commence immediately after closing. We advise submitting your film at least 2–3 days ahead of the deadline.