Regulations

5th IN THE PALACE ISFF Conference
Short Films, Big Questions: Festivals, Politics, and Public Engagement
25–26 June 2026

IN THE PALACE International Short Film Festival Pernik, Bulgaria
 
Short Films, Big Questions: Festivals, Politics, and Public Engagement
 
Short films and their festival circuits have become key sites for negotiating aesthetic innovation, social engagement, and cultural politics. This two-day conference in conjunction with the IN THE PALACE International Short Film Festival, invites contributions that examine the role of short cinema and short film festivals within contemporary media ecologies, with particular attention to their function as mediators of values, platforms for public discourse, and instruments within institutional and policy frameworks.
 
We seek papers that explore the intersections between artistic practice, programming strategies, and socio-political agendas. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:
 
●      The role of short films in addressing sensitive, vulnerable or contested issues
●      Short film as a tool for social awareness, advocacy and public engagement
●      Film festivals as mediators of values, themes, and social discourse
●      The relationship between artistic curation and socially-driven programming
●      The “politicization” of contemporary short cinema
●      Short films and festivals as instruments of institutional or policy agendas
●      Funding structures and their influence on themes and narratives in short film production
●      The balance between artistic expression and socially engaged content
●      Representation of sexuality and the body within broader social and political frameworks
●      The role of short film festivals in shaping audience perception, knowledge, and attitudes
●      Sustainability of short film production beyond traditional market logic
●      Programming strategies in short film festivals: trends, constraints, and responsibilities
●      Institutional influence on festival programming and curatorial decision-making
●      Circulation, distribution, and visibility of short films in contemporary media ecosystems
●      The responsibility of festivals in long-term cultural and social impact 

We welcome contributions from film and media studies, cultural studies, sociology, industry studies, and related fields, as well as practice-based perspectives.
 

Artistic Contributions

We also invite proposals for artistic contributions from practitioners/researchers working on the conference themes. Artistic research formats may include, but are not limited to:

●      Workshops
●      Films
●      Performative lectures or interventions
●      Video essays
●      Found footage assemblages

Please note that complex technical assistance cannot be provided.

Presentation Formats

Paper Presentation
20 minutes

Screening Session
Up to 40 minutes screening + 20 minutes discussion

Artistic Contribution

Format to be discussed depending on the nature of the proposal

All presentations must be in English.

Application Requirements

Option 1: Paper Abstract

●      250–300 words
●      Clearly state the research question, methodology, approach, and findings
●      Include at least 3 keywords

Option 2: Artistic Research Proposal

●      300–400 words
●      Outline relevance to conference themes

Author Biography

●      50–70 words
 

Publication

The Scientific Committee is planning a publication of selected papers in an edited volume, following a peer-review process. More information will be provided in due time.

Timeline

●      By April 19, 2026 – Finalization of Call for Papers
●      April 20, 2026 – Call for Papers Launch
●      April 20 – May 20, 2026 – Submission Period
●      May 21 – May 25, 2026 – Review Process
●      By May 26, 2026 – Notification of Acceptance
●      June 25–26, 2026 – Conference Dates
 

Financial Information

No submission or participation fees are required.

The conference will take place during the 23rd edition of the IN THE PALACE International Short Film Festival.

The Festival will provide:

●      2 nights of accommodation in Pernik
●      150€ of financial contribution towards travel expenses
●      Meals support (food vouchers)
●      Festival and industry accreditation

Participants are encouraged to seek additional travel support from their home institutions if needed.

Scientific Committee

María Paz Peirano
Rich Warren
Skadi Loist
 
 
Organizing Committee

Liliya Kucheva
María Paz Peirano
Rich Warren
Rita Capucho
Skadi Loist
Tsanko Vasilev
 
For any questions, please contact us at: conference@inthepalace.com
 
Submit your proposal here:
https://forms.gle/2YqPLHQYjo6qz4iy5