11th STIFF in 11 days

In 11 days we’ll see you at the 11th edition of Student International Film Festival STIFF.

This year STIFF explores different forms of escape – physical, emotional and mental – through films by young authors from 20 countries spread across 4 continents. They will guide the audience through the film programme made of stories about liberation from inner and outer boundaries, rebellion against the ordinary, and pursuit of freedom.

Over the last ten years STIFF screened more than 500 films of all genres, including fiction, documentary, animated and experimental films, growing into a unique platform for young film authors. The entrance to all screenings is free because STIFF’s long-term goal is to make high quality, fun and educational films accessible to all.

STIFF started off as a pioneer festival dedicated exclusively to student film, and soon turned into an important international film event. Every edition of the festival had a unique theme, opening the doors to different social issues, dreams, fears and hopes.

First edition of STIFF, with it’s 44 films, laid the foundation for our festival community.

The second edition, when more than 2000 films applied to the festival, put focus on animation. The quality of student film production grew, which enabled STIFF to reach further and further internationally.

The third edition was the first to have a theme – and that year it was Rethinking Reality. Festival dealt with the questions of love, identity, and social norms, and continued to develop the educational and discursive elements of the programme.

The fourth edition’s theme was Social ISsUeS, exploring societal problems such as migrations, sexuality, and human rights of the minorities. Alongside the film programme, there were educational workshops and discussions about relevant contemporary social issues.

The fifth edition put the focus on Dreams, and explored ideas of utopia and dystopia through 43 films.

The sixth edition of STIFF explored Fear and anxiety of modern society through 42 films.

The seventh, Covid edition of STIFF turned towards the theme of sound and Sound Occupations, using sound installations and experimental performing art to entice new ideas about communication and human relationships.

The eighth edition’s theme was In Transmission, a reflection of intergenerational relationships and bridging the communication gaps.

The ninth edition was mature enough to Play, with the goal to free the creativity after the challenges of the pandemics.

The tenth edition of STIFF celebrated the Decade of the festival, with retrospective exhibitions and a special focus on the changes that occurred over the previous ten years.

Over the past 11 years, STIFF grew and developed, every year bringing new challenges and themes, but always dedicated to the goal – to offer young filmmakers a chance, and to connect people through film and conversation. The road through social, political and personal themes has shaped the festival into its present form – an epicentre of creativity, freedom, and new ideas.

Prepare for three days filled with inspirational stories and Escape into the world of student film – save the date, lay back into the chairs of Art-kino, and escape with us into the new decade of STIFF!

STIFF — Student International Film Festival is supported by Croatian Audiovisual Centre (HAVC), City of Rijeka, Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Serbian National Council, and Goethe Institute Zagreb. The festival takes place in Art-kino Croatia.