Passionate filmmakers can tell compelling stories with little to no budget. We celebrate their work and their vision.

“This festival is dedicated to showcasing low-budget short films. It's a platform for dreamers who may not have access to vast resources but still possess powerful stories to tell. We believe in recognizing those diamonds in the rough, those filmmakers with immense talent and passion. Welcome to the Zero to Hero Short Film Festival!"

The Hero Trophy

A trophy is awarded to EACH winner in any of the categories. We believe that filmmakers should be recognized with an actual trophy and not just laurels or certificates.

The categories are:

  • BEST HERO SHORT FILM (best overall)

  • BEST LOCAL HERO SHORT FILM (for Maltese filmmakers)

  • BEST NO BUDGET SHORT FILM (done for 0 to 1,000 EUR/USD)

  • BEST MICRO BUDGET SHORT FILM (done for 1,000 to 10,000 EUR/USD)

  • BEST LOW BUDGET SHORT FILM (done for 10,000 to 100,000 EUR/USD)

  • BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT

  • BEST COMEDY SHORT

  • BEST DRAMA SHORT

  • BEST FANTASY SHORT

  • BEST ANIMATION SHORT

  • BEST HORROR SHORT

The winning movies will be screened at the Embassy Cinema in Valletta, the capital of Malta, Europe.

The Venue

CURRENT EDITION

Submission Deadline
July 1st 2025

Screening Date
September 2025