The Indonesian film industry has grown significantly over the past 20 years, yet many Indonesian filmmakers still face skill and knowledge gaps. Founded in 2024, SHORTS UP was created to bridge this divide by supporting emerging talents who lack access to opportunities, resources, and information to make their short films. Through this initiative, SHORTS UP nurtures fresh perspectives and enhances industry diversity, specifically for Indonesian short filmmakers.
The budget for the SHORTS UP 2026 program is built upon the self-funding of Yayasan Kino Media, designed to support a progressive series of short film talent development activities running from April to September 2026.
Our Journey & Milestone
Since its inception in 2024, SHORTS UP has established a strong track record through strategic partnerships:
2024 (Inaugural Year): Fully endorsed and supported by the Manajemen Talenta Nasional (National Talent Management).
2025 (Second Year): Funded by the Purin Film Fund and received Shorts Up Showcase support at MFW11 from the Manajemen Talenta Nasional.
Strategic Focus for 2026
Entering its third edition in 2026, Yayasan Kino Media is committed to ensuring the program’s sustainability independently.
Consequently, a strategic budget efficiency has been implemented. We are channeling all internal resources exclusively into core components that yield a direct impact on the participants’ growth:
- Capacity Building: Direct allocation for intensive mentoring with national and international film professionals and curriculum development.
- Industry Access: Full access facilitation to industry forums, pitching sessions, and networking events at Minikino Film Week 12.
- Travel & Accommodation: To ensure that internal funds are strictly maximized for the quality of mentorship and industry access, all selected participants will independently cover their own travel and accommodation expenses for the physical events.
Overall, the SHORTS UP 2026 budget structure is designed to be both efficient and transparent. By centering its financial allocation on creative investment and professional networking expansion, the program consistently ensures an optimal impact on strengthening the Indonesian short film ecosystem.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Registration is open exclusively for Indonesian filmmakers, starting Tuesday, 9 June 2026 and closing on Tuesday, 30 June 2026 at 12:00 PM (noon) WITA.
Registration link:
https://minikino.org/fm_SHORTSUP2026
Participants whose documents pass the initial evaluation will be invited to participate in the interview process.
A total of four production teams or individual writers will be selected.
PROVISIONS for the selected projects:
- SHORTS UP Dosis 3 (Online): Intensive 1-on-1 online mentoring with international script doctors to develop and refine your short film script.
- SHORTS UP Booster 1 (Online): Collective online training to master professional project pitching.
- SHORTS UP Showcase (In-Person): Pitch and present your selected project live at the 8th Short Film Market during Minikino Film Week 12 (MFW12) in Bali.
- SHORTS UP Booster 2 (In-Person): Exclusive networking sessions and meetings with international industry guests at MFW12.
Travel & Accommodation (Co-Sharing Scheme):
Selected teams are required to contribute a fixed fee of Rp 6.000.000. This package guarantees:
- 1 (one) return flight ticket to Denpasar, Bali.
- Accommodation in Denpasar for 5 (five) nights during MFW12 in September.
- Note: Any additional or remaining costs exceeding this amount will be fully covered by Minikino.
Personal Expenses: Daily meals, local transportation in Bali, internet, and other personal incidentals are to be covered at the participants’ own cost.
Credit Acknowledgment & Media Rights:
- Selected projects must credit Minikino and SHORTS UP in the final film’s credits.
- Minikino reserves the right to use participants’ photos, video recordings, and interviews from the event for non-commercial promotional purposes.
TIMELINE:
| Activity | Dates | Remarks |
| Webinar:Introduction Shorts Up 2026 | Wednesday, 17 June 2026 21:00 – 21:45 Central Indonesian Time (WITA) | open with registration: |
| Open Call for Shorts Up 2026 Participants | Tuesday, 9 June 2026 and closing on Tuesday, 30 June 2026 at 12:00 PM (noon) WITA. | Registration link: |
| Selected Participants Announcement | Wednesday, 22 July 2026 | |
| SHORTS UP Dosis 3 | Week V July 2026/ Week I August 2026 | online mentoring |
| SHORTS UP – Booster 1 | Week IV August 2026 | online mentoring |
| SHORTS UP Showcase at MFW11
And SHORTS UP – Booster 2 |
Friday, 11 September –Friday, 18 September 2026 | Minikino Film Week 12 – Bali Short Film Festival(Attending in person) |
WHO CAN APPLY:
This program is open to short film production teams that meet the following criteria:
General Eligibility
- Indonesian Citizenship: Applicants must be Indonesian citizens with valid official identification (KTP or Passport).
- Age & Team Composition: Open to filmmakers aged 21 to 40 years old. Applicants may apply individually as a Writer/Director (if they do not have a producer yet), or as a two-person team consisting of a Producer and a Writer/Director.
- Project Requirements: Must possess a fiction short film script or a documentary short film treatment ready to be developed during the SHORTS UP program.
- Commitment & Passion: Must be fully available and committed to participating in the entire timeline of the program, demonstrating a strong passion for filmmaking and career development in the film industry.
- Communication & Internet Access: * English Proficiency: Applicants must be proficient in English and prepared to submit required documents (e.g., script, pitch deck) in English.
- Active Communication: Must be able to communicate effectively via email, as strong communication skills will be considered during the selection process.
- Internet Access: Must have stable internet access for regular participation in all online sessions (Dosis 3 & Booster 1).
- Diversity & Inclusion: SHORTS UP prioritizes diversity and inclusion. We warmly welcome applicants from all social backgrounds, cultural heritages, and gender identities.
Responsibilities & Team Setup
- Application Process: Registration must be completed through the official form by the Lead Applicant.
- For individual applicants, this is the Writer.
- For team applicants, this is typically the Producer.
- Main Contact & Commitment: The person submitting the application will act as the primary contact person and will hold full responsibility for ensuring all program commitments are met if selected.
- Team Structure Options: To accommodate various stages of project development, applicants may apply under one of the following setups:
- Individual: A Writer/Director applying alone (if a Producer is not yet attached to the project).
- Team: A two-person team consisting of one Producer and one Writer/Director.
- Attendance Requirement: Whichever setup is chosen, the selected individual or both team members must fully participate in all online mentoring sessions and the physical events at MFW12.
Required Documents (Before Applying)
- Scanned ID (KTP) for both applicants.
- Formal portrait photos of both applicants (clear and face visible).
- Signed statement letter confirming commitment to the program.→ [Download Template]
- Preview link to at least one completed short film, with accompanying metadata.
- Project document outlining your short film production plan for 2026.→ [Download Template]
Film Project Requirements:
- For fiction, animation, or experimental fiction films: Maximum duration of 15 minutes. The project must be in pre-production
- For documentary or experimental documentary films: Maximum duration of 15 minutes. Only eligible if it is a work in progress with footage available for preview.
For inquiries, contact
shortsup@minikino.org