A platform for emerging queer film talent

Get your cameras rolling – the 10 Minute Challenge is back!

For the fourth time at Queer Film Festival Utrecht, we’re inviting aspiring queer filmmakers to bring their ideas to the big screen. Take this opportunity to screen your new short film for an eager audience and a panel of expert judges. Connect with industry professionals, win valuable prizes, and take your first steps into the world of cinema!

As part of QFFU’s programme, the 10 Minute Challenge invites ambitious filmmakers to submit their own original short films. Through this competition, we aim to encourage emerging queer filmmakers to contribute to the growing presence of queer voices in the film industry.

Throughout the 10 Minute Challenge, you’ll have the opportunity to screen your film on the big screen for our audience, participate in masterclasses with like-minded creatives to hone your filmmaking skills, and connect with industry professionals.

Questions? Don’t hesitate to contact the 10 Minute Challenge team at 10minute@qffu.nl.

Keep reading to learn more about the participation requirements and the structure of the programme.

Winners 2024

Prizes

This year, the films will compete in three categories, each with its own prize: Best Film, Emerging Talent, and Audience Favourite. The prizes will be announced at a later date. Additionally, the winner of the Best Film award will receive a custom-designed trophy created by a queer artist from Utrecht.

Participation requirements

  1. Duration: The film must be no longer than 10 minutes, including credits, with a 1-minute grace period.
  2. Queer Representation: The film should contribute to a queer-inclusive film world — for example, through queer creators, queer actors, or a queer perspective in the story.
  3. Filmmaker Status: You should be an emerging filmmaker. This means someone who has made, or is planning to make, their (first) queer film and is looking for a stepping stone into the film industry. All ages are welcome! Whether you’re young or old, if this contest inspires you to create a queer film, we warmly invite you to apply. Every generation is encouraged to take part.
  4. Production Timeline: The film must have been made in 2024 or 2025 and must not have been shown publicly before. Even if your film is already (almost) finished, it can still be submitted — the only requirement is that it hasn’t been screened at another festival.

The course of the contest

Submit your idea, script, scenario, or synopsis (short and sweet is absolutely fine!) by Monday, 30 June 2025, using the submission form on this page. After submitting, you’ll receive regular newsletters and updates about the competition’s progress. Of course, you’re always welcome to contact the QFFU team at 10minute@qffu.nl for questions or guidance.

If we receive more applications than we can accommodate, a selection will be made based on your motivation and project plan.

Shortly after the submission deadline, we’ll host an introductory meeting where participants can meet one another, get to know the Queer Film Festival Utrecht, and officially kick off the competition.

During the filmmaking process, two masterclasses will be offered to support participants in developing their films. These are optional but will cover inspiring and practical topics you won’t want to miss! More details on the masterclasses will be announced soon.

Your completed film must be submitted by Friday, 1 August 2025, at 12:00 PM (noon).

All selected films will premiere on the big screen on Saturday, 30 August 2025, during the Queer Film Festival Utrecht.

From 30 August to 5 September 2025, the films will also be available for public viewing online, where audiences can cast their votes for the Audience Favourite award.

Finally, on Friday, 5 September 2025, we’ll celebrate during a festive closing event, where the winning films will be announced by the jury and screened once more. Be sure to mark these key dates in your calendar!

After the festival, we’ll host a follow-up masterclass focused on how to take your next steps in the film world — a true stepping stone for emerging filmmakers!

Program partner: Stichting Studio Camera

Studio Camera supports, stands alongside, and connects Utrecht-based visual artists, based on the belief that collaboration empowers. The organization focuses on all audiovisual and lens-based disciplines: from photography, animation, and documentary to short films, feature films, video art, VR, AR, TV series, web series, and everything in between.