FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where and when does the festival take place?
Our 2nd Edition screening and awards ceremony took place on Sunday, 27th September 2026 at the historic Spazju Kreattiv Cinema, St James Cavalier, Valletta, Malta. Season 3 Festival Night live screening & awards will take place in 2027 at Spazju Kreattiv Cinema (exact 2027 date TBD).
Where can I buy tickets for the festival?
The 2nd Edition screening night at Spazju Kreattiv Cinema has successfully concluded. Ticketing for the Season 3 live event in 2027 will open through the cinema box office ahead of the event.
What is the maximum budget for a film?
For the 'No Budget' category, the limit is €1,000. For 'Micro Budget', it's €1,000 - €10,000. For 'Low Budget', it's €10,000 - €100,000. The absolute maximum budget for any submission is €/$/£ 100,000.
What are the competition categories and awards for Season 3?
Season 3 features three primary budget tiers: No Budget (< €1,000), Micro Budget (€1,000 – €10,000), and Low Budget (€10,000 – €100,000). We also present special spotlight awards including Best Local Hero Short Film, Best Hero Short (Overall Festival Winner), our brand-new Season 3 award: Best Student / Emerging Maltese Filmmaker, as well as official Genre Category Awards (Drama, Comedy, Horror, Sci-Fi / Fantasy, and Animation). Every category winner receives an official custom heavyweight physical trophy on stage at Spazju Kreattiv Cinema in Valletta.
Who is eligible for the new 'Best Student / Emerging Maltese Filmmaker' award?
This dedicated Season 3 award is open to film and media students currently enrolled in education, recent graduates, or emerging Maltese directors producing their first independent works. It honors outstanding vision and ingenuity from the next generation of filmmakers from the Maltese islands.
When is the submission deadline for Season 3?
Submissions for Season 3 officially open on November 1, 2026 exclusively on FilmFreeway. Official deadlines run across 2027: Early Bird: February 1, 2027; Regular: April 1, 2027; Late: June 1, 2027; Notification Date: August 1, 2027.
How do I submit my film for Season 3?
Entries are accepted exclusively via FilmFreeway (https://filmfreeway.com/ZeroToHeroShortFilmFestival). Submissions open on November 1, 2026, so prepare your screener and project details.
Can I submit more than one film?
Yes! There is no limit to the number of films a filmmaker or producer can submit, provided each film meets the eligibility criteria and a separate entry fee is paid for each.
Do I need subtitles?
If your film is in a language other than English, it MUST have English subtitles to be considered.
Are there restrictions on genre?
No. We welcome all genres—drama, comedy, horror, sci-fi, documentary, animation, and more. We are looking for unique voices and compelling storytelling.