For all the filmmakers who expected they would get more creative in self-isolation, only to find that they can barely focus enough to write a couple of lines of a script, here is a modicum of motivation: a new film festival aimed particularly at short films made in self-isolation, with financial and distribution awards for the winners.

The Corona Short Film Festival, or 1st International Pandemic Self-Isolation Short Film Festival, is a newly launched online competition for short films initiated as a reaction to current COVID-19 developments. In their press release, the festival team encourages interested filmmakers to make a short with a running time of up to five minutes, in any genre or tackling any topic, in their current state of isolation.

Selected films will be presented on the festival website and will compete for two prizes. In addition to the award created by Serbian artist Boris Bogdanović, the winners will receive a financial prize provided by fritz cola: €1,500 for the Grand Jury Prize, and €500 for the Audience Award. Also, both winning films will be picked up for international sales and distribution by the festival partner, interfilm Berlin.

"We became aware of the Corona Short Film Festival on Facebook and got in touch through mutual acquaintances," says Patrick Thülig, of interfilm Short Film Distribution. "A digital event like this seemed to be a great medium for new creative avenues in a situation when filmmaking is rather difficult. At the same time, the most exciting works are often created in exactly these kinds of situations. Also, the length of up to five minutes is of course perfect for a supporting film and therefore makes it ideal for our distribution scheme."

German actor of Serbian origin Dejan Bućin, who represents the festival team, says: "With a lot of time on my hands in this unprecedented situation, I wanted to use it wisely, and be productive and creative. After my first thought of creating a one-man short film with what I’ve got to hand, I decided to encourage others to do the same. Soon, supporters and partners joined in with the initiative."

The festival jury comprises filmmakers Marta Popivoda (Serbia/Germany) and Claire Burger (France), actors Tom Wlaschiha (Germany), Sara Lazzaro (Italy/USA) and Nesrin Cavadzade (Turkey), Bosnian producer Adis Djapo, and French editor, author and curator Dr Catherine Colas.

The call for submissions is open until 25 April and can be accessed here.