Short Film News (SFN) - Short Film Festival Oberhausen invited filmmakers to submit their films to its 55th edition, while organizers announced 2009 will bring some new developments in the festival program.

For the first time, festival only accepts international entries which have not been shown at any other German festival before Oberhausen.

Entry deadline for International Competition is 15 January 2009 and awards totals 24,000 Euros.

Last year, Oberhausen festival screened some 450 films in six days, with around 1,100 accredited industry professionals from nearly 50 countries.

The 55th International Short Film Festival Oberhausen will take place from 30 April to 5 May 2009.

Regulations and entry form is available at festival website: www.kurzfilmtage.de.