Intimacy is a fundamental part of human connection, yet in mainstream media, it’s often sensationalized, misrepresented, or overlooked entirely. That’s why we created FLICKER—an international short film festival dedicated to showcasing the artistry and complexity of intimacy in storytelling. This one-of-a-kind event invites filmmakers, writers, directors, actors, and intimacy coordinators to explore human connection in all its forms—romantic, platonic, familial, and self-reflective—through compelling 3-minute narratives.
More than just a film festival, FLICKER is a movement. It’s a platform for redefining how intimacy is seen, felt, and represented on screen. We’re calling on bold, innovative filmmakers to submit their works and help us shift the landscape of storytelling to be more nuanced, inclusive, and emotionally resonant.
What Makes FLICKER Different?
1. A Festival Dedicated to Intimacy
While many festivals spotlight romance or drama, FLICKER centers on intimacy as a craft—how we show closeness, vulnerability, and tension on screen. This is a space where the small moments matter just as much as the grand gestures.
2. The 3-Minute Format: A Challenge in Visual Storytelling
Great storytelling doesn’t need hours—it needs precision. How do you distill the weight of human connection into three minutes? FLICKER is an invitation to filmmakers to push creative boundaries, making every frame and every silence count.
3. Breaking Genre Boundaries
FLICKER welcomes:
Live-action narratives – Short fiction pieces that explore connection in unexpected ways.
Documentaries – Real-life explorations of love, intimacy, and identity.
Experimental & new media – Vertical (portrait) format films, AI-driven storytelling, and digital experiments that reflect modern media consumption.
Advertisements & branded content – Commercials that capture intimacy authentically.
This festival is about more than storytelling. It’s about shaping the future of intimacy in cinema.
Why Intimacy in Film Matters
The way intimacy is portrayed on screen shapes the way audiences understand relationships in real life. Unethical depictions can reinforce harmful stereotypes, unhealthy power dynamics, or unrealistic expectations. FLICKER is here to change that.
We’re championing films that:
Approach intimacy with authenticity and nuance.
Amplify diverse voices—stories from BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and underrepresented communities.
Collaborate with intimacy coordinators to craft safer, more intentional storytelling.
Challenge industry norms around how love, desire, and connection are portrayed.
Who Should Submit?
FLICKER is calling on:
Filmmakers ready to push the limits of storytelling in three minutes.
Writers & Directors exploring connection beyond clichés.
Actors looking to work with intimacy coordinators on innovative projects.
Intimacy Coordinators who want to elevate the role of intimacy in media.
If you’ve ever crafted a moment that lingers—the kind of scene that says everything without saying a word—this festival is for you.
How to Get Involved
1. Submit Your Film
Open to live-action, narrative, documentary, experimental, and AI-driven works.
Films must be 3 minutes or shorter.
Submissions should explore intimacy in a fresh, meaningful way.
Submission Deadline: August 15, 2025
Click here to learn more about submitting your film.
2. Join Our Jury
Are you a filmmaker, critic, or industry professional passionate about nuanced storytelling? Contact us at hello@cintima.co to be a FLICKER jury member and help select films that redefine intimacy in media.
3. Connect with Intimacy Coordinators
If you’re a filmmaker looking for guidance on depicting intimacy ethically, CINTIMA is here to help. Our network of experienced Intimacy Coordinators can consult on your film to ensure safety, authenticity, and emotional resonance. Contact us to collaborate at hello@cintima.co to learn more.
FLICKER: More Than a Festival—A Movement
FLICKER is a platform for change. By celebrating the small, powerful moments that shape human connection, this festival is pushing the boundaries of storytelling in film.
If you’re a filmmaker, storyteller, or industry professional passionate about reshaping the way intimacy is portrayed on screen, submit your film today or apply to be on our Jury.