About

The non-profit film and culture association CLOSEfilm was founded in 2018 by Parisa Ghasemi and Ashkan Nematian with the aim of presenting independent films and promoting engagement in art, culture and film. To achieve this goal, the Linz International Short Film Festival has been held annually since 2018. The association offers support for film projects throughout the year and organizes workshops, seminars and film screenings.

The film and cultural association CLOSEfilm is based in Linz and extends its activities to the whole world. The association is not for profit and pursues exclusively and directly non-profit purposes. CLOSEfilm was founded to promote art, culture and especially film. The association is dedicated to the promotion of cultural and artistic activities, especially to enable (aspiring) filmmakers to get involved in art, culture and film as well as to establish cooperation with other associations and groups of similar industries.

The following idealistic means are intended for the realization of the association’s purpose (excerpt from the association’s statutes): lectures and meetings; excursions; film and discussion evenings; realization of cultural events: Readings, concerts, exhibitions, festivals, production of information material about (young) artists; public relations and documentation; organization of and participation in competitions. CLOSEfilm Film- und Kulturverein is the sole organizer of the international short film festival. The entire planning, organization and realization are carried out by the association. Also during the year there are pre-events to the festival, such as the winners screening of the awarded films of the previous year. The organizing role of the association is thus an important part of the film and cultural year in Upper Austria and for filmmakers to whom the association offers a stage.

Thanks to strong partners and sponsors, the Closefilm Association has been able to realize its visions.