Over the past 13 years, Leiden Shorts (previously known as Leiden International Short Film Experience) has become the second largest short film festival in the Netherlands with submissions from over 80 countries around the globe. During the four festival days, we screen some of the world's best new short films, alongside a colourful side program of events, lectures, workshops, parties and meetings between filmmakers, the public, and other partners. Since 2009, Leiden Shorts (formerly known as LISFE) has been run by a diverse team of expats, locals, and is powered by a team of international and Dutch volunteers. Together, we envision Leiden Shorts as both an alternative and sustainable creative space where we can collectively explore the storytelling power that short films have. As avid promoters of international film, Leiden Shorts aims to create a cultural conversation that can be sustained outside of the festival. We are fundamental believers in cinema as a tool for social change, and want to become an outspoken voice in Leiden’s cultural scene. We fully embrace diversity, not only in culture but also in discipline, medium, and expression. Above all, Leiden Shorts views the creation of short film as a self-sustaining cycle that both shapes communities while constantly being shaped by the places they emerge from. Our various competitions, side events, and growing collaborations with local museums, collectives, and other international voices are just some of the ways in which we hope to shape the future of short film.