Call for Entries: PEER RABEN MUSIC AWARD 2026

Best Music in a Short Film

We are pleased to announce that submissions are now open for the PEER RABEN MUSIC AWARD, honoring outstanding music in a short film.

SoundTrack_Cologne 23, taking place from July 14th to 17th, 2026, invites film composers and filmmakers to submit their short films with their original compositions for the PEER RABEN MUSIC AWARD.

The award, now in its 18th edition, grants 1,500 euros to outstanding film scores that demonstrate innovation and powerfully support cinematic storytelling through music and sound.

The award, first presented in 2009, commemorates the great German film composer Peer Raben.

Submission criteria:

• Short films with a maximum length of 15 minutes (incl. end credits) in all industry standard formats.
• There are no restrictions regarding country of production, genre, or content.
• Films must have predominantly original music.
• Short films whose production was completed after January 1st, 2025 or that premiered after January 1st, 2025.
• The nominees should be present at the screening of the films and will be presented to the audience and the jury during the competition screening. The award ceremony will take place during the official Gala on Friday, July 17th, 2026.

Submission fees: 
Early Bird: 12 Euros until March 26th, 2026 10:00 am CEST
Late: 17 Euros until April 15th, 2026 10:00 am CEST

Terms, conditions and the application form for the competition can be found here: