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Odense International Film Festival is a short and documentary film festival in Denmark that takes place every year in August. Odense International Film Festival made its debut in 1975, and is Denmark's eldest film festival. The municipality of Odense is responsible for the execution of the film festival. Odense International Film Festival will be held for the 24th time in 2009.

History
Odense International Film Festival was in the beginning known as The International Fairy Tale Festival, as a tribute to famous author of numerous fairy tales H.C. Andersen who was born in Odense. Initially, the festival focused solely on animation films but in 1983 the festival permitted all sorts of fiction films into the programme, and the name was subsequently changed to 'Odense International Film Festival'. The film festival started off as a bi-annual festival but in 1997 a merger took place with The Danish Film Festival, which was also a bi-annual festival situated in Odense. The merger of the two festivals lead to both national and international films being apart of the festival programme. Additionally, Odense International Film Festival was from then on held every year in stead of every second. Today, the programme consists of animation films, documentaries and short fiction films. The competition programme is divided into four categories: - National films - International films - Animation films - Children and youth films.

Organisation
Odense International Film Festival is a part of the Culture Machine in Odense. The festival has two directors: the administrative director who is resposible for the planning and execution of the entire festival, and the artistic director who is responsible for the film programme.

Prizes
There are 11 awards to be handed out in 2009.

National films

National Grand Prix: The Grand Prix award goes to the best Danish film in the competition. Documentary, animation and fiction all have a chance of winning the award. The winner receives a statue – The Pearl – designed by a Danish artist from Funen. Along with the statue, the winner also receives a check with the amount of 25.000 kr.

Best Danish documentary: Is given to the best Danish documentary. Along with the prize the winner receives a check with the amount of 15.000 kr.

Best Danish short-fiction film: Is given to the best Danish short-fiction film. Along with the prize the winner receives a check with the amount of 15.000 kr.

International films

International Grand Prix: Grand Prix goes to the best international film in the competition. Documentary, animation and fiction all have a chance of winning the award. The winner receives a statue – The Pearl – designed by a Danish artist from Funen. Along with the statue, the winner also receives a check with the amount of 3.500 euros.

Most inventive film: This award goes to the film that is able to approach the art of short storytelling in the most successful and inventive fashion. Along with the statue, the winner also receives a check with the amount of 2.000 euros.

Most surprising film: This award goes to the film that is able to approach the art of short storytelling in the most successful and surprising fashion. Along with the statue, the winner also receives a check with the amount of 2.000 euros.

Animation

Animation-award: This award goes to the best animation film in the competition. Both Danish and foreign films can win the award. Along with the prize the winner receives a check with the amount of 2.000 euros.

Talent-award: This award is given to the creator of an extraordinary Danish film within the animation genre. Up and coming talents as well as already established talents can win this award. Along with the prize the winner receives a check with the amount of 10.000 kr.

Children and youth films

Best Danish children or youth film: This award goes to the best national children or youth film. Along with the prize the winner receives a check with the amount of 15.000 kr.

Best international children or youth film: This award goes to the best international children or youth film. Along with the prize the winner receives a check with the amount of 2.000 euros.

Audience award

During the festival the audience will be given a chance to vote for their favourite film among all the competing films.