11th Annual Stage 32 Short Film Contest

You've made a short film. You've put in your time, effort, blood, sweat, tears, and perhaps even some serious money into your project. Your goal isn't only to get your film seen, but to get it seen around the world and by people who can make a difference in your career. Would being screened by an Oscar qualifying film festival matter? How about having it screened for over 3,000 executives including managers, agents, producers, film financiers and more? Look no further.

The most prestigious short film competition on the planet is back!

For the 11th straight year, Stage 32 is looking for the best short films for our 11th Annual Short Film Program.

For the last 10 years, we've screened our winning filmmaker's films at some of the most prestigious festivals around the world, and for our stable of 3,000+ Stage 32 executives, and this year will be no different.

In this DIY, control your own material world, legions of filmmakers are turning to short films to have their voices heard. Further, with more and more film festivals adding short programs into their lineups and with so many filmmakers shooting short films as proof of concept to showcase their talents, short films are finally getting the attention they deserve.

Our top 5-10 winning filmmakers receive:

-- Inclusion in our 11th Stage 32 Short Film Program - The most anticipated short film program in the business.

-- Their film screened theatrically at the 2026 Hollyshorts Film Festival in Los Angeles
Participate in a Filmmakers Q&A Panel hosted by Stage 32

-- Director's Badge for the Hollyshorts Film Festival - granting YOU exclusive access to the full lineup of festival screenings + the massive Opening Night after party!

-- Their film screened online to a worldwide audience on Stage 32 - This global screening will be available to all of our 1,000,000+ members on the platform.

-- Their film showcased to over 3,000 executives who work with Stage 32 - All of our executives will be able to view an online screening of the program. If a meeting is requested between the executive and the filmmaker, we will facilitate.

We welcome entries from filmmakers all over the world. Last year's contest produced entries from Stage 32 members in 40 countries and resulted in a curated program of 8 incredible and well received short films made by filmmakers from LA, China, New Zealand, Canada, Texas, New York, and more! 

Over the last 10 years, our winning filmmakers have gone on to be signed (UTA, Echo Lake, Verve, and more), financed, and produced. One of our winning screenwriter/directors even went on to have one of the biggest spec sales in recent years, with Warner Brothers winning a bidding war which was based off a short film!

The Stage 32 Short Film Contest gives you the opportunity to show your chops and shine by providing access to some of the top executives in the business and exposure to film festival and worldwide online crowds. This is access, opportunity, and exposure you won't find anywhere else!

The Stage 32 Short Film Program has been featured to critical acclaim in Variety and Indiewire.