The 815HORTS Film Festival moves film forward by curating screening experiences and interactive programs that transcend time and place. Established in 2022, 815HORTS (pronounced 815 shorts) brings film enthusiasts together for screenings, filmmaker interviews and Q&As, educational content and panels, entertainment and networking, and meet and greet opportunities with industry practitioners. As one of the Midwest's fastest growing film fests, the trajectory of 815HORTS is shaped by its goal of becoming an Oscar-qualifying film festival.

Since its inception, 815HORTS has prioritized local, regional and global partnerships to help create a world-class experience for attendees of all ages and expertise. Our event partners include the Sundance Film Festival's Short Film Tour, Tribeca Festival, the Illinois Film Office, Rockford Film Office and City of Rockford, among others. 815HORTS is also the state of Illinois's partner festival for the annual Illinois Film Office Shortcuts Student Filmmaking Contest, solidifying 815HORTS as a premier platform for aspiring young Illinois filmmakers.

815HORTS is produced by Plus Seven Company (P7c), a boutique experience firm that delivers winning sports and entertainment. Through its properties and services divisions, P7c’s expertise covers events, branding, nonprofits, partnerships, public and media relations, and tourism. For more information, visit PlusSevenCompany.com and 815HORTS.com.

FIFTH ANNUAL 815HORTS, FRI.-SAT., NOV. 13-14, 2026
Details + Schedule: To be announced!
Partnerships + Inquiries: Contact Nick@PlusSevenCompany.com

2025 815HORTS PARTNERS
Academy: City of Rockford
Champion: Illinois Film Office, Rockford Area Arts Council
Friend: Ron Clewer, Comcast/Xfinity, Don Hatton
In-Kind: Rockford Film Office, District Bar & Grill
Nonprofit: Founders Commission

This program is partially supported by a grant from the Rockford Area Arts Council, which receives support from the City of Rockford, the Illinois Arts Council Agency, and its members.

Each year, The 5HORT Awards close out the festival. Categories include Best Animated Short, Best Documentary Short, Best Live Action Short, Best Illinois Film Office Shortcuts Short, and Best 5HORT (Best in Show).

THE 5HORT AWARDS - 2025 WINNERS
- Best 5HORT (Best in Show) - Hearts of Stone
- Best Animated Short - Stay
- Best Documentary Short - Silicon Prairie Dreams
- Best Live Action Short - Hearts of Stone
- Illinois Film Office Shortcuts Student Contest Co-Winners - Moshe's Song (Prelude) and Rolling Towards Perfection

815HORTS Submissions: Filmmakers (local, national and global) are encouraged to submit short films for consideration by the published entru deadlines via FilmFreeway at https://filmfreeway.com/815HORTS. Animated, documentary and/or live action short film submissions are welcomed. Submissions should not exceed 40 minutes of runtime.

If selected for screening by the 815HORTS Jury, requested file formats will include high quality video files (1080p or higher .MP4). 815HORTS reserves right to amend guidelines, reschedule and/or cancel the program at any time.

Shortcuts Student Contest Rules: All Shortcuts submissions must be from Illinois students/residents who are 22 years old or younger. All submissions will be automatically submitted for screening consideration at 815HORTS, while additional Shortcuts submissions may also be selected for screening by 815HORTS.

Promotional Use: Filmmakers who submit films for consideration grant legal authority to Plus Seven Company, LLC, 815HORTS, and all associated staff/volunteers to use all music, images, clips and film content for promotional use on any medium.

Submitter Responsibilities: It is the sole responsibility of the Applicant/Submitter to secure authorization and permission from the copyright owner(s) of any and all copyrighted content or materials included within the submitted Project. It is the sole responsibility of the Applicant/Submitter to secure authorization and permission from the owner(s) of any and all trademarked content or materials included within the submitted Project. It is the sole responsibility of the Applicant/Submitter to clear all content of the Project from any and all actual or potential legal claims and issues, including, without limitation, claims based upon theories of libel, defamation, invasion of privacy, violation of rights of publicity, theft of trade secrets, breach of confidence, breach of confidential relationship, and breach of express or implied contract (“Third Party Claim(s)”). Plus Seven Company, LLC, 815HORTS and all associated staff and volunteers expressly disavow any responsibility for, and will not be held responsible for, any of these Submitter Responsibilities described.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
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Networking
  • Tiffany Lee

    Great festival. Lots of one-on-one time with other industry professionals. Learned a lot. Peter (IL Film Office and MC) and Nick (Head of the Festival) were receptive and open to any and all questions. The venue was beautiful and accommodating as well.

    November 2025
    Response from festival:

    We appreciate the input and kind words and we're thrilled to have you join us from STL! Look forward to seeing you again in the future!!

  • Great festival, well-run by people who really care about film and the filmmakers. I learned a lot while there, and would definitely go back if given the opportunity!

    November 2025
    Response from festival:

    Thanks so much, Olivia. We look forward to seeing you in future years!