Filmmakers have lauded Albany FilmFest “one of the best festival experiences I have had” and “an absolute gem of a festival." Our festival, now in its fourteenth year, is multicultural, multi-voiced celebration of independent short films from the San Francisco Bay Area and around the world. We welcome submissions from filmmakers of all ages, encouraging conversation, community, and engagement between the filmmakers and our interested, enthusiastic film-goers.

The vision and voice of artists is essential to a vibrant society. Each year, we see film submissions that reflect the zeitgeist, evoke engagement and conversation, empower connection, and entertain us with the wide-ranging mix of subject matter that reflects their makers’ passions. Our always eclectic mix of drama, comedy, documentary, and animation embraces and explores the many and varied concerns of the world we live in: climate, communities in transition, visual arts, music, dance, the LGBTQ+ community, aging, social justice, and more.

In addition to our always eclectic mix of drama, comedy, documentary, and animation, AFF2024 will feature an Albany GreenFest program of short films spotlighting our changing planet. For the third consecutive year, in addition to cash awards for best in category, we will also present the Joseph Andre McCord Award to the best short film on themes of social justice and racial equity.

Albany, California, is home to friendly businesses, award-winning restaurants, and both funky and upscale bars. We're right next door to Berkeley, directly across from the Golden Gate Bridge, and just a few blocks from our venue in El Cerrito. Hope to see you there!

Awards & Prizes

Best Narrative Short = $250
Best Documentary Short = $250
Best Animated Short = $250
Best Tiny Movie = $250
Best in Show = $350
Youth 6-12 = $150
Youth 13-17 = $150
Joseph Andre McCord Award = $250

Please note: Only filmmakers with valid US tax ID are eligible for cash prizes.

ENTRY FEE COUPONS

AFFFF50: Filmmakers whose films were accepted and shown at previous Albany FilmFest screenings are eligible for a 50% submission fee reduction for new films.

AFFSTUDENT: $10 discount on submission fees for college/film school students. MUST provide proof (valid current student ID)

AFFSCHOOL: 50% submission fee reduction for youth films submitted by camps and schools.

No other waivers or exceptions will be granted.

Rules & Terms

In submitting this film, the filmmaker represents that they are authorized to submit this film for screening at the 2024 Albany FilmFest and acknowledges and agrees to the following:
(a) All films submitted to the Albany Film Festival and selected for screening may be screened more than once during the festival and may also be screened at our Best of the Fest events, at promotional screenings, and on any associated online outlets. Filmmakers may opt-out to the replaying of films in writing to Albany FilmFest at info@albanyfilmfest.org before October 1, 2024.
(b) Filmmaker grants Albany FilmFest the nonexclusive right to use any content from films accepted for screening and their accompanying materials (such as stills and biographical data) as well as media from the Gala and Festival for publicity and promotional purposes.
(c) Filmmaker warrants that the submitted film does not infringe upon the intellectual property rights of any person or entity and agrees to hold harmless and fully indemnify and defend Albany FilmFest and its representatives against any and all claims made for such infringement or any other violations of law.
The filmmaker acknowledges that the film submission fee does not guarantee acceptance and no refund will be provided if a film is not selected.
To be considered for the Albany Filmmakers Showcase category, filmmakers must be residents or former residents of Albany, California, and must indicate the nature of their Albany connection in the cover letter section. Submissions not meeting these specifications will be ineligible for screening.
16 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Arthur Helterbran Jr.

    This is a wonderful festival. Very thankful for the opportunity to screen our short film “On Paper” with them. Excellent communication, great hospitality, and a very nice line up of films.

    November 2024
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  • Kristen Schlott

    The Albany FilmFest was a fantastic experience - the team created a well mixed program of movies that were surprising and complementary. The audience was engaged. And we were thrilled to be honored with Best of Show & Best Documentary Short.

    October 2024
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  • Sahra Bhimji

    Great screening venue with a filled audience. The films screened at 10am in local movie theater. They only have three shorts blocks, mix of local and non-local shorts. Nice program with a Q& A after. They held one lovely small reception as well. It isn't great for filmmaker networking, but it is a good neighboorhood vibe.

    October 2024
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  • Abby Ginzberg

    The Festival was a wonderful gathering of film lovers and filmmakers. My film, Judging Juries, was part of a well-curated shorts program. The festival staff was enthusiastic and made communication easy. I was honored to receive a Special Recognition Award from the Festival for my overall body of work.
    Thanks to the Albany Film Fest for a great experience in my hometown.

    October 2024
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  • Grace Walcott

    This festival was a wonderful experience for me! It is run by a team of dedicated film aficionados. They were supportive, great communicators, warm and enthusiastic. Their publicist Timothy Buckwalter did a great job promoting my film. A Big Thanks for the experience!!

    October 2023
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