Based in Mason City, Illinois, the Arlee Theater proudly hosts its annual Short Film Fest.

All films must be family-friendly in nature, and in English or with English subtitles. The purpose of this community event is to celebrate the art of storytelling on the big screen, as well as celebrate any content being made in Illinois (although not all works are required to be Illinois pieces), as well as to inspire attendees to explore filmmaking themselves and create using the tools at their disposal.

All mediums are welcome; past submissions have included a wide range of animation, music video, live action, experimental, and documentary.

Awards & Prizes

Viewer's Choice Award, as well as other surprise awards are given at this event. Note there are no cash prizes. All featured shorts will receive a trophy as well as a complimentary popcorn and drink, however the filmmaker must be present for the event to receive them. Additional awards may be given out pending supervisory panel's review. Guests the night of the event will also be voting on the Viewer's Choice Award.

Late submissions are not guaranteed a trophy, and may be ineligible for other awards aside from the Viewer's Choice Award.

Rules & Terms

All entries must be 20 minutes or shorter in length. Should a filmmaker choose to submit multiple entries (no more than three, please), the cumulative runtime of all their entries must total 20 minutes or less.

Entries must be family-friendly in nature, as many of the viewers at this annual event are children. Excessive drug/alcohol/violent content may disqualify entries at the judge panel's discretion. If entries have any dialog, it must be in English or there must be English subtitles.

Entries do not have to have been made this year, but any works that were previously accepted and played at this festival are not permitted to be featured again.

If your work is selected, please note the festival will require an MP4, either downloadable or delivered to the theater by April 12.

By entering a work, it is understood that you indemnify and hold harmless The Arlee Theater and its Board from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to court costs and attorney's fees) which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, and publicity.