Cannes Independent Shorts is an international competition for short films of all genres from talented short filmmakers. Our main goal is to find talented filmmakers from all around the world who stand out for having something to communicate through art and help them promote their work. Our purpose is to celebrate, inspire and support the next generation of filmmakers and artists, from around the World, so that they can go on to have illustrious careers in filmmaking. Do not miss our competition!

Awards & Prizes

Best Indie Short
Best Narrative Short
Best Documentary Short
Best Animation
Best Experimental
Best Comedy
Best Music Video
Best Student Film
Best Director
Best Producer
Best Composer
Best Cinematographer
Best Editor
Best Actress
Best Actor
Best Script

Rules & Terms

Film and script projects must have been completed in the last 4 years.
Applicants must hold all the rights for submission.
The festival will only communicate with the submitter of the project.
Entry fees are not refundable.

32 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Sean Bardgett

    Thank you for nominating my film for best experimental .

    April 2026
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  • Pascale Armand

    Thank you for considering Roles Reversed this year. A great distinction!

    April 2026
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  • Sydney Rincón

    On behalf of the cast and crew of Sensus Mori (2025), we thank Cannes Independent Shorts for the opportunity to showcase our film to bright new audiences and share our story in new collaborative spaces.

    December 2025
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  • Chris Stifel

    It is an honor for my first film, LANA DEE, to be chosen by CIS as a winner in the Narrative Short category. The communication was great and the support outstanding. Thank you Cannes for recognizing my debut film.

    November 2025
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  • Linda Kampley

    Wonderful to be a part of this extraordinary festival. Thank you, thank you and Cheers!!!

    November 2025
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