Edmonton Short Film Festival

The Edmonton Short Film Festival (ESFF) is dedicated to the elevation of Alberta Independent film. The ESFF gala event showcases Alberta filmmakers outside of the “normal” festival market and features diverse projects (newly created or “dusted off” favourites) including: trailers, music videos, web series, commercials, short films … as long as it’s less than 15 minutes, we’ll accept it!

NEW CATEGORIES THIS YEAR - for our Canadian and International filmmakers!

1. We are accepting 360/Virtual Reality films that will be showcased before the red carpet gala using state-of-the-art VR headsets.
2. We have added a second day of screenings that is open to Canadian and International filmmakers ... our LONG SHORTS day of film will accept submissions up to 60 minutes in length, any creation date, from anywhere in the world.

NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALBERTA FILMMAKERS:
The Edmonton Short Film Festival is partnering with other cultural events to showcase Alberta short films. For only $5, you will be able to have your film entered for consideration at one or more of these FAMILY events. ALL of these events will pay screening fees for films that are selected. NOTE: To be considered for the gala, Alberta filmmakers still need to submit their films under the appropriate genre category in addition to choosing this add-on bonus.

FILM MAKERS - ADD-ON FREE WORKSHOP:
Filmmakers will be invited to attend the Filmmaker Skills Workshop AT NO COST ($50 value). A catered lunch to this all-day event is included with your submission. Pre-registration is required (a refundable deposit of $10 plus GST is required - the full amount is refunded upon attending the workshop). Watch for a special email with information about this opportunity!

FILM LOVERS:
Admission to the Gala Event includes a red carpet Hollywood-inspired experience for moviegoers, Alberta indie film screenings, live music, complimentary treats, popcorn and a fun, festive atmosphere. The audience plays a huge role in the success of the evening by choosing their favourite film. The winning filmmaker will be presented the coveted People’s Choice Award and a special cash prize. Doors open at 4:30 PM on October 19, 2019 for the Virtual Reality screenings (5:00-6:30 PM); and the Red Carpet Gala event begins at 7:00 PM.

Sunday, October 20, will feature short films from around the world! Screenings begin at 2:00 PM and continue until 6:00 PM. A concession will be available with snacks and beverages.

Purchase a weekend pass for best value!

ALL films screened will receive a screening fee
AWARDS will be presented in genre categories
PEOPLES' CHOICE CASH AWARD voted by the audience ($250)

GALA EVENT: The Edmonton Short Film Festival welcomes ALL short film projects that are 15 minutes or less as long AS YOU (Director, Producer) ARE AN ALBERTA FILMMAKER.

The 360 Degree Video component and the NEW ESFF Long Shorts are open to all filmmakers, including international.

Our goal is to support and promote independent film, so we will screen almost ANYTHING (we reserve the right to determine what may be considered as extreme violence, hatred, pornographic or copyrighted material). You don’t have something new? That’s okay! Drag out something from your archives … maybe you have a fabulous film that you would love to show again. You’re working on a feature? Send us your trailer to promote the project! Of course, we also accept the “usual” – short dramatic or comedic narratives, horror, music videos, web series, documentaries and animations, etc. We would even love to see your amazing commercial!

The ESFF jury selects independently-created films based on the technical excellence and entertainment value of the film.

If your film is selected for screening you will need to provide:
A. 1920 x 1080 downloadable version of your film in a .mov format or .mp4 format
B. A high res still photo from your film or poster in 300 DPI resolution

If your film is selected for the 360 Degree event you will need to provide the film in the highest quality possible:

We will also need a high res still photo from your film or poster in 300 DPI resolution to include in our program.

Overall Rating

Quality

Value

Communication

Hospitality

Networking

Jack Belhumeur

Very hospitable and hard working crew the communication was great throughout and the events were spectacular. Great audience too over all one of my favourite festivals i attended this year. Thanks crew

November 2019

Helpful

Response from festival:

Thanks, Jack! It was great to see you at the Red Carpet Gala. We were so glad you chose the Alberta Bonus so we were able to screen your film at Storefront Cinema ... we're looking at more opportunities to share your work!
Joe Chang

It is a charming film festival and I love it very much !!

November 2019

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Response from festival:

Thanks, Joe! The Music Box was well-crafted and presented a story that most people are not familiar with. Thank you for sharing your work with us and we hope to see more from you in the future!
Rew Jones

Fantastic festival. Really appreciated their feedback and the opportunity to screen our film! Hope to be back time and time again!

October 2019

Helpful

Response from festival:

Thanks, Rew! Demonetized really touched on a lot of concerns expressed from filmmakers ... great job on research and your interviewed guests. We're looking forward to more from you in the future!
Steve Mikalsky

The ESFF was a very enjoyable, welcoming and well organized film festival. The VR segment was very educational and a chance to talk to filmmakers and technicians who are working in this field. The venue was relaxed and comfortable and it was a great opportunity to network with other filmmakers. I was delighted that my film, The Successor, was awarded best documentary - a big thank you to the jury. Thanks to Sharlene and Dan and all of the volunteers for all of the effort that went into making this such a great festival.

October 2019

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Response from festival:

It was great to meet you, Steve! The Successor was such an interesting documentary and it was cool to see a multi-national collaboration of people to put this together!

Thanks for the review and we hope to see more from you in the future!
Darrell Portz

I have attended this festival every year it has been in existence. It is always a great way to meet with other in the film industry. I would recommend this festival to anyone who wants to see some really good short films as well as those who want to showcase their work. . See you next year.

October 2019

Helpful

Response from festival:

Thanks, Darrell! We have been so impressed with how much your work has grown throughout the years and look forward to seeing where your creativity takes you next year. Your long-term support means a lot to us!