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!

Awards & Prizes

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

Rules & Terms

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.

4 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Garry MacLean

    Well organized and great volunteer staff. The VR series was a cool feature. Live music, food, drink. A well put together festival. Thanks to everyone involved for your hard work and welcoming approach! Thanks for including my film Yard Sale and further more for choosing it for best suspense/horror short!

    October 2019
    Helpful
  • Ramin Eshraghi-Yazdi

    Was excited my short was selected. Sad I did not make t. Honored we won best Comedy. Thanks ESFF

    October 2018
    Helpful
    Logo
    Response from festival:

    We (and the audience) laughed SO hard at the antics of the "police" in Stampeed City! Well deserved award.

  • Mike Shiell

    Excellent Festival and great communications! I was honoured the my film, "MELON SHORTS" was selected to be part of this festival.

    October 2018
    Helpful
    Logo
    Response from festival:

    Melon Shorts were so very clever! Great little snippets of entertainment ... thanks for sharing it with ESFF!

  • Cora Selinger

    We were honoured to have "Never Been to War" chosen as an Official Selection for the Edmonton Short Film Festival. This festival is well run, well attended, and fun! The communication was prompt and detailed and the organizers are professional, friendly and put on an excellent event. , We truly felt valued as filmmakers at the whole festival, and it's one I would recommend to anyone in the future.

    October 2018
    Helpful
    Logo
    Response from festival:

    Never Been to War tugged on our heartstrings ... such a beautiful tribute to our veterans. Thank you for coming up and joining us for the gala. Truly delightful to meet you and Derek.