The Edmonton Short Film Festival (ESFF) is dedicated to the elevation of Independent short film. The ESFF gala event showcases Alberta filmmakers with films up to 15 minutes and our Long Shorts program screens Alberta films over 15 minutes PLUS films up to 60 minutes from anywhere in the world.

We value diversity in our submissions and look forward to seeing projects created by filmmakers from any and all backgrounds. The Edmonton Short Film Festival has valued inclusion of all filmmakers and featured projects from Indigenous voices, BIPOC, LGBTQ2S+, and many more.

We feature diverse projects (newly created or “dusted off” favourites) including trailers, music videos, web series, commercials, and any genre short film. ONLY Alberta films under 15 minutes are eligible to submit to the genre categories. Films from outside of Alberta, any length up to 60 minutes, any creation date are to be submitted under the Long Shorts category.

ALBERTA FILMMAKERS:
The Edmonton Short Film Festival partners with other cultural events to showcase Alberta short films. If you are interested in submitting your film to be considered for our Community Screenings please visit our Local Heroes Film Festival FilmFreeway page to submit for $10 per film. ALL of our Community Screening events pay screening fees for films that are selected and can be screened multiple times.

FILM LOVERS:
The audience plays a huge role in the success of the evening by choosing their favourite film. We offer the festival films online as well as in-person.

Awards & Prizes

ALL films screened will receive a screening fee
AWARDS will be presented in genre categories
PEOPLE'S CHOICE Award voted by live 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.

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 Adjudicators 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
C. Director's bio and photo and short film synopsis
D. Contact email and mailing address
E. Confirmation of who is to receive the screening fee (paid by cheque for Canadian filmmakers and by PayPal for International filmmakers)
46 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Tayler Gladue

    I was so privileged and honoured to take part in the 2023 festival and I cannot say enough great things about it.
    As a local Independent film maker in Alberta, this was one of the most heartwarming and beautiful examples of community i have seen in Alberta.
    For all Alberta Independent filmmakers, or those who are just fans of brilliant film, this is YOUR festival.

    November 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you for such kind words Tayler. It was absolutely wonderful to have you at the festival and we were honoured to screen your film.

  • Darren McInnes

    I attended the festival with my wife and we had a great evening, from the excellent venue and quality films to the hospitality and enthusiastic audience. Hopefully we can make it again next year!

    October 2023
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    Response from festival:

    We are so pleased you enjoyed our festival and celebrating Alberta indie film!

  • Jayson Therrien

    The team behind this festival make sure the filmmakers and guests have an experience. I will attend this festival even if I don't have a film in it. The quality films shown this year was incredible! Thank you so much ESFF! Keep doing what you are doing! Amazing festival.

    October 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you Jayson! It truly means a lot to know our community is behind what we do!

  • Lisa Datz

    I can’t say enough good things about my experience at Edmonton Short Film Festival. From my first email exchange with Candace to my departure, it was a pleasure from start to finish. Attend in person, if you can. It was an honor to have the World & Canadian premiere for my short film, Life of Riley, in the International Shorts category. Thank you to Sharlene, Daniel, Candace, Jessi, Chase and the team at ESFF for making the experience fun, inspiring and memorable.

    October 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much Lisa! Was a pleasure meeting you and hosting your premiere of your short film at our festival!

  • Beatrice King

    A welcoming festival with quality programming, and lots to offer for filmmakers! Thank you for having us & our film, 'You Are the Blue' as part of your Long Shorts/International Program!

    October 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you Beatrice! Was a pleasure screening your film!