We celebrate short films of all kinds! Now in its 29th year, the Extremely Shorts Film Festival is a juried competition of all genres of short films and videos (3 minutes or less) from around the world.

Extremely Shorts is organized by Houston media arts organization Aurora Picture Show, and juried by guest artists, filmmakers, and curators. Each year, 25-30 short works are selected to screen at the two-day festival. The short format of the festival encourages innovative approaches to filmmaking in a range of genres including narrative, experimental, documentary, and animation.

Extremely Shorts Film Festival 2026 will take place in Houston on May 29-30 followed with online streaming.

Awards & Prizes

Juror's Choice cash award (main program): $200
Audience Choice cash award (main program): $200

Each selected film will receive a screening fee of $20 (payable via PayPal)

Rules & Terms

Rules: To be considered for entry, your film must be under 3 minutes long, including titles.

Terms & Conditions:

• Your film will be presented in both online and in-person screenings.

• Your film/video will be screened during the Extremely Shorts Film Festival and will be eligible to win a filmmaker award.

• Your film/video may be utilized for promotional purposes of the festival, limited to private screenings and preview-only copies for press and supporters.

• A sample clip of my film/video (up to 30 seconds in length) may be promoted via the Aurora Picture Show web site and Vimeo or YouTube non-profit channels, unless otherwise arranged with Aurora.

• The filmmaker will permit Aurora Picture Show to use their name and stills from my film/video (at least one print-quality version provided upon request) for promotional purposes.

• The filmmaker has the option to give permission for your film to be included on a touring program and in the Aurora Video Library. Filmmakers are always contacted prior to any additional screening.
25 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Matthew Harris

    I was delighted to be one of the international filmmakers exhibited at this year's festival. The organisation and communication was excellent. I found the curation and line up of films to be exemplary. Thoroughly enjoyable and valued experience. I did not unfortunately attend and so could not network, but was able to watch the full programme online. Wonderful!

    June 2026
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  • Krista Leigh Steinke

    Absolutely one of my favorite film festivals, hosted by one of my favorite time-based media venues. This year was a wonderful curation of work. So happy to be included.

    June 2026
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  • Nate Bayless

    This was a very enjoyable fest at a cool venue. Grateful to have attended and had a film play, would definitely recommend!

    June 2026
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  • Gabriela Morbeck

    I'm honored and happy to have my film featured in this festival. Excellent communication, outstanding organization, and a great online exhibition. I hope to attend in person in a future edition.

    June 2025
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  • Anthony Lopez

    I am very grateful that my team and I received the opportunity to display our film. It was a great space that allowed many people to view our film and the Aurora Picture Show team were very hospitable throughout the night.

    It was a great place to meet other filmmakers and I also appreciated the communication from the curator in the weeks leading up to the festival. Thank you again!

    June 2025
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