We invite you all to share your unique narratives and perspectives through the powerful medium of film, and we look forward to being captivated by your creativity and talent in the upcoming competition.
The International Short Film Competition annually encourages and showcases the creation of short films exploring themes of social justice, human rights, and the law by independent, emerging filmmakers worldwide. Finalist films are screened at the FOLCS Annual Awards Night.
“Social justice” may be broadly construed. You are free to choose any subject in which the relationship between law, justice, and society can be fashioned into a unique visual story. For example, your film could be about rights that have been denied, harms that have gone unaddressed, the aftereffects of courtroom decisions, government regulations, and statutes, or an attempt to take a new look at what “justice” really means. Any genre (animation, comedy, documentary, drama, musical, sci-fi, etc.) is permitted.
Films should run 20 minutes or less; there is no minimum runtime requirement.
About the Competition:
The FOLCS International Short Film Competition (ISFC) was created in 2011 to encourage the creation of short films exploring themes of law and justice. Expanding in reach each year, independent and aspiring filmmakers from around the globe are invited to submit their original shorts. Entrants not only have the chance to have their work screened before a New York audience but also the opportunity to have their shorts viewed by distinguished professionals from both the legal and entertainment fields. Each year ISFC features renowned filmmakers, actors, writers, journalists, public intellectuals, and members of the legal profession. ISFC also attracts overflowing and diverse crowds of film enthusiasts, which provides a great platform for showcasing your winning work!
Some of the jury members throughout the years include:
- William Fichtner, Actor (Contact with Jodie Foster);
- Margarita Levieva, Actress (The Deuce);
- Herschel Faber, Chair of Filmmaking Department, New York Film Academy;
- Crickett Rumely, Director, Film Festival Department, New York Film Academy (LA Campus);
- Daniel Anker, Emmy-winning and Oscar-nominated documentary filmmaker;
- Henry Bean, director/screenwriter;
- Piero Basso, Chair of Cinematography, NYFA;
- Randall Dottin, Chair of Screenwriting Department, NYFA;
- Andrea Swift, Chair of Documentary Filmmaking, NYFA;
- Jonathan Whittaker, Chair of Short-Term Intensive Programs, NYFA;
- Isaiah Sheffer, co-founder of Symphony Space;
- Ronald Guttman, film and TV actor;
- Nikzad Nodjoumi, art critic and fine art painter;
- Mark Ethan, actor and film professor;
- Sandy Gotham Meehan, Producer/Director/Writer;
- Annette Insdorf, film historian and director of undergraduate film studies at Columbia University;
Annual Awards Night:
The FOLCS Awards Night plays host to emerging filmmakers, screening a diverse set of legal, social justice, and human rights-themed shorts from around the world. This FREE event is the closing night of the competition and includes a red carpet and an awards presentation. Additionally, audience members can vote on which short will receive the Audience Favorite Award. In keeping with FOLCS Film Series tradition, the finalist filmmakers participate in a post-screening discussion about their films at this red-carpet event.
The FOLCS International Short Film Competition proudly recognizes excellence in various categories every year, following an intensive evaluation process by our esteemed jury members.
The categories include:
- Best Short: The highest honor bestowed upon the most compelling short film of the competition.
- 2nd Place: Recognizes the second-best film that stood out for its exceptional storytelling.
- 3rd Place: Awards the third most impressive film for its unique narrative and cinematic style.
- Best Screenplay: Celebrates the film with the most compelling and engaging script.
- Best Young Filmmaker (21 years and younger): Applauds the cinematic efforts of a talented young filmmaker.
- Audience Favorite: Chosen by our audience, this award goes to the film that resonates most with viewers.
Each award winner will receive a certificate and our unique, glass-made trophy, fondly known as FOLCS-Y.