IMDb qualifier Independent Shorts Awards is a Los Angeles-based international film festival, with live screenings at the Raleigh Studios in Hollywood, CA.
Besides the premiere screenings at one of the most iconic venues of Hollywood, Independent Shorts Awards offers a distribution deal to all award winners through its streaming TV channel.

Independent Shorts Awards is looking for independent projects from all genres, particularly low or no-budget ones, as well as from all countries, especially from those traditionally underrepresented in the global film industry.

Each round, the submitted projects are judged by a random team of invited experts from academia and film industry, against a high standard of merit.

Every submission can add additional judging categories (via multiple submissions). The name(s) to be credited should be included in the cover letter or sent by email.

Awards & Prizes

All entries are promoted through our social media and website with a featured page with synopsis, film stills and trailer.
For this purpose, we recommend that projects must be fully entered on FilmFreeway, including film stills, production pictures, downloadable poster, and trailer or teaser.

All projects officially selected in each season receive the Independent Shorts Awards laurel and custom digital certificate. Some of the award-winning films are screened at the Raleigh Studios in Hollywood, CA, and their crews invited to attend and participate in a public Q&A. Independent Shorts Awards accept mov and mp4 files that are converted in DCP with no fees.

Finally, the most competitive films are invited to join our exclusive streaming channel.

ANNUAL AWARDS
Based on the highest rates, the pools of monthly Platinum and Gold Awards given during the annual cycle are eligible for the nominations for the annual awards. Our judges' committee can decide to nominate also other award-winning or finalists projects.

All annual nominees are screened also at the Raleigh Studios in Hollywood, CA, during the annual event, usually in August/September, which follows the traditional format of annual festivals. To learn more: http://independentshortsawards.com/annual-awards/

At the annual events, award winners receive also the Independent Shorts Awards official trophy. These trophies can be ordered by any award winner from the monthly rounds.

Judges score quality and creativity of entries on a performance scale and winning entries are recognized and awarded monthly at four levels:
Platinum Awards, Gold Awards, Silver Awards, and Bronze Awards.

It can be given also Honorable Mentions and Outstanding Achievement Awards (special jury mentions).

Some categories or level of awards can have no winners if there are no submissions meeting the requirements.

The awards by category:
Best Short Script
Best Indie Short
Best Student Short
Best Animation Short
Best Documentary Short
Best Experimental Short
Best Microfilm
Best Music Video
Best Drama Short
Best Comedy Short
Best Dark Comedy Short
Best Thriller Short
Best Parody Short
Best Horror Short
Best Crime Short
Best Film Noir Short
Best Mystery Short
Best Fantasy Short
Best Sci-Fi Short
Best Western Short
Best Children Short
Best LGBTQ Short
Best Women Short
Best Screendance Short
Best Web Series/TV Pilot
Best Web and New Media
Best Mobile Short
Best First Time Director (Female)
Best First Time Director (Male)
Best Young Filmmaker
Best Director (Female)
Best Director (Male)
Best Student Director (Female)
Best Student Director (Male)
Best Ensemble Cast
Best Acting Duo
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Supporting Actor
Best Supporting Actress
Best Child/Young Actor
Best Child/Young Actress
Best Cinematography
Best Editing
Best Sound Design
Best Original Score
Best Original Story
Best Special FX
Best Visual FX
Best Production Design
Best Trailer/Teaser

Rules & Terms

All genres are accepted with a maximum length of 60 minutes.
All short scripts should have a maximum of 50 pages.
For student fees, it is mandatory the student status evidence (e.g copy of student card included in the project).

The films must include English subtitles (unless the spoken language is English).

By submitting your film, you agree that:
1. Independent Shorts Awards can use parts of your film (including trailer/teaser/film poster) for promotional purpose.
2. Entry fees are non-refundable.
3. You own all the rights to the film.
4. You cannot withdraw your submission after the official selection announcement of each round.

Disclaimer:
(i) Independent Shorts Awards has two associate events only: Indie Short Fest and IndieX Film Fest. Any resemblance to other events is purely coincidental. We do not represent or can be represented by any other organization.

(ii) Also, we do not disclose any kind of information with third parties.

(iii) Finally, please be aware that we do not ask for or accept any kind of donations.

Independent Shorts Awards 2018-2022 © All Rights Reserved
1206 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Vivian Payton

    Thank you for including "Save A Life" a drama short and the music video "Spotlight" both directed by yours truly! It is amazing to have both my "babies" recognized by your team and these awards. I sent the certificate of achievement for Best Ensemble Cast to my actors and I can't tell you how it made their day! Keep doing what you're doing for indie filmmakers!

    June 2022
    Helpful
  • Anthony Caucci

    This festival was absolutely amazing.

    June 2022
    Helpful
  • Sharron Miller

    It’s was fun and I appreciate the opportunity they gave me.

    June 2022
    Helpful
  • s.k. dayne

    We are honored to be a part of Independent Shorts Awards. Thank you for including us. The communication has been great! We look forward to a long lasting relationship.

    June 2022
    Helpful
  • Sandra Sutter

    Thank you for including A Woman's Voice, we are thrilled to be part of such a prestigious and high calibre Film Festival. As new filmmakers, it is especially meaningful to be so supported. #honoured

    May 2022
    Helpful