Independent Shorts Awards

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.

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

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.

Overall Rating

Quality

Value

Communication

Hospitality

Networking

Ivan knyazev

Thank you so much for your trust! It's a very important experience for us!

September 2022

Helpful
Luke Rudy

Not sure what really took place with my submission. I received auto-generated communication and the appropriate laurels, but little information regarding whether the film would be exhibited or not. After posting a review to IndieX's platform they contacted me to tell me that the review was unfair, but did not try to illuminate the confusion I was citing in the review. Additionally, they failed to follow through on their offer to refund me. Hence I'm posting here, because these are sister festivals with the same line of communication. I am happy to amend this review as soon as my questions are addressed and I see receipt of the refund.

September 2022

Helpful
Ken Sagoes

We are honored and extremely grateful that your festival chose our short film "The Secret Weapon: Yesterday IS Today" as an Award Winner. The festival is well-organized and has excellent communication. May the festival continue to provide filmmakers with a platform that fosters creativity and self-expression.

August 2022

Helpful
Marie Incontrera

Thank you for your support of Two Anxious Bisexuals!

August 2022

Helpful
Joel Korhonen

I had an excellent experience with the festival. Very happy with the team behind this. Thank you!

August 2022

Helpful

Add to List

Dates & Deadlines

September 7, 2022
Opening Date
September 13, 2022
Regular Deadline
October 4, 2022
Late Deadline
October 9, 2022
Notification Date
October 14, 2022
Event Date

Categories & Fees

Best Short Script
Under 50 pages.
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $41.25
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $48.75
Submit Now
Best Indie Short
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $41.25
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $48.75
Submit Now
Best Drama Short
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $41.25
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $48.75
Submit Now
Best Animation Short
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $41.25
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $48.75
Submit Now
Best Documentary Short
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $41.25
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $48.75
Submit Now
Best Experimental Short
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $41.25
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $48.75
Submit Now
Best Student Short
Mandatory student status evidence (e.g copy of student card included in the project).
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $50
- Gold Members: $37.50
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $60
- Gold Members: $45
Submit Now
Best Microfilm
Under 5 minutes.
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $41.25
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $48.75
Submit Now
Best Romantic Short
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $41.25
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $48.75
Submit Now
Best Comedy Short
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $41.25
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $48.75
Submit Now
Best Dark Comedy Short
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $41.25
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $48.75
Submit Now
Best Mystery Short
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $41.25
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $48.75
Submit Now
Best Film Noir Short
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $41.25
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $48.75
Submit Now
Best Crime Short
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $41.25
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $48.75
Submit Now
Best Action Short
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $41.25
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $48.75
Submit Now
Best Thriller Short
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $41.25
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $48.75
Submit Now
Best Horror Short
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $41.25
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $48.75
Submit Now
Best Fantasy Short
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $41.25
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $48.75
Submit Now
Best Sci-Fi Short
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $41.25
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $48.75
Submit Now
Best Western Short
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $41.25
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $48.75
Submit Now
Best Parody Short
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $41.25
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $48.75
Submit Now
Best Children Short
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $41.25
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $48.75
Submit Now
Best LGBTQ Short
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $41.25
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $48.75
Submit Now
Best Women Short
Directed by a woman or about women.
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $41.25
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $48.75
Submit Now
Best Screendance Short
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $41.25
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $48.75
Submit Now
Best Music Video
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $41.25
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $48.75
Submit Now
Best Web Series/TV Pilot
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $41.25
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $48.75
Submit Now
Best Web and New Media
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $41.25
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $48.75
Submit Now
Best Mobile Short
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $41.25
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $48.75
Submit Now
Best Director (Female)
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Gold Members: $41.25
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Gold Members: $48.75
Submit Now
Best Director (Male)
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Gold Members: $41.25
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Gold Members: $48.75
Submit Now
Best First Time Director (Female)
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $41.25
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $48.75
Submit Now
Best First Time Director (Male)
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $41.25
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $48.75
Submit Now
Best Student Director (Female)
Mandatory student status evidence (e.g copy of student card included in the project).
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $50
- Gold Members: $37.50
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $60
- Gold Members: $45
Submit Now
Best Student Director (Male)
Mandatory student status evidence (e.g copy of student card included in the project).
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $50
- Gold Members: $37.50
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $60
- Gold Members: $45
Submit Now
Best Young Filmmaker
Under 18. Mandatory age proof (e.g copy of ID included in the project).
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $50
- Gold Members: $37.50
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $60
- Gold Members: $45
Submit Now
Best Actress
Please include the name in the cover letter.
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $41.25
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $48.75
Submit Now
Best Actor
Please include the name in the cover letter.
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $41.25
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $48.75
Submit Now
Best Supporting Actress
Please include the name in the cover letter.
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $41.25
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $48.75
Submit Now
Best Supporting Actor
Please include the name in the cover letter.
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $41.25
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $48.75
Submit Now
Best Child/Young Actress
Under 18 (please include the name in the cover letter).
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $41.25
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $48.75
Submit Now
Best Child/Young Actor
Under 18 (please include the name in the cover letter).
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $41.25
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $48.75
Submit Now
Best Acting Duo
Please include the names in the cover letter.
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $41.25
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $48.75
Submit Now
Best Ensemble Cast
Please Include the names in the cover letter.
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $41.25
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $48.75
Submit Now
Best Cinematography
Please include the name(s) in the cover letter.
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $41.25
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $48.75
Submit Now
Best Editing
Please include the name(s) in the cover letter.
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $41.25
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $48.75
Submit Now
Best Production Design
Please include the name(s) in the cover letter.
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $41.25
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $48.75
Submit Now
Best Sound Design
Please include the name(s) in the cover letter.
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $41.25
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $48.75
Submit Now
Best Original Score
Please include the name(s) in the cover letter.
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $41.25
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $48.75
Submit Now
Best Original Story
Please include the name(s) in the cover letter.
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $41.25
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $48.75
Submit Now
Best Special FX
Please include the name(s) in the cover letter.
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $41.25
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $48.75
Submit Now
Best Visual FX
Please include the name(s) in the cover letter.
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $41.25
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $48.75
Submit Now
Best Trailer/Teaser
Under 10 minutes.
- Regular Deadline
- Standard: $55
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $41.25
- Late Deadline
- Standard: $65
- Student: $60
- Gold Members: $48.75
Submit Now

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Ivan knyazev

Luke Rudy

Ken Sagoes

Marie Incontrera

Joel Korhonen