JUST FOR LAUGHS SHORTS, presented by Just For Laughs in partnership with Will Arnett’s Electric Avenue, will showcase the very best short films, highlighting the sharpest and funniest comedic voices from around the world. We’re seeking comedy in all its forms—whether it’s a parody ad, a witty mockumentary, a heartfelt rom-com, or an edgy original sketch. Your short can be a hilarious standalone hit or packed with potential for long-form adaptation. Submit your film and show us why you’re the future of comedy!

The top short films will be screened live in July at our Just For Laughs Montreal Festival.

A jury of filmmaking, comedy, and programming experts, selected by Just for Laughs and Electric Avenue, will select the chosen lineup, and also vote on a 1st place short film, which will be announced at the screening.

- All final selections will enter into a development opportunity with Just For Laughs
- 1st Place will win a development opportunity with Just For Laughs and Electric Avenue, in addition to two industry passes for the 2026 festival.
- An audience award will also be awarded with two industry passes for the 2026 festival.

Criteria for Submissions:

- Open to artists worldwide! (All submissions must be in English.)
- Submissions must be made through FilmFreeway to qualify.
- Eligible content must have been completed in 2024 or 2025.
- Premieres (World, North American, or Canadian) are encouraged but not required.
- Running time must be between 1 and 10 minutes (including credits)
- Content must not have been released on web, TV, streaming, or theatrically in Canada prior to the festival’s closing date (festival screenings are okay).
- Submissions screened at other festivals are allowed, but they must not be publicly available in Canada (private YouTube or Vimeo links are fine).
- Final submission deadline is May 5, 2025.

If Your Film is Selected:

- Selected shorts will be compiled into a screening program in a format determined by the Festival. You’ll be notified about the required format.
- Selected filmmakers are expected to make every effort to attend the festival. A small travel stipend will be provided to help facilitate attendance. Please note: your content may not be included in the final screening if you cannot attend.
- You’ll need to complete, sign, and return a screening agreement provided by the Festival.
- We may request additional marketing materials, such as artwork, film stills, or filmmaker photos, for use on our website, press kits, and promotional efforts.
- Each project will receive one (1) industry pass to the festival.
- Filmmakers may also have the option to distribute their content through JFL platforms and distribution networks, to be determined by the Festival.

PLEASE READ THESE TERMS & CONDITIONS THOROUGHLY: http://bit.ly/3XZbhEt

By submitting a film to JFL, the submitter grants the Festival the right to use an excerpt from the film for promotional purposes. The individual or corporation submitting the film confirms they are authorized to commit the film for screening and understands and accepts all requirements and regulations outlined. The submitter agrees to indemnify and hold JFL harmless from any claims, liabilities, losses, damages, or expenses (including attorney's fees and court costs) arising from any issues related to copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, or the loss or damage of the submitted screening video.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Thea Lux

    Had a great time screening our short WHEEL at JFL! The curation of the block was super solid and Tony goes out of his way to connect the filmmakers with each other. There are plenty of networking opportunities with managers, writers, and comedians and the audience was very receptive. The hotel serves as a hub, and you can easily attend panels, happy hours, and epic late-night parties nearby. Your pass allows you to attend the majority of the comedy shows for free, so take advantage of that too! Definitely will submit again!

    August 2023
  • Andrew Kasch

    This definitely ranks among the best times I've ever had at a festival. "Eat My Shorts" is a must enter if you have a comedy short, and the level of talent on display here is above and beyond. Thank you, Tony and everyone at JFL for this incredible experience. It's something I'll always treasure.

    August 2023
  • Dana Fradkin

    I had such a great time at this festival! I made permanent connections through my industry pass and Tony, who runs the film festival portion, made us all feel so welcome. We all had a great time together!

    December 2022
  • We were so honored to have our film "I'm Not A Robot" selected for Just For Laughs Eat My Shorts! JFL is absolutely legendary in comedy and attending the festival in-person is an amazing time. Acceptance into Eat My Shorts gives you an industry pass where you're able to attend so many great events and shows.

    We met so many incredibly talented creators, comedians, and filmmakers in Montreal, and we highly recommend applying for Eat My Shorts.

    Also, Tony Wosk, the film programmer, did a fantastic organizing the program, connecting the filmmakers together, and just being an overall awesome person.

    We can't wait to go back next year!!

    August 2022
  • Joey Clift

    Spectacular festival! They really take care of the filmmakers. Can't recommend JFL enough!

    August 2022