KINO Short Film Festival

The KINO Short Film Festival celebrates filmmaking and filmmakers in AND from the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. If you've shot a short film in, or were born and raised in Washington, Idaho, Montana Oregon or Alaska, we want to see your work!

For 2026, we are expanding our categories, offering more screenings than ever before. We'll be accepting and screening projects in:

- Narrative Short
- Documentary Short
- Animation
- Music Video
- Experimental

The goal of KINO Film Fest has always been to showcase and support short films and filmmakers in the Pacific Northwest. We accept projects of any genre from across the skill spectrum - professional, hobbyist, and student. We want to support the art of filmmaking in the PNW, bringing the community together.

A Two-Day Celebration of Filmmaking

We recently expanded our festival to two days, allowing for an even greater showcase of outstanding short films from emerging voices in cinema. With increased screening opportunities, more filmmakers than ever before will have the chance to share their work with an engaged audience of cinephiles, creatives, and industry professionals.

A Premier Venue for Student and Aspiring Filmmakers

The Kino Short Film Festival is held every spring in Moscow, Idaho, at the Kenworthy Performing Arts Centre. This event showcases short films by filmmakers from the Pacific Northwest, including aspiring filmmakers from film programs in Idaho, Washington, Alaska, Oregon and Montana. Moscow sits uniquely in the middle of many great film programs in the Northwest, making it a perfect location to host this amazing little festival. Meet and mingle with the upcoming talent joining the industry, and perhaps find a new partner to collaborate with!

New Workshops Led by Industry Experts

We are committed to not only showcasing talent but also fostering it. Last year, we introduced a series of professional-led workshops covering key aspects of the filmmaking process, and we are bringing them back for 2026! These interactive sessions will provide invaluable insights, hands-on learning opportunities, and meaningful mentorship from established industry professionals.

Be Part of the Movement

Whether you're an established filmmaker and creator, an aspiring filmmaker, a student passionate about storytelling, or a devoted fan of independent cinema, the 26th Annual KINO Short Film Festival is your chance to experience the future of filmmaking. Join us as we celebrate creativity, collaboration, and the power of short-form storytelling.

Check below for submission deadlines, and stay tuned for workshop sign-ups, along with the full festival lineup once selections have been released. We can’t wait to see you at KINO 2026!

SUBMISSION RULES - READ ALL BEFORE SUBMITTING

We only accept work created in or by filmmakers from Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Washington or Alaska.

Films of ten minutes or less in any genre are accepted: narrative, documentary, animation, music videos, and experimental. Each spring in Moscow, Idaho, we host filmmakers and fans at the Kenworthy Performing Arts Centre. Credits may be up to one minute beyond the 10-minute run time limit.

The festival is supported by the Kenworthy Performing Arts Centre, the University of Idaho, its Film & Television program, and the School of Journalism and Mass Media.

The 2026 festival will be a two-day event held on April 24th and 25th. Stay tuned for a full schedule.