LA Shorts International Film Festival ranks among the most prestigious and largest international short film festivals in the world.

The festival is accredited by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences OSCARS®, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts BAFTA and the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television (ACCT) presenters of the Canadian Screen Awards.

60 LA Shorts filmmakers have earned Academy Award® nominations, with 16 taking home the Oscar.

Celebrating 25 years, LA Shorts is the longest-running short film festival in Los Angeles. The festival screens over 300 films and attracts over 10,000 attendees each year including Hollywood industry professionals and emerging independent filmmakers.

LA Shorts is an official qualifying event for the British Academy of Film and Television Arts BAFTA short film awards. Award-winners at the festival are eligible to win BAFTA Awards.

LA Shorts is recognized by The Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television (ACCT) presenters of the Canadian Screen Awards.

Those who have been honored at the festival include directors, Jon Favreau, Paul Haggis, Bryan Singer, Jan de Bont, Shane Black, and actors Gary Oldman, James Woods, Martin Landau and Richard Dreyfuss. Many recognized actors and directors have screened films and attended the festival such as Scarlett Johansson, Demi Moore, Ashton Kutcher, Courteney Cox, Tim Burton, Jason Reitman, Terry Gilliam, Spike Jonze, Eva Mendes, Jessica Biel, Rachel Weisz, Hilary Swank, Josh Brolin, Kirsten Dunst, Rita Wilson, Ralph Macchio, Ricky Gervais, Vin Diesel, John Stamos, Matthew Modine, Dean Cain, Robin Wright and many many more.

The film programming screens all genres from a wide spectrum of categories with high to low budget films under 50 minutes. From recognizable directors and celebrity actors to students from the finest film schools and high school teenagers- they're all here to celebrate the art (and business) of short-form cinema!

Awards & Prizes

*ACADEMY AWARD OSCAR® QUALIFYING
British Academy of Film and Television Arts BAFTA® Qualifying
Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television (ACCT) Canadian Screen Awards® Qualifying

Best of Fest*
Best Foreign Film*
Best Drama
Best Comedy
Best Animation*
Best Experimental
Best Documentary*
Best Sci-Fi
Best Horror

Best Music Video
Best Web Series
Best High School Film

Best Actor
Best Actress

Rules & Terms

REQUIREMENTS

- Films must NOT screen in Los Angeles county prior to our festival. We will factor in previous screenings in the Los Angeles area when determining a film's selection.
- We prefer films NOT be available online prior to the festival.
- Films must have been completed after Jan. 1, 2019.
- Non-English films must have English subtitles.
- Films must be submitted via online screener.
- Works-in-progress will be considered, provided they will be completed prior to the festival.

You may submit more than one film, but you must complete a separate entry form and pay entry fee for each film.

65 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • max willocx

    It was a big deal for me to be selected for the festival! All was high quality! Super communication and follow up ! Thank you!

    September 2021
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  • Howie Kremer

    Unfortunately, it was online this year - but they were super organized and made it really easy to take part in and feel connected to other filmmakers. We were so proud to share our film, "jk" at this awesome festival! Thank you for a great time!

    September 2021
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  • Richard Zelniker

    Everyone was on point and the LAshorts team made sure the films were highlighted - promoted them well. Up front and center for audiences to take notice

    September 2021
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  • Ramone Menon

    This is a fantastic festival. Our film The Pey was lucky to be selected amongst a vast variety of high quality short films. Bob, Nicole and the whole LA Shorts Team were fantastic to work with, easy to communicate and encourage artistry of the highest order. It was an honor to be a part of such a prestigious festival. Bob goes out of his way to make you feel part of a filmmaking community even after the festival is finished. Totally worth the entry fee. You will enjoy being a part of this great Fest!

    August 2021
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  • NEI LOYA

    One of the best international festivals regarding information and communication with the participants. We are very proud and grateful to have been the opportunity of been part of de official selection this year with The Inmortality of Words.
    ¡¡Thank you very much for making it so easy!!

    August 2021
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