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, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts and the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television.

LA Shorts is the longest running short film festival in Los Angeles. The festival attracts over 8,000 attendees each year including Hollywood industry professionals and emerging undiscovered independent filmmakers.

* 2019 Oscar nominees include 4 films from LA Shorts
* 2018 Oscar nominees included 4 films from LA Shorts. 
* 2017 Oscar nominees included 3 films from LA Shorts. 
* 2016 Oscar winners in Live Action Short and Animated Short from LA Shorts.

A total of 58 LA Shorts filmmakers have earned Academy Award® nominations, with 15 taking home the Oscar.

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's

LA Shorts is recognize 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 celebrities directors and actors to the finest student films from college and even some high school students- its all here!

Opening Night Gala, Closing Night Awards Ceremony, Industry panels & workshops. Parties and much much more fun excitement and special surprises.

The 23rd annual LA Shorts International Film Festival will be held at L.A. LIVE Regal Cinemas and the Laemmle NoHo 7 Theatres.

L.A. LIVE is a sports & entertainment district in downtown Los Angeles adjacent to Staples Center and the Los Angeles Convention Center featuring Microsoft Theatre and The Novo, the Grammy Museum, the 14-screen Regal Cinemas L.A. LIVE Stadium 14 theatre, and ESPN broadcasting studios

Awards & Prizes

*ACADEMY AWARD® QUALIFYING

Best of Fest*
Best Foreign Film*
Best Drama
Best Comedy
Best Animation*
Best Experimental
Best Documentary*

Best Music Video
Best High School Film
Best Web Series

Best New Chinese Filmmaker

Best Actor
Best Actress

Rules & Terms

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Films must NOT have screened in Los Angeles county prior to our festival.
Films must have been completed after Jan. 1, 2018.
All 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.
Do NOT send stills or press kits. If your film is selected we will ask you to email us a still in jpeg format.

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

20 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Ashley Campbell

    I was so glad to be a part of this festival! They are fantastic at communicating and Bob, the director is super nice. The films were all fantastic, as well as the panels I was able to attend. Definitely worth it!

    April 2019
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  • Daniel Sima

    A big thanks to Bob and the rest of the staff! You all put on a great festival. I especially enjoyed getting to network with other filmmakers.

    August 2018
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  • Camila Rizzo

    It was amazing having the World Premiere of our film in a such prestigious film festival. The festival was good for networking and the staff was very friendly. LA Shorts Fest surpassed my expectations.

    August 2018
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  • Matt McClung

    Loved this fest! A professional and courteous staff, and a terrific screening venue. Great work, LA Shorts!

    August 2018
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  • John Charter

    This is an exceptional festival that lives up to the hype. I was blown away by the quality of the well curated programming and the savvy choices in terms of how the blocks were organized. I had such a wonderful and unforgettable experience both as a filmmaker and and as an audience member. Thank you Bob! And thank you Briana and all of the staff!

    August 2018
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