Calling all filmmakers! The Las Vegas Filipino Short Film Festival is thrilled to invite both Filipino and non-Filipino filmmakers to be part of our incredible celebration of storytelling and culture:

2026 EDITION

We welcome submissions from filmmakers of Filipino descent, as well as films with Filipino themes, showcasing the diverse perspectives and talents within the Filipino community. Additionally, we extend an open invitation to non-Filipino filmmakers who have stories to share that resonate with the Filipino experience or explore the rich tapestry of Filipino culture.

Whether you have a personal connection to the Filipino community or are simply inspired by its vibrant heritage, we believe that storytelling has the power to bridge cultures and foster understanding. The Las Vegas Filipino Short Film Festival provides a platform for filmmakers from all backgrounds to share their voices and connect with a diverse audience. We encourage filmmakers to submit their short films to the festival regardless of their cultural background.

Selected films will have the chance to be screened on the silver screen during the festival, providing a platform for your work to be seen by fellow filmmakers, industry professionals, and a diverse audience. This is an incredible opportunity to showcase your talent, connect with like-minded individuals, and contribute to a vibrant celebration of storytelling and culture. Additionally, the coveted Crisostomo Ibarra Awards (Ibarra) will be given to outstanding films in various categories, offering an opportunity to gain recognition for your talent and dedication.

By participating in the festival, you not only have the chance to showcase your work but also contribute to a greater cause. A portion of the festival's proceeds will be dedicated to supporting the Fil-Am Scholarship Foundation and Outreach Services programs, making a positive impact on the Filipino community in Nevada and in the Philippines.

Join us at the Las Vegas Filipino Short Film Festival and let your film be part of a unique and inclusive cinematic experience that bridges cultures, ignite conversations, and celebrates the power of storytelling. Submit your work today and be a part of the magic that unfolds when cultures collide, and creativity knows no boundaries.

The Las Vegas Filipino Short Film Festival is a fundraising event for the Fil-Am Scholarship Foundation and Outreach Services, Inc. (FASFOS), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization as defined by the Internal Revenue Code (IRS) operating under Chapter 82 of Nevada Revised Statue (NRS), as amended. Donation to FASFOS may be tax deductible up to the extend permissible by law. For more information about FASFOS, please visit us at www.fasfos.org.

Maraming Salamat Po!

Awards & Prizes

Winners of the Las Vegas Filipino Short Film Festival will receive the prestigious "Crisostomo Ibarra Awards" trophy, recognition certificates, and gifts from sponsors for the following categories:

a. Best Screenwriting
b. Best Cinematography
c. Best Editing
d. Best Sound
e. Best Director
f. Best Female Performer
g. Best Male Performer
h. Best Short Film
i. Audience Choice Award

The Las Vegas Filipino Short Film Festival (LVFSFF) also awards 2 special awards for the Best of Nevada Award, and Best Student Film.

BEST OF NEVADA AWARD

The Best of Nevada Award is a prestigious accolade at the Las Vegas Filipino Short Film Festival, honoring the exceptional talent of Nevada resident filmmakers. Open to both Filipino and non-Filipino creators across all genres, this award celebrates the creativity, storytelling, and cinematic excellence that thrive in the Silver State.

Presented in conjunction with Nevada Day, this award spotlights local filmmakers whose work embodies the spirit, diversity, and innovation of Nevada's vibrant community. It’s our way of showcasing and celebrating the unique voices shaping the future of film from the heart of our state.

BEST STUDENT FILM

Best Student Film honors a work that captures the Filipino experience with honesty, imagination, and heart—told through the fresh eyes of a student filmmaker. It celebrates stories rooted in everyday realities: family, community, struggle, humor, faith, love, and resilience. Whether intimate or bold, the winning film shows strong storytelling, thoughtful direction, and creative use of limited resources, proving that powerful cinema doesn’t depend on budget—but on voice, vision, and truth.

*Student films may still be eligible for consideration for a Crisostomo Ibarra Award, as well as Best of Nevada if student filmmaker is from Nevada.

Rules & Terms

ELIGIBILITY:
a. The Las Vegas Filipino Short Film Festival is open to filmmakers of Filipino descent or non-Filipinos worldwide of all ages.

b. Filipino filmmakers are invited to submit their short films of any genre, exploring a wide range of themes that reflect their individual creativity and storytelling abilities. Whether it's a thought-provoking drama, a heartwarming comedy, a documentary, or any other genre that captures their imagination, Filipino filmmakers are encouraged to share their unique stories with the festival's diverse audience.

c. Non-Filipino filmmakers, on the other hand, are invited to submit films that specifically explore Filipino themes. This includes narratives that delve into the rich tapestry of Filipino culture, traditions, and experiences. The festival welcomes non-Filipino filmmakers who have a deep appreciation for Filipino heritage and wish to contribute their artistic vision to the Filipino storytelling landscape.

d. All films must be in the short film format, whether with a 2 minute minimum and 30 minute maximum.

e. Films submitted to previous Editions of the Las Vegas Filipino Short Film Festival are not eligible for re-submission.

f. Films must have been produced no earlier than January 1st, 2025.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:
a. All films must be submitted through the official festival submission platform by the specified deadline.

b. Non-English films must have English subtitles.

c. Filmmakers must provide all required information, including title, director's name, production year, synopsis, and runtime.

SELECTION PROCESS:
a. Submissions will be reviewed by a selection committee appointed by the Las Vegas Filipino Short Film Festival.

b. The selection committee's decisions regarding film acceptance and programming are final.

c. Selected filmmakers will be notified via email by the specified notification date.

d. The festival may request additional materials, such as promotional stills and trailers, from the selected filmmakers for publicity purposes.

EXHIBITION FORMATS:
a. Accepted films must be provided in a high-quality digital format either in .MP4 or .MOV at 1080p or 4K.

b. Filmmakers must ensure that their films are free from technical issues, including audio and visual glitches.

c. The festival will not be responsible for any screening issues arising from films not meeting technical requirements.

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS:
a. By submitting a film to the Las Vegas Filipino Short Film Festival, filmmakers confirm that they hold all necessary rights to the film.

b. Filmmakers grant the festival the right to screen their films during the festival dates and use excerpts of their films for promotional purposes.

c. Filmmakers retain full ownership of their films and all associated rights.

AWARDS & PRIZES:
a. The festival jury will determine award categories and winners.

b. Awards will include 9 Ibarras for the categories listed above and 2 Special Awards for the Best of Nevada and Best Student Film awards.

c. Winners will be announced and awarded during the festival's Awards Night.

FIL-AM SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION & OUTREACH SERVICES, INC.:
a. A portion of the proceeds from the festival will be dedicated to supporting the Fil-Am Scholarship Foundation and Outreach Services programs.

b. The festival organizers will coordinate with the beneficiaries to ensure the proper allocation and utilization of the funds.

FESTIVAL PROMOTION:
a. The festival reserves the right to use film stills, promotional materials, and excerpts from submitted films for promotional purposes.

b. Filmmakers may be requested to provide additional promotional materials, including posters and trailers, for the festival's marketing efforts.

FILMMAKERS ATTENDANCE:
a. Filmmakers whose films have been selected will be given 2 tickets for each film selected to screen at the film festival.

b. The festival may offer 1 complimentary Awards Gala ticket per film (regardless of nominations) to each filmmaker whose film was nominated for an Ibarra.

MISCELLANEOUS:
a. The festival organizers reserve the right to make changes to the rules and terms if necessary.

b. By submitting a film to the festival, filmmakers agree to abide by the rules and terms outlined herein.

c. A nudity scene should have a clear artistic or narrative purpose that contributes to the overall story or theme of the film. The use of nudity should not be gratuitous or exploitative. Actors involved in nudity scenes must be of legal age (18 years or older) as per the applicable jurisdiction. Proper documentation and verification of age may be required.

We kindly request all participants to carefully read and understand the rules and terms before submitting their films to the Las Vegas Filipino Short Film Festival. For any inquiries or clarifications, please contact the Program Director, Shawn Rosen, at shawn@lvshortfilm.org.

Maraming Salamat Po!
13 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Mike Talplacido

    A great festival showcasing Filipino stories!

    November 2025
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  • Douglas Spaltro

    I was deeply honored to have my film Milly & Milo selected for the Filipino Short Film Festival — earning five award nominations and one win: The Bahaghari Award (Rainbow/LGBTQ+).

    Normally, I’d be in Austin this time of year for the Austin Film Festival, but choosing to attend this festival was an easy decision — and the right one. I found exactly what I was hoping for: community.

    From the start, communication with Shawn Rosen was clear, thoughtful, and timely. Upon arrival, I was welcomed like family by Tita Margie, Manette, Shawn, and Philippe — the warmth and genuine hospitality were unforgettable.

    The festival gathered an inspiring group of exceptionally talented filmmakers, making the trip more than worth it. The caliber of the films and storytelling was outstanding, and I was humbled — even moved to tears — by the positive feedback on Milly & Milo.

    And of course, true to Filipino tradition, there was food… plenty of it! You really can’t go hungry here — or leave without feeling nourished in spirit, too.

    It was an absolutely wonderful experience — full of creativity, connection, and new friendships.
    Salamat!

    October 2025
    Helpful
  • Dexter Hemedez

    We'd like to send our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to everyone behind Las Vegas Filipino Short Film Festival for providing a great platform for all the films selected. Everything was so organized and well-planned, the venue was amazing, the cinema had a huge screen with reclining seats, there was enough time for the Q&A and we even had a fun karaoke session after. Shoutout to Shawn who was so responsive and attended to all our inquiries. Thank you Shawn and company. You guys did an awesome job!

    October 2025
    Helpful
  • Trixie Pacis

    It was so special to screen AHON as part of the LVFSFF and receive the honour of winning Best Director and Best Short Film. I couldn't attend in person but the team's hospitality and communication were incredible. I hope to attend next year!

    October 2025
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  • Andres Luz

    As the filmmaker of BULOSAN: ON AMERICAN DEMOCRACY, I had a wonderful time at LVFSFF, being in the company of so many like-minded, creative, talented, and gifted folks who are passionate about the art of the moving image on-screen and the celebration of the Filipino-American identity, experience, and cultural values through this expression. The selections were well-chosen, featuring welcome contrasts and diversity, each excelling in their own specific qualities, and providing much inspiration, thought, visceral emotion, and enjoyment. The range and quality of works furthers my belief in the bright future of Fil-Am cinema. Margie, Shawn, Manette, Felipe, and all the gracious organizers and support staff made me feel welcomed and excited throughout about the program and festivities which were professional and very well-planned. I was also able to network with numerous creatives who could potentially open up some valuable opportunities for my future development and involvement in film. The communication was spot-on, and I was always informed about what was next, and what kind of participation was open to me. The screening venues were inviting with quality projection and sound. The panel interviews were informative and engaging, while the events outside of the screenings promoted camaraderie and meaningful connection. I had a blast and I look forward to the next time I can be a part of this great film festival! Thanks to everyone at LVFSFF! I loved it. =)

    October 2025
    Helpful