The Contest: THE SHORTEST FILM EVER!
The challenge: Create a short film that still delivers a full story, a punch of emotion, or a jaw-dropping twist before the clock even has time to blink.
It doesn’t have to break world records for runtime, we just want to see how much story, style, suspense, comedy, or chaos you can pack into ten unforgettable minutes or less! :)
Open to filmmakers worldwide ages 18 and older.
- Films should tell a complete a story in a concise time.
- Emphasis on storytelling efficiency, creativity, music/ audio production, emotion, or originality within a short format.
- “Film- style” submission only.
- Simply short films with music
- Submissions must present as cinematic, narrative films rather than social media content, ads, or internet skits.
Minimum 2 minutes, maximum 10 minutes
**“Total runtime, including opening titles and end credits, must be no longer than 10 minutes and no shorter than 2 minutes.”**
____________________________________________________________________________________________
ALLOWED:
Narrative short films
Silent films with music
Live-action only
AI used as a tool in live action
International Films (please include English subtitles)
NOT ALLOWED:
Dialogue only (no music)
Music Videos
Demo Reels
Completely AI Generated Films
Parodies
Disturbing themes
Hate speech/ extreme graphic violence
Pornographic or explicit sexual content
GENRES ALLOWED:
Drama
Horror
Thriller
Action
Found Footage
Crime
Sci- Fi/ Mystery
Comedy
Western
Historical
Silent Film
Romance
Romantic comedy
GENRES NOT ALLOWED:
Vlogs
Skits
How- To Videos
Parodies
Documentaries
TV Series
Musicals/ Plays
Dance films
Animation
Art/ Experimental Film
Reaction videos
Accepted formats: .mov, .mp4, Vimeo and Youtube links ONLY.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
- Films must be ORIGINAL works created by the submitting filmmaker.
- Entrants must have permission for all music, footage, performances, and assets.
- No copyrighted music, unless properly licensed
- ONE entry per filmmaker
Filmmakers retain full ownership of their work.
By submitting, filmmakers grant the festival permission to screen the film during festival events and use clips/stills for promotional purposes.
The festival may disqualify submissions that:
violate copyright
exceed runtime
contain prohibited content
fail technical requirements
include discriminatory/hateful material
are deemed excessively disturbing
Other prohibited content:
No explicit sexual acts
No real or extreme violence toward animals, children
Trigger warning policy
No illegal activity filmed unlawfully
Make sure films play correctly and in good quality. We can't wait to watch your mini movies!
