The Philadelphia Short Film Festival is a bold platform that celebrates the city’s thriving independent film scene, blending Philadelphia’s unique artistic spirit with the power of short storytelling. Established in the heart of this historic city, the festival is more than just a showcase; it’s a space where filmmakers from diverse backgrounds bring fresh perspectives, innovative techniques, and compelling narratives to the screen. Known for its commitment to discovering and promoting underrepresented voices, the festival has become a premier event for those who dare to push cinematic boundaries and create films that resonate on a deeper, human level.

Attendees can immerse themselves in a curated experience designed to foster meaningful connections and professional growth. From interactive Q&A sessions with emerging and established directors to masterclasses led by industry trailblazers, the festival provides a space to explore every facet of filmmaking. This isn’t just an opportunity to watch films; it’s an invitation to engage with the creative minds behind them, gaining insights into their inspirations, challenges, and visions. Each discussion is crafted to spark conversations that go beyond the screen, delving into the artistry and philosophy of cinema.

At the heart of the Philadelphia Short Film Festival lies a vibrant community. Networking events are designed not as formalities but as creative gatherings where filmmakers, producers, and enthusiasts can form lasting collaborations in an open, supportive environment. Filmmakers attending this festival don’t just gain exposure—they become part of a growing network of visionaries who are shaping the future of film. Join us as we celebrate stories that challenge conventions, highlight diversity, and reflect the resilience and ingenuity that define Philadelphia.

Awards & Prizes

Best Film Award
Best Director Award
Best Documentary Short Award
Jury's Special Award
Best Screenplay Award
Best Cinematography Award
Best Editing Award
Best Original Score Award
Best Sound Design Award
Best Animated Short Award
Best Experimental Film Award
Audience Choice Award

Rules & Terms

Welcome to the Philadelphia Short Film Festival! We invite filmmakers from all backgrounds to participate and showcase their creative talents. To qualify, submissions must be short films with a maximum runtime of 60 minutes, including credits. Films must have been completed after January 1, 2022, to be eligible. Works in languages other than English are required to include English subtitles, and we welcome submissions across all genres, including drama, documentary, animation, and experimental.

All films must be submitted as private, password-protected links on platforms such as Vimeo or YouTube. Please ensure that the link remains accessible until the festival concludes. Each filmmaker may submit multiple films, but a separate submission process must be completed for each entry. Make sure to provide a working password if the video is password-protected, and verify that the link is fully functional to avoid disqualification.

The judging criteria are based on originality, creativity, narrative structure, technical proficiency in cinematography, editing, and sound, as well as the film's emotional impact. The jury’s decisions are final and are made independently, without influence from the audience or festival staff. We are committed to selecting films that reflect diverse perspectives and artistic expression.

Films should meet certain technical standards for optimal online screening quality. We recommend uploading the film in HD (at least 1080p resolution), and ensuring that audio quality is clear, with stereo sound preferred. Proper lighting and sound will enhance your film’s presentation and improve its chances during evaluation.

By submitting, filmmakers grant the Philadelphia Short Film Festival the right to screen the film online during the event and to use short excerpts (up to 30 seconds) for promotional purposes. Additionally, filmmakers agree to allow the festival to utilize film stills, trailers, and promotional materials for marketing on various platforms to increase visibility and reach for both the festival and the submitted films.

Filmmakers retain full ownership rights to their films. However, participation in the festival grants the festival a limited license to screen and promote the film as outlined above. The festival is not liable for any lost, stolen, or damaged submissions. The Philadelphia Short Film Festival reserves the right to disqualify any film that does not adhere to the festival rules or contains content that promotes hate speech, violence, or discrimination.