The founders of Rock the Shorts Film Festival, in Los Angeles, are both filmmakers and huge fans of short films. Short films can pack an emotional punch and take us on a wonderful ride in as little as three minutes. The creators of such entertainment deserve recognition and encouragement.

When your film is an "Official Selection" and celebrated at a well-organized film festival it is the most gratifying experience. This is what we want to bring to you. Our goal is to further inspire you to keep creating...keep writing...keep directing...keep producing...keep acting...keep telling stories...keep making short films! Short films Rock!

Many actors, directors and writers have launched their careers by making short films. Many continue to make short movies to tell their stories, their own way.

AWARDS:
Audience Award
Best Actress
Best Actor
Best Animation Short Film
Best Comedy Short Film
Best Documentary Short Subject
Best Drama Short Film
Best Thriller/Horror Short Film
Best International Short Film

Only shorts with a TRT of 20 minutes or LESS are eligible for submission. Live Action, Animation, Documentary Short Subject, Drama and Comedy. There will be three to six 60-90 minute film blocks (depending on the venue) with a Q&A with the filmmakers to follow. Each category will have an award winner and an overall "Best of the Fest" winner will be announced at the close of the festival.

We appreciate and respect the hard work you put into your film. We won't skim over it as many larger festivals will do with thousands of submissions waiting to be viewed. We look forward to watching each and every film and we wish you good luck!

ONLY ONLINE SCREENERS THROUGH FilmFreeway WILL BE ACCEPTED. PLEASE DO NOT SEND SCREENERS IN THE MAIL.

Exhibition materials:
Will only be returned upon request and at the expense of the filmmaker.
Arrangements with self-address, pre-paid envelopes must be made PRIOR to the festival. Posters and Collateral must be picked up by the close of the festival.
Exhibition Formats: DCP or special export to match Theatre specs.

By agreeing to the terms and conditions on the entry form for Rock the Shorts Film Festival, the person or entity (the Applicant) submitting an entry (the Short) to Rock the Shorts Film Festival (RTS) acknowledges that s/he has read, understood and agrees to the following rules and guidelines:

1. The Applicant is legally authorized to enter the Short in RTS, and the Short is not subject to any claims or litigation and is not threatened by any claims or litigation.

2. Entries must be 20 minutes or under in length and submitted in one of the following categories: Animation, Comedy, Documentary, Drama or Thriller/Horror..

3. Non-English language shorts must be subtitled in English.

4. RTS can only accept, consider and notify entries submitted with valid entry form and non-refundable entry fee. To be considered for RTS, the Applicant must fill out the entry form on FilmFreeway. Applicant must submit a Secure Online Screener. Entry Fee payment must be made online through FilmFreeway.

5. Late Entries: For Late entry waiver requests please contact RTS at rocktheshortsfilmfestival@gmail.com.

6. To verify RTS has received your entry, we advise that you check the FilmFreeway status before emailing us with further questions.

7. All films will be notified of their status by mid to late June. If your contact information or premiere status changes between entry submission and our notification date, please update your information on FilmFreeway and email any changes.

8. It is the sole responsibility of the Applicant to secure clearance from the copyright holders of any copyrighted materials in the Short. The Applicant releases and discharges RTS, its employees and agents from any and all claims, demands or causes of actions related to misappropriation or infringement of copyright or violation of any other right arising out of or relating to this Short.

9. In the event that the Short is accepted as a Finalist by RTS, the Applicant hereby agrees to the following rights and requests and grants to RTS without reservations, conditions or qualifications:

10. RTS reserves the right to screen an exhibition-quality digital file of the Short (see guidelines for accepted formats).

11. RTS reserves the right to use excerpted clips, still images and/or titles, and information from or relating to the Short for promotional purposes in all media including Rock the Shorts Film Festival website.

12. RTS reserves the right to issue and authorize publicity concerning the filmmakers and the Short and to use all associated names, likenesses and biographical information.

13. RTS reserves the right to provide contact information for the director and producer(s) of the Short and to grant RTS the right to provide this information to film industry organizations sponsoring Festival events at its discretion.

14. RTS reserves the right to pull a film from the screening if a representative of the film cannot attend the Q&A. We put a great deal of effort into our Q&A's, such as seating (director's chairs), mics and picture opportunities.

15. RTS reserves the right to disqualify, without refund of any or all submission fees, any entry which is in violation of the guidelines and participation agreement.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Zhimin Hu

    This is an incredible film festival! Their film collection is top-notch—truly amazing. Don't miss the chance to showcase your films and connect with industry professionals at this must-attend event.

    February 2025
  • Avery Robinson Rouda

    Loved screening my film, Bloom In, at Rock the Shorts! From the glorious venue to the passionate participants, this festival is definitely one worth submitting to.

    January 2025
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you Avery! We really felt that your animated film “Bloom In” had a beautiful message for any audience young and old. We really appreciated your attendance and participation in the Q&A.

  • Susan Dynner

    Excellent festival! We were so fortunate to win Best Thriller for our film "The Soul Trader", and I don't know how they chose since they programmed so many great films! We had the opportunity to network with the other talented filmmakers, and the programmers put on a fantastic festival, including press opportunities. Thanks for having us and highly recommend!

    January 2025
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you Susan! Your film “The Soul Trader” was brilliantly cast and directed. We can’t wait to see what more unfolds for this high-concept film.

  • Gigi Grigorian

    A wonderful festival with a great selection of films and a great screening venue. We had a great time and felt very honored to be part of it. Highly recommend submitting your film to this festival.

    October 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you Gigi! “The Composer” is a wonderful film. As someone with a family member with dementia, it was a pleasure to see the story unfold with such empathy and a heartfelt ending. I look forward to your next project.
    Best,

    Roxanne

  • Laurel Harris

    We had such a fantastic time screening, 47, at Rock the Shorts Film Festival! The team is among the best at responding to our inquiries in a timely, personal and considerate manner, the films selected were top notch, and the event was truly fun and a joy to be a part of. We'd recommend this festival to anyone and are so glad we participated. Thank you Rock the Shorts!!

    September 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you Laurel! It was an honor to screen “47” at the Fine Arts Theatre this year. The cast and crew were wonderful on and off screen. Wonderful energy all around!