For 24 years San Francisco IndieFest has presented the best new independent films from around the world live in theater to thousands of San Francisco film fans and as of a few years ago, we now have an annual program of all short films: short shorts, long shorts, cool shorts, comedy shorts, weird shorts, music shorts, documentary shorts, experimental shorts, genre shorts, student shorts.

Not only do we love shorts programs, but our long standing loyal audience in San Francisco REALLY loves shorts. The shorts programs at SF IndieFest, SF DocFest and Another Hole in the Head are consistently some of our best attended programs so we created a festival to showcase the best short films we can find. AND the best rated film in the festival, as decided by the audience, will win a $500 cash prize.

SF IndieShorts Film Fest is consistently listed in FilmFreeway's Top 100. Please check out our filmmaker reviews!

SF IndieFest is a founding member of the FILM FESTIVAL ALLIANCE.

Awards & Prizes

Best of the Fest - $500 cash prize
Best US Narrative
Best Foreign Narrative
Best Local Narrative
Best US Documentary
Best Foreign Documentary
Best Local Documentary
Best US Comedy
Best Foreign Comedy
Best Local Comedy
Best US Drama
Best Foreign Drama
Best Local Drama
Best Music Video
Best Dance Film
Best Genre Film
Best Student Film
Best Animation
Best Experimental Film
Best Single Take Film
Jury Prize for Best Narrative
Jury Prize for Best Documentary

Rules & Terms

Any short film under 40 minutes and no more then 18 months old is eligible for consideration.

LEGAL STUFF: Submitters understand that submission of their work authorizes the Festival to use the work for exhibition, education and/or publicity purposes related to the festival; that the Festival will handle the prints and drives with a maximum of care but cannot be held liable for any damage or loss during shipping, preview, or screening; and that the Festival is also not responsible for any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, or royalty infringement related to the work. Submitters may receive future correspondence from the Festival. The festival will never publish your film online under any circumstances.
76 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Rosa SanMarchi

    We had a great 'virtual' experience with the San Francisco Short Film Festival. Even though our film didn't screen in-person, the organizers made sure that filmmakers felt a part of the festival as much as possible. Thanks again for selecting our short film to be a part of this festival.

    February 2022
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  • Nicholas LINDNER

    Given the circumstances of the pandemic, and the largely online nature of the screenings, festival organizers were adaptable and accommodated filmmakers with virtual Q&As and networking portals.

    January 2022
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  • Louisa Kendrick Burton

    This was a really great festival to be a part of. We had an amazing filmmaker zoom discussion that was great to be a part of and chat with my fellow creators.

    December 2021
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  • Helene Goupil

    Premiering THE SEED at this festival was a great experience and I'm so honored to have won the festival's Best of the Fest award. I really wanted an in-person San Francisco premiere and I loved having a screening of my film at The Roxie. Jeff and Jason connected me to other filmmakers, kept us informed, and they put on a fun festival. Thank you for the great experience!

    November 2021
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  • Jesseca Ynez Simmons

    Wonderful festival with excellent communication. Even though I couldn't attend the in person screening at the awesome venue, I felt like I was connected to the festival and was able to meet people! Would definitely submit again. Thanks so much!

    October 2021
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