For 27 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 frequently listed in FilmFreeway's Top 100. Please check out our filmmaker reviews!

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

Comments from attending filmmakers:
"Thanks so much for such a memorable evening of animation at your SF Shorts Fest. It meant so much for my film to premiere in SF, at the Roxie, and in front of such an enthusiastic audience. I won't forget the experience.
Thanks for including me in the program!" -Gus D, 2023

"I wanted to thank you for extending yourself in order to have my short make it to the big screen. Watching it Sunday night was uniquely special. Lex, Minnie and Carl were so welcoming and receptive. You couldn't ask for for better team. Much kudos to you, and all for fostering an exceptional experience." - Paul C, 2023

"Thank you for hosting the SF Indie Shorts! My brother and I had a great time." - Jeff L, 2023

"Thank you so much for the beautiful screening of our film at the Roxie. It was such an honor and a dream come true!" - Jaklyn, 2023

"The SF IndieFest team has put together a fabulous festival! They're well organized, always responsive to inquires, and provided timely communications. Jeff and Jason have also been so open and welcome to us filmmakers. During my interactions with them, I can get the extensive experience they have with curating films and running a large scale festival like this one, which included a parallel online virtual fest that has pre-recorded Q&A. The festival also add to San Francisco's lore as an indie film festival hotspot. Well done! I'll look forward to attending and submitting to future years!" - Sal A, 2024

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 Animation
Best Experimental Film
Best Single Take Film
Jury Prize for Best Narrative
Jury Prize for Best Documentary

Any short film under 30 minutes and no more than 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 without explicit permission.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Aaron Wolf

    Such a great festival. We brought a few friends to join a very enthusiastic crowd. The organizer invited us to answer questions from the audience afterwards. The communication with the hosts was superb, and the selection of short films was top notch.

    November 2024
  • Participating in this festival was an honor. Although I couldn't attend, the communication and hospitality were amazing. I will definitely be submitting more films in the future. Thank you!!

    November 2024
  • Tal Amiran

    I wasn't able to attend the festival as I am based in London, UK, and had work commitments that got in the way but communication with the festival was top notch and the selection of films was amazing. I also took part in a virtual Q&A with the filmmakers who's films screened in the same programme as mine, so it was a great opportunity to connect, even if virtually. And to top it all off my film (Weree) won the Audience Award for Best Foreign Documentary!
    Please do not hesitate to submit to this wonderful festival!
    Thank you for selecting my film and for the award!

    November 2024
  • Jason Joseffer

    Fantastic festival! Great opportunity for filmmakers to share there films on the big screen and with the Bay Area film making community.

    November 2024
  • Connie Jo Sechrist

    We loved playing San Francisco Short Indiefest. There was an online filmmaker meetup before the festival. We were able to be there in person, and it was a fantastic screening alongside some really impressive short films. Definitely a festival to submit and go if you can!

    November 2024