SHORT CUTS is where short films go to earn respect — or get exposed. It’s keeper or sleeper, no in-between. This showcase is raw, loud, and brutally honest. Filmmakers screen their work, then face live, unfiltered feedback from a crowd that doesn’t pull punches. If you’re sick of fake applause and ready to grow, and your film can take a few hits, Short Cuts is your proving ground. Your film plays, We cut deep.

Films must be under 30 minutes. All genres welcome — make us feel something Live Q&A after every screening — Don’t be shy

Hosted by award-winning cinematographer Salvatore Zeppi, with panel judge Michael Schoenberg and a rotating guest star every event, Short Cuts takes place in venues where you can grab a drink, talk shop, watch films, and get ripped apart or rise to glory. Think fast. Think loud. Think honest. This is where your story takes shape.

GENERAL OVERVIEW

Short Cuts is a live film screening and feedback event designed to showcase bold, original short films from emerging voices.

Inspired by live critique shows like Kill Tony, this event features real-time audience and panel reactions after each screening.

Our focus is raw art, honest feedback, and cinematic risk-taking — not polished perfection.

Awards & Prizes

🏆 AWARDS & PRIZES
At Short Cuts, applause is earned — and so are the awards.

🎬 Keeper of the Night – Best overall film, voted by the audience
🎤 Mic Drop Moment – Most impactful scene or performance
🧠 Cut Deep Award – Film that took critique like a champ and came out stronger
🍻 Bar Favorite – Chosen by the venue staff (they know what hits)
🌟 Guest Judge Pick – Selected by our rotating special guest

🎁 Everyone Walks Away With Something
Because whether your film’s a keeper or a sleeper, you're still in the arena.

🛏️ Sleepers receive a Short Cuts “Next Shot” journal, stamped with the message:
"Sleep on it. Plot the comeback. Your next shot starts here."
No shame. Just fuel.

🔥 Keepers earn a custom digital laurel and a feature across our social media and mailing list —
because if it hit here, it’s ready for the world.

Rules & Terms

📜 RULES & TERMS
By submitting to Short Cuts, you agree to the following:

1. Film must be under 30 minutes. Anything longer will not be considered, even if you’re “really proud of the ending.”

2. You must own the rights to all footage, music, and content in your film. If we get sued, we’re sending them your way.

3. All genres welcome — comedy, drama, documentary, animation, experimental — as long as it sparks a reaction.

4. You must be present to screen. This is a live event with live critique. If you ghost, your film won't play.

5. We offer feedback — not flattery. Our audience is honest, our hosts are direct, and the commentary is real. If you're easily offended, this may not be your room. But if you're ready to grow — you're in the right place.

6. Selected films will be screened in a public venue (usually a bar). You’re responsible for making sure your film is appropriate for a public setting.

7. Submission fees are non-refundable. We keep things low-cost, but your fee secures our time, venue, and platform.

8. If selected, you’ll be asked to provide:

A digital screener file (MP4 preferred)

A short logline or synopsis

A headshot or crew photo for promotional use

9. We Reserve the Right to Roast, React, and Promote
By submitting, you grant us permission to screen your film publicly, feature it in event recaps, and use short clips or stills for promotional purposes across social media and future showcases.

10. You’re Submitting for Honest Feedback — Not Just a Screening
By entering Short Cuts, you agree to let us critique and react to your work live and publicly. That includes hosts, panelists, and audience responses — good, bad, and hilarious.
2 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Adam Ansorge

    A wonderful setup and showcase for filmmakers to show and tell and talk about it. I couldn't have been happier with how things were done here! Grateful to have been a part of it! Hosts that were the most! Would reccommend:D

    May 2026
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  • Rick Kain

    I attended the 2025 Short Cuts Indie Film Festival this past week and what an awesome experience. Communication is key and the festival director, Salvatore Rubinetti, was all over it. From the first email advising status, and quick responses to a couple of questions I had. I drove five hours to get to the festival and arrived to a warm greeting and a very nice venue. There was a pre-screening mixer where I had the opportunity to meet a number of film makers, and there was FOOD! The sound and picture quality of the screened films was excellent and what really set this festival apart from others was the Q&A's. After each film there was a Q&A that started with a critique of the film from a panel of judges. They all had watched the films a number of times and were prepared to give honest feed back, both pro and con, to each film maker. And then the Q&A was opened up to the audience. It was like a 360 degree review which I find beneficial as a film maker. The curators put thoughtful time into each and every film that they screened. One other exceptional aspect of this festival is the "One off" custom trophies that they award. They are very cool! This festival is a hidden gem and I highly recommend it.

    June 2025
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