In today’s film climate it is hard to showcase short films. Many festivals focus on features and it seems like this art of shorts is dwindling to silly videos about kittens on the internet. Even though we love kittens (who doesn’t?) here at the Short. Sweet. Film Fest., we love short films more.

With eight festivals under our belt, our goal for our ninth annual film festival is to showcase films under 30 minutes to the growing art scene in the greater Cleveland area and highlight the works of student to veteran filmmakers across the country.

Students should submit to the short student film category to receive a significant discount off of the submission fee.

We are looking for the best short films locally, nationally, and internationally. So send them our way!

Our festival will take place in the Alex Theater at the Metropolitan at the 9 hotel in the heart of downtown Cleveland. Filmmakers and patrons can stay at the hotel at a discounted rate and enjoy food and beverages throughout the festival.

Awards & Prizes

All selections are eligible to win best, outstanding, or honorable mention in their respective categories. These awards will be announced at the end of programming on Saturday, February 29th, 2020.

The top screenplay award winners will be announced in advance and will be read live at a table reading during the film festival. The table readings will be directed and read by Cleveland based directors and actors and the readings will be free and open to the public, so screenwriters may receive the maximum amount of exposure.

Rules & Terms

GENERAL RULES
• Productions made after January 1, 2015 may be submitted.
• Do not submit works in progress.
• Do not submit industrial or instructional works.
• All films submitted must be available in .mov or .mpg4 format for presentation.
• A majority of films in digital video formats will be transferred temporarily onto a hard drive system for presentation.
• All entries must be postmarked by Tuesday, December 31st, 2019. (Early submission discounts apply until September 30th – see fee schedule.)
• Flash or Memory sticks submitted will NOT be returned.
• Films selected for the Short. Sweet. Film Fest. will be announced no later than Friday, January 17th, 2020.
• Prints or videos for presentation must arrive no later than Saturday, February 1st, 2020.
21 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Pauline Nowakowski

    wonderful and affordable for local film makers.

    August 2019
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  • Robert O'Twomney

    Mike at Short. Sweet. Film Festival was great to work with; he communicated clearly on needs and deadlines, was always available to answer questions, and maintained a compelling energy level in all our interactions despite the load of driving a festival. We are glad we found Mike and Short. Sweet. We will recommend this festival to other filmmakers with high quality shorts.

    March 2019
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  • Mike Sorrentino

    My second selection to this little gem of a a festival. It's growing and the quality of content gets better and better. Great location in downtown Cleveland. The Director, Mike is always available and accommodating. Submit your projects and get to Cleveland!

    March 2019
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  • John Maslowski

    The Short. Sweet. Film Fest was great last year but it was even better this last year. They made some changes to the format which worked really well. The networking opportunities were fantastic. I met a filmmaker and now were are collaborating on a project. I will be back next year.

    March 2019
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  • Obediya Jones-Darrell

    I highly recommend this festival! An amazing venue to watch films and network with other people in the industry. I also was very impressed with the table read section of the festival as well. Such a pleasant experience, I can't wait to submit a new film next year!

    March 2019
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