Shortie Film Festival is blowing up in NYC, bringing the latest indie and international films to the big screen. In the past, we've had screenings at spots like the classic 'Anthology Film Archives' in Manhattan and the super chill 'Syndicated' theater in Williamsburg.

For 2023, we're leveling up and moving the festival to the iconic 'Angelika Film Center' – the place known for showcasing next-level films and introducing fresh talent to the US. With its prime location and vibe, the Angelika is the perfect spot for Shortie to keep growing and making waves in the film world.

Shortie is all about giving young filmmakers a platform to shine and get noticed in the filmmaking capital, NYC. We support creators at all levels, from first-timers to pros. Our goal is to help your film get the recognition it deserves in the US industry.

Our judges? They're legit industry pros from all over the globe. They carefully watch all the submissions and pick the finalists and winners.

Whether your film’s on a shoestring budget or backed by big bucks, we’re all about recognizing great storytelling. If your movie’s got a strong story, we want to see it!

Awards & Prizes

All winning films will be showcased in front of a live audience in NYC!

Our judges, a mix of film experts and creators, will handpick the 'Official Selection' films. These films will earn the coveted Shortie Film Festival Laurel. Semi-finalists will receive the Semi-Finalist laurel. The festival’s winners will get exclusive Winner of Shortie Film Festival laurels, certificates of recognition, and free festival tickets!

Winners and selected films will also be featured on our website and social media, giving you even more exposure!

The Shortie Film Festival will announce winners in the following categories:

- Best Short Film of the Festival
- Best Social Justice Short
- Best Narrative Short
- Best Documentary Short
- Best Animated Short
- Best Student Short
- Best First-Time Filmmaker
- Best Short Script
- Best Director
- Best Producer
- Best Cinematography
- Best Actor
- Best Acting Ensemble
- Best Editing
- Best Sound Design
- Best Original Score
- Honorable Mention

Rules & Terms

Submission Guidelines

Films are evaluated based on category specifications, and can be submitted to multiple categories. Just remember to include the sub-category under the main one.

All films must be 45 minutes or less.

You can submit multiple projects, but please note that we don’t require premiere status—although it’s recommended!

For submission, we’ll need the director's statement, project description with all specifications, and promo materials (photos, videos, etc.). If you make any changes to your film, you must resubmit it.

If your film is selected, you’ll be notified through the contact method provided on your submission form.

Films must be made in or after 2022.

Language: Shortie accepts films in any language. If your film isn’t in English, it must include English subtitles by the time of submission. (We don’t cover subtitling costs.)

We take film quality seriously—only HD films (720p or higher) with good audio will be accepted.

Submission Requirements:
- Submit via FilmFreeway or a private streaming link (YouTube, Vimeo, etc.).
- Include the submission fee and a filled entry form.
- If you change your link or password after submitting, notify us immediately at info@shortiefilmfestival.com. Failure to do so will result in a failed submission.

We encourage filmmakers to send posters, stills, trailers, and teasers to help us promote your work. By submitting, you give us the right to use these materials on our website, social media, and in press releases.

Applicants are responsible for obtaining all rights and permissions for any third-party content in their film (e.g., music, logos, copyrights).

By submitting, you grant us the right to screen your film live during the festival if selected.

Films selected for the official program will be notified by email.

Refunds & Cancellations: Once submitted, submissions cannot be canceled or refunded. Submission fees are non-waivable for all applicants.

Travel & Lodging: Shortie doesn’t cover travel or accommodation for festival participants, though we encourage filmmakers to attend.

Changes to the Festival: We reserve the right to adjust the festival date or venue in exceptional circumstances. We also retain the right to change these guidelines or modify categories without prior notice.

The festival reserves the right to determine the eligibility of any project for any program or submission category.
3 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Jerzy Czachowski

    A unique festival created by passionate and committed people who support filmmakers and the films they select!

    July 2024
    Helpful
    Logo
    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much for recognizing our festival! We're incredibly grateful for your support and thrilled to continue championing filmmakers and their exceptional work. Here's to celebrating creativity and storytelling together!

  • Lucía Florez

    Shortie Film Festival is a great space to share your projects and get to have interesting conversations with other filmmakers. Been attending two years in a row and truly happy!

    May 2021
    Helpful
    Logo
    Response from festival:

    Thanks a lot, Lucia! it was a great honor to have your film 'Mama' as a part of the Shortie 2020 film festival. Good luck to you!

  • Isabelle Grignon-Francke

    Short Film Festival was a great event for us. The organizers were really nice and welcoming. We're eager to go back with a new film!

    October 2019
    Helpful
    Logo
    Response from festival:

    Thank you for your review, Isabelle. We can't wait to watch your new films!