Shorts in the City is an annual film festival celebrating short films that take place in New York City. We showcase narrative, documentary, and animated films that explore the life, energy, and stories of the city, whether in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, or Staten Island.

Although Shorts in the City only accepts films that primarily take place in New York, it is thus an international festival. NYC is an immense crossroads of cultures, languages, and experiences, and the films we present reflect that global diversity on screen. Filmmakers with roots in other parts of the world are encouraged to submit, and the films we present reflect NYC's global diversity on screen

Perhaps no other city has a richer history of independent film than New York, and we aim to showcase the future of the city's filmmaking talent. We are an intimate festival, and we welcome shorts of any and all genres that tell compelling stories through their own unique lens. Whether you are born and bred in the city, moved here after college, or visited for a couple of weeks, Shorts in the City is a place to share your New York story with a local audience.

Awards & Prizes

Awards are subject to change year over year:

- Grand Prize

- Best Documentary

- Best Animation

- Best Student Film

- Best Actor

- Best Actress

- Best Director

- Best Cinematography

- Best Microbudget

- Best First Film

Rules & Terms

We have just three requirements:

- Films must primarily take place in New York City.
- Films must be 40 minutes or less.
- Films must have been produced in 2021 or later.

Genre: All genres are welcome, including narrative, documentary, animation, music videos, etc.

Premiere Status: No premiere status requirements.

Language: Films in any language are accepted. English subtitles are required if the primary language is not English.

Rights: Filmmakers must have all necessary rights and permissions for music, footage, and any other materials included in the film.

Multiple Submissions: Filmmakers may submit more than one film. Each submission must be entered separately.