The Film Show is a live show featuring short films and live performances in New York City.

On October 8, 2026, selected short films will screen in front of a live audience at Rollin Studios in Brooklyn (the same space where Beyonce shot the single ladies music video).

Between films, the night will feature live performances, turning the screening into a full show. Part cinema, part performance.

At the end of the night, using marbles, the audience votes for their favorite film.

$6,000 in cash will be awarded:

1st Place — $3,000
2nd Place — $2,000
3rd Place — $1,000

We are looking for bold, entertaining, original short films across all genres: comedy, drama, horror, documentary, animation, experimental, music video, and anything in between.

This is not a film festival. It is a live show. Our mission is to create a space where cinema and theater coexist and filmmakers get paid. Filmmakers should consider how their film will play in a full room.

Awards & Prizes

$6,000 in total cash prizes will be awarded at The Film Show Vol. 1.

1st Place: $3,000
2nd Place: $2,000
3rd Place: $1,000

1st place is decided by our jury and 2nd and 3rd place are determined by live audience vote. Payments will be made in cash to the winning filmmakers the night of the event.

Rules & Terms

SUBMISSION RULES

1. Films must be 15 minutes or under, including credits.

2. All genres are welcome, including narrative, documentary, animation, experimental, comedy, horror, drama, music video, and hybrid work.

3. Films may be submitted from anywhere. Filmmakers do not need to be based in New York.

4. By submitting, the submitter confirms they own or control all necessary rights, including music, image, performance, and distribution rights required for public exhibition.

5. Selected films will screen at The Film Show Vol. 1 in New York City.

6. The Film Show may use excerpts, stills, trailers, posters, filmmaker names, and film titles for promotional purposes related to the event.

7. Submission fees are nonrefundable.

8. Selection does not guarantee travel, lodging, or additional compensation.

9. Films are selected by The Film Show programming team based on originality, direction, tone, audience experience, and overall fit for the live event.

10. 1st place is determined by our Jury of established filmmakers and artists.

11. 2nd and 3rd place are determined by live audience voting at the event.

12. Cash prizes are awarded to the top three films.

13. Prize payments will be made to the winning filmmakers or their designated representatives the night of the event.

14. The Film Show reserves the right to disqualify any submission that violates these rules, includes unauthorized material, or is submitted in bad faith.