Shorttakes is a prestigious student film festival that welcomes submissions from both graduate and undergraduate students attending colleges across the United States and around the world. This annual event celebrates emerging filmmakers by providing a platform to showcase their creative talents on the big screen. A diverse panel of esteemed judges from the entertainment industry carefully selects the best films in each category.

The festival culminates in an exciting red carpet finale, where multiple prizes and awards are presented to recognize outstanding achievements in filmmaking. This highly anticipated event not only highlights the next generation of storytellers but also fosters a vibrant community of aspiring filmmakers, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts. Shorttakes 2026 will be hosted at the renowned James Bridges Theater at UCLA, offering a cinematic experience that celebrates innovation, creativity, and the power of storytelling.

Rules & Terms

Submissions must be from graduate or undergraduate students. Shorttakes welcomes short films from all genres, but submissions must adhere to specific guidelines to ensure fairness and originality. All films must be under 10 minutes in length, including credits, and must not contain any copyrighted music. Participants are encouraged to use original scores or royalty-free music to avoid any legal restrictions. Additionally, films must be created by graduate or undergraduate students currently enrolled in a college or university. Any content that violates copyright laws or fails to meet the time limit will be disqualified. By following these rules, Shorttakes ensures a diverse, creative, and legally compliant showcase of student filmmaking talent.

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  • Deven Kapoor

    Extremely honored to be a part of this festival and win the award for best editing. Some of the best student films I've seen were showcased here and the host did an excellent job.

    June 2026
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