Most directors make short films as calling cards—proof they can tell stories, work with actors, and demonstrate the creative flair needed to make it as a filmmaker.
Martin McDonagh’s “Six Shooter,” Paul Thomas Anderson’s “Cigarettes & Coffee,” Taika Waititi’s “Two Cars, One Night,” and Martin Scorsese’s “The Big Shave” all helped launch their careers. But filmmakers can only take the next steps if their work is seen by the right people. Key to that is entering it into the right film festivals.
Here are five short fests that every director should consider.
1. NewFilmmakers Los Angeles
Regular Deadline: Dec. 31
Held every month at the South Park Center in Downtown Los Angeles, NewFilmmakers Los Angeles has screened over 3,000 films from more than 85 different countries since its launch 18 years ago.
Intent on keeping the experience intimate and helpful for filmmakers, the fest screens just 20 films each month. Selected filmmakers walk the red carpet, participate in post-screening Q&As, and connect with film professionals through forums on distribution, production, acquisition, and representation.
With over 120,000 indie film supporters across Los Angeles and regular attendance by executives and creatives from major Hollywood studios and agencies, it’s no wonder MovieMaker Magazine named it among the 50 fests worth the entry fee in 2024.
NewFilmmakers Los Angeles is held on Jan. 2.
2. Seattle International Film Festival
Regular Deadline: Dec. 18
Late Deadline: Jan. 8
An Academy Award–qualifying festival for short films, the Seattle International Film Festival celebrates its 52nd year in May.
Throughout its history, SIFF has looked to appeal to voices worldwide, screening films from over 70 countries, while spotlighting new filmmakers and films not-yet-seen by American audiences.
Attracting around 90,000 filmgoers annually, SIFF picks over 100 shorts each year to screen before its feature films or as part of its ShortsFest program. Golden Space Needle Awards for live action, animation, and documentary films each include a prize of $2,500 and qualify winners for Oscar consideration.
The Seattle International Film Festival takes place between May 7 and May 17.
3. Raindance Film Festival
Regular Deadline: Jan. 19
Late Deadline: March 2
With over 16,000 guests annually, London’s Raindance Film Festival has supported up-and-coming directors since 1992.
Winners in best live action short, best documentary short, and best animated short qualify for Oscars. The festival also hosts networking events for distributors, producers, financiers, buyers, and other film professionals.
The 10-day festival features master classes, talks, and panels. Past guests have included directors Christopher Nolan, Ken Loach, and Quentin Tarantino, while Raindance also hosted the U.K. premieres of Eduardo Sánchez and Daniel Myrick’s “The Blair Witch Project,” Nolan’s “Memento,” and Terry Zwigoff’s “Ghost World.”
Raindance Film Festival will run from June 17 to June 26.
4. Palm Springs International ShortFest
Regular Deadline: Dec. 31
Late Deadline: Feb. 7
One of the largest showcases of short films on the planet, Palm Springs International ShortFest presents around 300 short films, from an estimated 60 countries, over seven days in the California desert.
Films are curated into themed 90-minute programs. With over 20 prizes available, winners of the best of the festival, best animated, best documentary, and best live action (over/under 15 minutes) become eligible for the Academy Awards.
The ShortFest’s Film Market invites press and industry professionals to watch the work, and the ShortFest Forum hosts roundtables, networking events, classes, and panels. Every short is available to watch online in the ShortFest Video Library.
The Palm Springs International ShortFest takes place between June 23 and June 29.
5. Indy Shorts International Film Festival
Regular Deadline: March 1
Late Deadline: March 22
Despite being only nine years old, the Indy Shorts International Film Festival has quickly earned a stellar reputation. MovieMaker Magazine named the festival to its 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World, 50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee, and Best Short Film Festivals in the World lists.
Live action, documentary, and animation short film winners qualify for the Academy Awards. In 2026, the festival will award over $35,000 in prize money across multiple categories including comedy, horror, the Children’s Resilience Short Film Prize, the Directorial Debut Award, the Overall Audience Choice Award, and the Spotlight Documentary Award.
Festivalgoers praise the supportive community of filmmakers who travel to Indianapolis for the event and the attendees, industry professionals, and volunteers who make it tick.
The Indy Shorts International Film Festival will occur from July 21 until July 26.
