Big Teeth Small Shorts Film Fest (BTSSFF) focuses exclusively on Small Shorts (91-sec - 5 min) and Micro Shorts (90-sec or less). We believe that there are tons of talented filmmakers out there who either can't afford to make longer films or believe in very short form storytelling, and we want to help them showcase their work.

Because our mission is all about creating a great show for our live audiences we do not require premiere status. You can submit a great short you made at any point in your filmmaking life if you think it commands an audience.

Since so many great festivals consider short films to be anywhere from 40 minutes or less, it can be hard to submit a much shorter piece in that category. That's why we hope to give talented filmmakers a chance to show who they are in just a few seconds or minutes.

The BTSSFF is a semi-annual film festival with screenings in Chicago that began as a 60-second film fest in 2015 and spread its wings to longer (but still short) films in 2019. ​Every single film submitted to our festival will be viewed by a dedicated screening team. The films chosen as Official Selections will then be screened at a live, in-person festival and judged by a jury of industry professionals, that will look for powerful and innovative ideas, creativity and quality.

To find out more about who we are, our mission and history visit https://www.bigteethsmallshorts.com

Awards & Prizes

Best Film - Small Short (91-sec - 5 min)
Best Film - Micro Short (90-sec or less)
People's Choice Award - Small Short (91-sec - 5 min)
People's Choice Award - Micro Short (90-sec or less)

Rules & Terms

- Length requirements:
- Small Short: 91 seconds minimum - 300 seconds (5 minutes) maximum
- Micro Short: 1 second minimum - 90 seconds maximum

- For each individual film you submit, we recommend entering in only one genre category (comedy. documentary, etc.) and tagging additional genres within your project on FilmFreeway, rather than entering the same film into multiple genre categories.

- If your credits add up to 10% or more of the length of your total film duration, we reserve the right to edit them for time if selected to be screened.

- If selected, we reserve the right to pull stills from your film to use in programming materials.

- Every single film submitted will be viewed by our screening team.

- Recommended sizes: 1080p

- There is no limit on number of submissions or production date.

- If your film is selected for the Big Teeth Small Shorts Film Festival (“BTSSFF”), you will receive free entry to our local screening in Chicago, IL. No travel expenses are included.

- Filmmakers hold sole responsibility for acquiring copyrights, licenses and releases for media used in their films and will indemnify and hold harmless BTSSFF and its owners, producers, sponsors, and employees against any claims brought against the foregoing as a result of Filmmakers’ failure to obtain the same.

- All films submissions must be submitted via FilmFreeway. NO DVDs or other media that need to be physically mailed will be accepted. All of the fields during the registration process on FilmFreeway.com must be completed or your submission will not be accepted.

- All entries must be either in English or subtitled in English unless dialogue is minimal and not necessary for the comprehension of the film.

- Filmmakers retain the rights to their films.

- Filmmakers agree that, upon official selection, their film can be played at any of BTSSFF's live screenings. The number of screenings the film appears in is at the sole discretion of BTSSFF.

- Filmmakers agree that, upon official selection, their film can be shown on BTSSFF digital channels with written (email) consent from the filmmaker.

- BTSSFF does not pay screening fees. Further, Filmmakers acknowledge that they are not entitled to any portion of the admission fees or other receipts received by BTSSFF in connection with any screening.

- BTSSFF reserves the right to disqualify any submission if it does not meet the requirements outlined.

35 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Caroline O'Riordan

    I was unable to swing a trip to Chicago for the festival, but Keriann was so communicative and friendly, and on top of that was very kind with her and the judges' feedback on my short. I truly wish I could have been there in person because I'm sure it would have been a blast! They clearly put together a team that loves filmmaking and supporting filmmakers. If you've got a short short - definitely submit! Thank you BTSSFF!

    August 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks Caroline. We missed you in Chicago but the film was loved by the crowd. It’s important for us to show our filmmakers that we are in fact real people who do our best to put on a good show for all involved, so your words mean so much. Can’t wait to see your next film and hopefully you’ll be able to see it live next time!

  • Taryn O'Connor

    Thank you so much for selecting our short film, Locals Only!
    Communication was clear + easy. The vibe for this fest is great.

    July 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks Taryn. We do a lot of comedy so it’s always great to get a cool stylized drama (dark comedy?) like your film to mix it up for the audience. Can’t wait to see what’s next.

  • Adam E. Stone

    I really appreciated being selected for this fest, which was comprised of a variety of awesome short films! I was not able to attend in person, but it was clear from social media that the festival was well-organized, well-publicized, and well-attended by enthusiastic lovers of short film - everything a filmmaker could ask for! Communication from the festival was also very good. A great value for the submission cost, and a great chance to introduce your short film to a hungry, appreciative new audience!

    July 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks Adam. We appreciate your review as it very much hits on what we hope to do with our fest for filmmakers and our attendees. Keep sending your work our way and hope you can attend someday.

  • Mark Spurlock

    Thanks for selecting Slim Stickerson. Wish I could have attended. Great communication.

    July 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Yodel on Slim! Glad to have the film. Hope you can make it in the future.

  • Jeffrey Smith

    I would love to have been able to attend, but could not. However, I just wanted to say THANKS to BTSSFF for screening our silly little film HIGHER LEARNING, and to say that we had GREAT communication from the show runners. I hope to submit again next year!

    July 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks so much for the great review. The audience really enjoyed your film and laughed a ton. Can't wait to see what's next!