CUT International Short Film Festival is the premier festival in New Jersey for short form films. Located in a colonial-era enclave established in the early part of the 18th century, the city of Millville hosts a proper main drag known as High Street. Featuring a beautiful, old theater, bars, restaurants, coffee shops and book stores, art galleries and barber shops, Millville harkens back to different time in the American experience.

CUT was founded to celebrate storytelling in the medium of motion pictures, but limited to short stories. The short film, like the documentary, has become a great way for a larger group of people to tell their stories. Not reliant on huge budgets, or massive crews, a small group of talented creatives can craft a tale of resonance and authenticity. Our goal is to celebrate those stories, and give them a venue to shine.

Awards
· Best of the Festival
· Best Drama
· Best Comedy
· Best Animation
· Best Documentary
· Best Experimental
· Best Director
· Best Actress
· Best Actor
· Best Cinematography
· Best Student Film


All films must be a minimum of one minute and no longer than 20 minutes, including credits and may cover any genre (note: always looking for more films under 5 min in length).A version with English subtitles (if needed) must be provided for screening if selected. Rough cuts and work-in-progress prints are acceptable as long as the final (completed) film can be delivered prior to September 2023.

All submissions will be through FilmFreeway with a link to a downloadable PreRes file at least 1920x1080 up to 4k

All submission applications, disposable media and press kits submitted become property of Cut International Film Festival, ArtC and Hopping Frog Studios and will not be returned.

Upon acceptance, the Cut International Short Film Festival is hereby granted the right to utilize and/or excerpt from any film submitted & accepted for exhibition at the Festival for promotional and marketing purposes. This will include the use of the filmmaker's name, likeness & publicity stills, film or video footage, title, logline and synopsis of materials, in pre & post-competition publicity & promotional efforts.

The individual or corporation submitting the film hereby warrants that it is authorized to commit the film for screening, and understands and accepts these requirements and regulations. The submitter shall indemnify and hold harmless Cut International Short Film Festival, ArtC and Hopping Frog Studios, their officers and employees from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney's fees, and costs of the court) which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, and loss of or damage to the screening videos entered.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Rajesh PK

    We are honored that Blus won an award at CUT Film Festival. As an independent animation studio from Kerala, this recognition means a great deal to us. The festival’s support for creative and original voices in filmmaking is deeply appreciated. Thank you to the CUT Film Festival team for acknowledging our work and encouraging independent storytellers.

    December 2025
  • t was a great honor for me and my team to have our film screened at your wonderful festival. We truly hope that the jury members, the organizers, and cinema lovers enjoyed watching it as much as we enjoyed creating it.

    We sincerely hope that your festival will become a bridge between us and lead to future collaborations and meetings at upcoming festivals.

    Wishing you continued success and inspiration in all your future editions.

    October 2025
  • Very professionally run festival with excellent taste in films.

    September 2025
  • Karina Loerchner

    Thank you so much for awarding my film 'Nix's Symphony' with 'Best Student Film'! Friendly people, great communication. I really wish I could have attended in person, it looked like a fun festival!

    October 2024
  • Markus Graves

    Great festival! Thank you for screening my film (Eager Heater Alone). Everyone was kind and welcoming. The Levoy is a great venue. Director Bill Horin is fantastic and organized/ran the festival so well!

    October 2024