The Elgin Short Film Festival (ESFF) committee proudly announces the 18th Annual Elgin Short Film Festival, set for September 19, 2026. Filmmakers from around the globe are invited to showcase their cinematic talent in this on one-of-a-kind festival, which attracts entries from the US, Canada, Spain, South Korea and beyond.

Starting April 1st, 2026, filmmakers may submit their short films (20 minutes or less, including credits) to compete for prizes in this year’s festival. Whether the film is a heartwarming story, a thrilling adventure, or a thought-provoking animation, all creative submissions across genres are encouraged as long as they adhere to the official rules. Films may be submitted even if they have been entered into other festival competitions via filmfreeway.com/ElginShortFilmFestival

This year’s festival promises to be a spectacular event with the excitement of audience participation - audience votes will count!

What to Expect at ESFF 2026?
• Accepting Both Live Action and Animation
• Inclusive Submissions: The ESFF welcomes films rated up to the equivalent of an MPAA ‘R’ rating.
• Red-Carpet Glamor: Top Finalists will be treated to a red-carpet arrival at The Hemmens Cultural Center, where their films will be showcased on screen at the 1,200-seat theater.
• Trophies and Cash Prizes: The top three films compete for trophies and cash prizes.

Important Dates
• Submit films by July 31, 2026 for just a $40 fee
• All entries must be submitted by August 21, 2026, for a $50 fee
For a complete list of rules and regulations, and to download an application, please visit:
filmfreeway.com/ElginShortFilmFestival
hemmens.org/annualfilmfestival

Awards & Prizes

The top three films will receive:
• First Place: $1,000 and a trophy
• Second Place: $500 and a trophy
• Third Place: $300 and a trophy

Rules & Terms

Since submission of a film constitutes acceptance of these Entry Rules & Regulations (by filmmakers and their agents), please review this document carefully.

To be eligible for consideration, entrants must fully comply with the following Rules & Regulations, including deadline and entry material requirements and selected film
requirements.

Films must be no more than twenty (20) minutes in length (including credits). Films over twenty (20) minutes will not be considered and entry fee will be forfeit.

1. Films must be received no later than August 21, 2026. Early Entry rates are available for entries received by July 31, 2026. See page 2 for details.

The ESFF Committee may temporarily prohibit the acceptance of film entries or may advance the aforementioned submission deadline to any date prior to August 21, 2026, in the ESFF Committee's sole discretion without prior notice.

2. All entries must be either in English, contain English subtitles, or be dubbed in English.
Spanish subtitles on English speaking films are encouraged.

3. ESFF will accept films that are the equivalent of an MPAA ‘R’ rating. However, the ESFF reserves the right to reject submissions which it considers
inappropriate in the sole discretion of the ESFF Committee (e.g., submissions which contain excessive nudity, violence or vulgarity).

4. Films that have been previously submitted to the Elgin Short Film Festival are NOT eligible for competition.

5. Films must be submitted electronically through the Film Freeway website at:
https://filmfreeway.com/festival/ElginShortFilmFestival.

6. All entries must be a complete film. Submitted works that are deemed by the ESFF Committee to be a “work in progress,” “rough cut,” or a portion of a
larger work will not be accepted.

7. Entrant confirms and warrants that he/she has the required legal authority to submit the entry into the festival and to use all music, images, and content in the entry.

8. Submitted works must not have been commercially exhibited in the U.S. or publicly broadcast.

9. Entrants must be 18 years of age or older. Underage filmmakers must have their film submitted by a parent or guardian over the age of 18.

10. Films created using artificial intelligence (AI), in whole or in part, are not eligible for submission and will not be considered.

9 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Larry Ziegelman

    My film was lucky enough to be a finalist and screen at the Elgin Short Film Festival. They really make the filmmakers feel special. They have a meet-up before the screening at a restaurant with food and non-alcoholic drinks. Then they drive you over in classic cars to the venue. When you arrive there is a red-carpet and a band playing while you walk the carpet. It's very fancy!

    They had a wonderful MC that sings and jokes with the audience as he gives out the awards. And to top it off they give out these wonderful trophies with cash prizes! I'll absolutely be submitting my next film to this festival!

    September 2025
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  • Grecia Aguilar

    A great film festival that really appreciates their filmmakers! They really made us feel special! Also I enjoyed touring Elgin. :)

    October 2023
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  • Jesse Willmon

    While I wasn't able to attend, the Elgin Short Film Festival was a lovely experience all around. I sent my in-laws, who are local, to the awards ceremony where my short "It Was Up There" won the Peoples Choice Award and Second Place overall. I'm happy to report that the Festival was lovely, the donuts were delicious and the films were wonderful.

    October 2023
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  • Drew Dull

    This is the second time posting this review. I took the first one down because I spoke to and believed the empty excuses/promises from the festival director, Joe Vassallo.

    This festival does not care about filmmakers. That is something that came across loud and clear from my interactions with Joe. They want your money and don't care what happens after that.

    Keep in mind that my film was actually a "semifinalist" whatever that means. Because I wasn't even able to get the information I needed to find out where to buy tickets or where to watch my film when it was screened.

    So after voicing these frustrations in my previous review of the festival, I had the opportunity to speak with Joe directly. The only apology that he ever made to me was that I felt the way I did. Not owning up to the fact that he failed to communicate clear and easy information to me, like where to buy tickets.

    Regardless, I removed the review because I don't like leaving negative reviews for anyone or anything but after my second round of a complete and utter lack of communication from Joe, I had to submit the review again.

    I reached back out to Joe asking for a list of journalists/press that covered the event, which is not a significant ask for most festivals. I simply wanted to reach out to them directly with the story of my film since it had local ties and I didn't get the chance to do so at the festival itself. However, three months later, I still did not have this list from Joe.

    So I urge any filmmakers considering the not so insignificant entry fee to stay far, FAR away from the Elgin Short Film Festival Joe will gladly take your money and maybe even call you a semi-finalist, but he does not care about your film or you as a filmmaker.

    February 2022
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  • Kailyne R. Waters

    We had the honor of showing our short film, The Go Cart at this year's festival. The experience was amazing! So thoughtful and kind to filmmakers. Well done, Elgin Team!

    September 2018
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