MISSION & OBJECTIVE
Here at the California International Shorts Festival (CISF) our main purpose is to help and encourage independent filmmakers and writers by providing a showcase platform for their talents in a sociable networking environment.

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
The CISF is extremely excited for its Spring showcase season and plans on becoming one of the bigger independent short film showcase arenas around. The passion and commitment that each filmmaker and writer puts into his or her work deserves to be acknowledged. This is why we here at the California International Shorts Festival take tremendous pride in putting on a memorable event and screening the works of the many talented, dedicated and unsung filmmakers. CISF’s 9 categories of competition: Narrative Shorts, Documentary Shorts, Animated Shorts, Experimental Shorts, Student Shorts, Foreign Shorts, Music Videos, Commercials and Short Scripts. Screenings will take place in Hollywood CA (Los Angeles).

Awards & Prizes

Best Narrative Short, Best Documentary Short ,Best Animated Short, Best Experimental Short, Best Student Short, Best Foreign Short, Best Music Video, Best Commercial, Best Script, Honorable Mention

Rules & Terms

The California International Shorts Festival is hereby granted the right to utilize an excerpt from any film submitted and accepted for exhibition at the Festival for promotional purposes. 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 Competition reserves the right to refuse entries. The undersigned shall indemnify and hold harmless The California International Shorts Festival 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.

CISF General Rules
The entry fee is per category.
Label DVD with the FilmFreeway Tracking ID, Film Title and Contact Info.
Submissions that are in any language other than English must be subtitled or dubbed.
Entries will not be returned.

42 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Peter Herlan

    I am truly honored and humbled that the California International Shorts Festival selected Crooked as Best Short Script. CISF lives up to its mission of encouraging and championing independent filmmakers and writers, and it is clear how much care and passion goes into creating a platform that values storytelling at every stage of the process.

    From the programming to the spirit of community, CISF celebrates the hard work of emerging and unsung creatives in a meaningful way. Being recognized alongside so many dedicated artists, and within a festival that prioritizes connection, creativity, and craft, makes this award especially meaningful.

    Thank you to the CISF team for believing in bold, character-driven stories and for fostering an environment where writers feel seen and supported.

    December 2025
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  • Samuel García

    I found the 2025 fall instalment of this festival to be lackluster to say the least. There seems to be no social media presence outside of their website so there was absolutely no promotion done for the event. I found myself in a completely empty theater room as the sole attendant to the screening. Furthermore, I did not recieve any sort of certification despite my entry being named a winner in the festival website.

    October 2025
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  • Scavengers The Film

    We were unable to attend the festival in-person but the team behind this festival was very respondent and kind! Would love to go in-person some day.

    September 2024
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  • Christine Longoria

    Thanks so much for awarding my short script, Baby Mine, with an Honorable Mention. I very much appreciate receiving this recognition and can't wait to receive my certificate! I wish you all the best as you prepare for the festival and wish I weren't already otherwise engaged. It would have been lovely to attend the CISF and meet you all as well as the other artists selected.

    September 2024
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  • Jay Sung

    Excellence is probably an understatement. This film festival was one of the best coordinated, carefully organized festivals. I was pleasantly surprised by how much details they put into it. It's also a perfect opportunity to network and speak about the film. Thank you for recognizing my film "Do You Remember Dad?" Your support will become a huge help for future projects.

    March 2024
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