Each October we are thrilled to present a brilliant showcase of World Class Short Films, here in the heart of Silicon Valley. Our next event will be our 16th year and we can’t wait to have you join us.

The San Jose International Short Film Festival is looking for exceptional short films that deliver something special, short films from every possible genre, films that speak from the heart and reveal stories that are new, fresh and told from the unique POV of our amazing filmmakers.

We strive to create a memorable experience for all attendees, but we must admit that our focus is and will always remain with the talented filmmakers that join us each year.

“My experience with SJISFF has been nothing short of amazing. From the moment our film was accepted, to attending the live screening in San Jose, the team behind the festival has been incredibly communicative and extremely welcoming. I am looking forward to submitting future films to SJISFF!” - Mike Peng

All our films are presented via DCP, which enables us to offer state of the art 4K projection and up to 5.1 surround sounds channels.

“Attending this festival was one of the most rewarding moments during the creation and screening of our short, The Trunk. One of the reason’s for this was the insanely high quality of films shown. I’ve never been more excited to watch block after block of short films! The comfy seats and beautiful theater definitely help as well! Having our film included in such rarified company was an honor. Along with the shorts the festival itself is an amazing time with great events, communication, and hosts. I’d STRONGLY suggest submitting your short to this festival!” - Logan Boettcher

Our audiences are thrilled with the programming, but we get that feedback from our filmmakers as well, plus there is something special with back to back sold out screenings (which is great for our Q&A session after each screening).

“My film has gotten into 35 festivals and this festival is in the top 3! The caliber of films is very high, and it is very well attended by both filmmakers and community locals (many screenings were completely full!). The festival is in a real theater (super comfy reclining seats!), with a great sound system. It has great networking events for filmmakers (wine tasting, karaoke night, etc), and a filmmaker lounge. The festival directors and volunteers do an incredible job at making the weekend memorable.” - Regina Pigsley

Our goal is to bring in close to 140 short films in 2024 (from 60 seconds to 40mins in length) - we hope you choose to submit to our festival and help us deliver our best year yet.

“This is truly one of the most amazing festivals I've been with. A great selection of films, categorized in originally and creatively titled and organized screening blocks, a superb cinema, great networking events, amazing organizers and some fantastic catering. Thank you Bill and Sinohui for this amazing event. This is a must go-to if you are selected. It's that amazing. You'll have more fun and see more amazing movies than you can imagine.” - Perry de Loor

Awards & Prizes

Awards include:
Best Short Film
Best Drama
Best Comedy
Best Sci-fi
Best Animation
Best Documentary
Best Family
Audience Awards Winner

Rules & Terms

All films must be a minimum of one minute and no longer than 40 minutes, including credits and may cover any genre (note: always looking for more films under 5 min in length). Rough cuts and work-in-progress prints are acceptable as long as the final (completed) film can be delivered prior to June 2024.

Our preferred method for submissions is via online screener, digital streaming via private link or password protected via Vimeo or similar sites. We prefer films that have not been widely distributed online.

Final screenings will be via DCP (Digital Cinema Package), please provide a DCP or we can have your film converted to DCP for a nominal fee. Sources can be high resolution DNxHD, ProRes, DPX or other professional formats. We also require Quicktime or MP4 version of the film in no less that 1080p upon acceptance.

All submission applications, disposable media and press kits submitted become property of EAP Creative, Emerging Artist Productions & the San Jose International Short Film Festival and will not be returned.

Upon acceptance, the San Jose 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 San Jose International Short Film Festival, Emerging Artist Productions, EAP Creative, 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.

In addition, said films may also be used in Road Show or Showcase exhibitions or other events and venues associated with SJSFF including the Yountville International Short Film Festival and other Best Of screening events.
81 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Elizabeth Bourgeois

    What a fantastic event! Thank you to the Bill, Sinohui, and the entire SJIFF team for including our short film "The Concert" in the 2023 festival! What a gift to experience in a fully engaged and sold out house. The SJIFF organizers are super communicative and supportive. The venue and location are great. Their audience size is remarkable. The films they curate are top tier. Their programming champions diverse and original stories, and they go out of their way to celebrate filmmakers. The festival offered valuable networking events and fostered creative conversations. Great experience all around. Highly recommend!

    March 2024
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  • Brianna Schatt

    SJISFF was a spectacular experience -- Bill, Sinohui and their team put together a beautifully organized and captivating weekend, full of great screenings, networking events, and award-winning filmmakers. Location was 11/10, being right on Santana Row. Looking forward to submitting more projects to SJISFF and highly recommend it every filmmaker!!

    February 2024
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  • Julann Warren

    Really strong festival with great films. The networking events are nice and the venue is amazing. Recommend!

    January 2024
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  • Hugo M. Sousa

    Really good festival, perfect for networking!

    November 2023
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  • Tamara Rosenfeld

    Fantastic experience at SJISFF! The people who run the festival were great and the screening where my short was shown was packed. It was so fun to watch the film with a packed audience. Thank you SJISFF.

    November 2023
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