The 19th annual SF Shorts is embracing the virtual future, showing our elite films exclusively and broadly online in a manner that supports each film’s individual path of exposure.

Fueled by a focus on presenting artful stories, SF Shorts selects solely from its pool of submitted entries. Unlike most festivals, all SF Shorts entries are individually watched by a festival director responsible for programming. SF Shorts does not use screeners. A curating director of the festival will watch every single entry, so you can be assured that your film is fully considered.

Each selected film that is screened with us will receive its own webpage on our site, with a custom review quote in our film magazine, F3 ; plus opportunities for expanded coverage of their film’s process and subject. All films selected for the festival are automatically eligible for a variety of honors and prizes.

We are here to support each film individually within its own circuit schedule, and to provide the credential of our long-running reputation. SF Shorts explores a wide mix of genres and cultures without circumscribing them into niches. We accept all types of short films, which for us includes music videos. Our festival prides itself on its range. It's our mission to present the widest possible scope of content. Go to our website, sfshorts.com, to view the 2022 season’s diverse range of films, many of which continue to screen there.

We will no longer claim a premiere status for a film, and we work with each selected film individually to target its screenings and promotion. In addition to the opportunity to screen during our traditional festival weekend online, we can tailor an alternate screening schedule based on your film’s needs; for example, delaying to when it will give you the most impact. Films can choose when they will screen with us, for how long, and with what restrictions in regard to embedded vs. hosted geo-blocking/fencing.

The 18th annual San Francisco International Festival of Short Films (SF Shorts) will push forward dynamic films that fill audiences with thought-provoking wonder. SF Weekly praised SF Shorts for its "concentrated inspiration, breathtaking craft, and unabashed entertainment value."

Multiple Jury Prizes will be given, with a total $2,000 awarded. Honors vary by year; see our website.

NOTIFICATION DATE
Approximately August 7, 2024

RUNTIME
Shorts: maximum 30 minutes

GENRES ACCEPTED
All genres accepted including Narrative, Documentary, Animation, Experimental, Dance, and Music Video

COMPLETION DATE
No requirement for completed by date

PLACE OF ORIGIN
Projects may originate from anywhere in the world

PREMIERE STATUS
No premiere requirement

DISTRIBUTION STATUS
Projects may have distribution

ADDITIONAL RULES AND TERMS

Please ensure if you are submitting a film that contains copyrighted material by anyone other than yourself, that you have obtained festival clearance for that material used. By entering your work, you agree to this and all the responsibilities involved.

Films screened in the festival should be presented in English. For all dialogues presented in other languages, the festival will accept subtitling and/or dubbing.

All films selected for the festival are automatically entered into competition for a variety of honors and prizes.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Eva Colmers

    So proud to have our innovative shortfilm 2.57K be part of SF Shorts - a festival that truly celebrates art, experimentation and creativity. Loved the fact that there is a magazine component. Thank you for the write up and for the excellent screening program.

    October 2023
  • Dorothea Braemer

    A festival that understands and values filmmakers!

    October 2023
  • Hayato NOVE

    SFshorts is a special film festival.
    I think it's an original film festival that has been selected with a wide range of perspectives and creative perspectives that other film festivals don't have.
    I felt that this film festival is very trustworthy because of the reliable selection of films and the kindness of the festival director.

    October 2022
  • Anna Soliman

    Worth the entry fee! Good communication. Very hospitable. Great experience overall!

    October 2022
  • Ryan Matthew Walker

    Honoured to have my film Solitaire selected. Communication was excellent, as was the festival. Thank you SF Shorts!

    October 2021