For 26 years San Francisco IndieFest has presented the best new independent films from around the world live in theater to thousands of San Francisco film fans and as of a few years ago, we now have an annual program of all short films: short shorts, long shorts, cool shorts, comedy shorts, weird shorts, music shorts, documentary shorts, experimental shorts, genre shorts, student shorts.

Not only do we love shorts programs, but our long standing loyal audience in San Francisco REALLY loves shorts. The shorts programs at SF IndieFest, SF DocFest and Another Hole in the Head are consistently some of our best attended programs so we created a festival to showcase the best short films we can find. AND the best rated film in the festival, as decided by the audience, will win a $500 cash prize.

SF IndieShorts Film Fest is frequently listed in FilmFreeway's Top 100. Please check out our filmmaker reviews!

SF IndieFest is a founding member of the FILM FESTIVAL ALLIANCE.

Comments from attending filmmakers:
"Thanks so much for such a memorable evening of animation at your SF Shorts Fest. It meant so much for my film to premiere in SF, at the Roxie, and in front of such an enthusiastic audience. I won't forget the experience.
Thanks for including me in the program!" -Gus D, 2023

"I wanted to thank you for extending yourself in order to have my short make it to the big screen. Watching it Sunday night was uniquely special. Lex, Minnie and Carl were so welcoming and receptive. You couldn't ask for for better team. Much kudos to you, and all for fostering an exceptional experience." - Paul C, 2023

"Thank you for hosting the SF Indie Shorts! My brother and I had a great time." - Jeff L, 2023

"Thank you so much for the beautiful screening of our film at the Roxie. It was such an honor and a dream come true!" - Jaklyn, 2023

Best US Narrative
Best Foreign Narrative
Best Local Narrative
Best US Documentary
Best Foreign Documentary
Best Local Documentary
Best US Comedy
Best Foreign Comedy
Best Local Comedy
Best US Drama
Best Foreign Drama
Best Local Drama
Best Music Video
Best Dance Film
Best Genre Film
Best Animation
Best Experimental Film
Best Single Take Film
Jury Prize for Best Narrative
Jury Prize for Best Documentary

Any short film under 30 minutes and no more than 18 months old is eligible for consideration.

LEGAL STUFF: Submitters understand that submission of their work authorizes the Festival to use the work for exhibition, education and/or publicity purposes related to the festival; that the Festival will handle the prints and drives with a maximum of care but cannot be held liable for any damage or loss during shipping, preview, or screening; and that the Festival is also not responsible for any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, or royalty infringement related to the work. Submitters may receive future correspondence from the Festival. The festival will never publish your film online under any circumstances.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Jessica Sison

    For 20 years, I’ve attended the various festivals in the SF Indie ecosystem both as a filmmaker and an audience member. Their top-notch, truly independent selections always impress me. Their communication this time was equally impressive. Every time I emailed them, they responded and resolved any issues almost immediately. Amazing!

    Thank you SF Indie Shorts for screening my short experimental dance film, "The Elevator Dance (For Elisa) Remix."

    January 2024
  • Anne Kmetyko

    What an incredible experience !!! It was such an honor to be included in the Festival ! Thank you Jason for the Q&A and for the opportunity to connect with you the other filmmakers! An amazingly run Festival! Genuine and authentic pure Joy! Thank you!

    January 2024
  • Jeff Lorch

    Great indie film festival that champions the heart of what indie is. The little engine that could.

    November 2023
  • We were in the virtual part of this festival. They did an incredible Q&A prior to the festival and gave a chance for filmmakers to network and see each others films. The communication and hospitality were first rate. I wish I could have been in San Francisco for the parties and awards. I highly recommend this wonderful festival!!!!!!! Will submit in the future.

    October 2023
  • Rodrigo Moreno-Fernandez

    Great festival! Great Comunication! We will submit again for sure!

    October 2023