The founders of Rock the Shorts Film Festival in Los Angeles are both filmmakers and huge fans of short films. Short films can pack an emotional punch and take us on a spectacular ride in as little as two minutes. The creators of such entertainment deserve recognition and encouragement. To demonstrate this commitment, we will present an "Theatrical Qualifying Run" for a minimum of two short films from our 2026 winners for academy nomination consideration.

Being named an "Official Selection" at a well-organized film festival is a truly gratifying experience, and that is exactly the environment we strive to provide for you.

Our goal is to inspire you to continue your journey—to keep writing, directing, producing, acting, and sharing your unique stories. Short films truly rock, and we are honored to celebrate your work.

AWARDS:
Jury Award
Audience Award in all film blocks
Best Actress
Best Actor
Best Animation Short Film
Best Comedy Short Film
Best Documentary Short Subject
Best Drama Short Film
Best Ensemble Cast
Best International Short Film
Best Thriller/Horror Short Film
Best Student Short Film

Only shorts with a TRT of 40 minutes or LESS are eligible for submission. Live Action, Animation, Documentary Short Subject, Drama and Comedy. There will be four to six 60-90 minute film blocks (depending on the venue) with a Q&A with the filmmakers to follow. Each category will have an award winner and the Jury Award winner will be announced at the close of the festival.

We appreciate and respect the hard work you put into your film. We won't skim over it as many larger festivals will do with thousands of submissions waiting to be viewed. We look forward to watching each and every film and we wish you good luck!

ONLY ONLINE SCREENERS THROUGH FilmFreeway WILL BE ACCEPTED. PLEASE DO NOT SEND SCREENERS IN THE MAIL.

Exhibition materials:
Will only be returned upon request and at the expense of the filmmaker.
Arrangements with self-address, pre-paid envelopes must be made PRIOR to the festival. Posters and Collateral must be picked up by the close of the festival.
Exhibition Formats: DCP or special high resolution export to match Theatre specs.

By agreeing to the terms and conditions on the entry form for Rock the Shorts Film Festival, the person or entity (the Applicant) submitting an entry (the Short) to Rock the Shorts Film Festival (RTS) acknowledges that s/he has read, understood and agrees to the following rules and guidelines:

1. The Applicant is legally authorized to enter the Short in RTS, and the Short is not subject to any claims or litigation and is not threatened by any claims or litigation.

2. Entries must be 30 minutes or under in length and submitted in one of the following categories: Animation, Comedy, Documentary, Drama or Thriller/Horror..

3. Non-English language shorts must be subtitled in English.

4. RTS can only accept, consider and notify entries submitted with valid entry form and non-refundable entry fee. To be considered for RTS, the Applicant must fill out the entry form on FilmFreeway. Applicant must submit a Secure Online Screener. Entry Fee payment must be made online through FilmFreeway.

5. Late Entries: For Late entry waiver requests please contact RTS at rocktheshortsfilmfestival@gmail.com.

6. To verify RTS has received your entry, we advise that you check the FilmFreeway status before emailing us with further questions.

7. All films will be notified of their status by mid to late June. If your contact information or premiere status changes between entry submission and our notification date, please update your information on FilmFreeway and email any changes.

8. It is the sole responsibility of the Applicant to secure clearance from the copyright holders of any copyrighted materials in the Short. The Applicant releases and discharges RTS, its employees and agents from any and all claims, demands or causes of actions related to misappropriation or infringement of copyright or violation of any other right arising out of or relating to this Short.

9. In the event that the Short is accepted as a Finalist by RTS, the Applicant hereby agrees to the following rights and requests and grants to RTS without reservations, conditions or qualifications:

10. RTS reserves the right to screen an exhibition-quality digital file of the Short (see guidelines for accepted formats).

11. RTS reserves the right to use excerpted clips, still images and/or titles, and information from or relating to the Short for promotional purposes in all media including Rock the Shorts Film Festival website.

12. RTS reserves the right to issue and authorize publicity concerning the filmmakers and the Short and to use all associated names, likenesses and biographical information.

13. RTS reserves the right to provide contact information for the director and producer(s) of the Short and to grant RTS the right to provide this information to film industry organizations sponsoring Festival events at its discretion.

14. RTS reserves the right to pull a film from the screening if a representative of the film cannot attend the Q&A. We put a great deal of effort into our Q&A's, such as seating (director's chairs), mics and picture opportunities.

15. RTS reserves the right to disqualify, without refund of any or all submission fees, any entry which is in violation of the guidelines and participation agreement.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Danicah Waldo

    Rock the Shorts is hands down one of the most amazing festivals out there. From the moment we were accepted, the team, especially Roxanne, made us feel genuinely welcomed and valued. The festival itself was a wonderful, beautifully curated experience in L.A. We made amazing connections, they threw awesome events and made us feel like royalty. Roxanne is absolutely amazing and her warmth and dedication to filmmakers is rare. If you're looking for a festival that truly champions you, your work, and your future as a creative, you have to submit!

    May 2026
  • Cindy Lee

    Our filmmaking team has such fond memories of the Rock the Shorts Film Festival LA experience from start to finish. The communication was incredibly welcoming, warm, and enthusiastic. The Whisky Hotel rooftop mixer was such fun and a lovely chance to meet the other filmmakers. We were so proud to screen DnhMuzic: My Music, My Journey among such high caliber films and stories. Festival director, Roxanne Marciniak, curated a program reflecting her humanity and that of the filmmakers, their creative passions, and stellar talents. We were overwhelmed and honored to be awarded Best Documentary Short. Rock the Shorts was a remarkable filmmaking community embrace we will not soon forget. Thank you.

    December 2025
  • Such a great festival! Roxanne and Joseph were great at putting this festival together. Festival was top notch and lots of networking with other filmmakers. Highly recommend submitting and attending Rock The Shorts Film Festival

    September 2025
    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much Tejal! We were so happy to meet you. Thank you for flying in to celebrate with us and congratulations on your wonderful film COWBOYS AND HINDUS.

  • Vivian K

    What a lovely gem of a festival! LA festivals can be hit or miss, but Roxanne has done a terrific job with this one. The Opening Night networking event at the Whisky Hotel was beautiful, and allowed so many of the filmmakers to connect. I also really liked how the film took place over one long day at the very nice Glendale LOOK Cinema, playing on DCP. I don't think I've been to an LA fest that fostered such camaraderie in such a short time! The awards were lovely, thank you for honoring JULIAN with Best Ensemble Cast! Roxanne is so warm and you can tell she is passionately supportive of independent film. I look forward to submitting future work!!

    September 2025
    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much Vivian, we appreciate your review. We loved your film JULIAN. Thank you for celebrating with us! It was lovely to meet you.

  • Barrington Smith

    Loved Rock the Shorts. The communication was clear and informative, but also personal and friendly. The filmmaker mixer had the perfect amount of rooftop glamour mixed with a casual "all styles welcome" vibe. It was a great venue for meeting other filmmakers before the screenings the following day. The screening day was also great and Roxanne was a great MC / host/ organizer. I will submit my next film here for sure. Thanks to the Rock the Shorts team (from the "Bunny" team)!

    September 2025
    Response from festival:

    Thank you Barrington and the BUNNY team! We really appreciate your review. Thank you for submitting BUNNY. It’s SO well done. We wish you continued success on during your festival run!