🍊 About the Festival

The Citrus Circuit Film Festival celebrates bold, independent short films from around the world — from daring narratives to inventive genre pieces and powerful documentaries. We love films that push storytelling forward, surprise audiences, and spark conversation.

Each year we bring a carefully curated selection of shorts to O Cinema South Beach — a respected venue in Miami Beach’s vibrant art community — with live audiences who show up, engage, and celebrate independent filmmaking.

🎟️ Why submit?

• Real theatrical audience — not virtual views; real people, real reactions
• Sold-out screenings — filmmakers report packed rooms and strong engagement
• Filmmaker visibility — meet peers, network, and build your festival resume
• Framed awards — recognition you can be proud of
• $500 Citrus Choice Award — for our best overall short of the year

🎥 The Festival Experience

The Citrus Circuit Film Festival brings films to life in a communal, celebratory setting where filmmakers and fans gather to watch, discuss, and appreciate short films together.

🔎 Who We’re Looking For

We welcome short films in all genres that:
✔️ Have strong storytelling or original vision
✔️ Are character-driven, cinematic, or emotionally impactful
✔️ Showcase creativity, craft, or bold expression

Film Types:
• Narrative Shorts
• Documentary Shorts
• Comedy & Drama
• Animation
• Thriller, Horror, Sci-Fi
• Student Films
• Experimental / Art Films

Awards & Prizes

All seasonal winners will be considered for entry into our annual in-person event. Winners receive professionally framed certificates, and our top honoree — the Citrus Choice Award — receives a $500 prize.

*** DISCLAIMER***
All Fall 2025, Winter 2026, and Spring 2026 winners will be eligible for the 2026 annual event.

Rules & Terms

Before submitting, please note:

• Maximum runtime: 20 minutes
• Films must be in English or have English subtitles
• Films must be completed in 2024 or later
• Submission gives the festival the right to screen your film or a reel at the Citrus Circuit Film Festival(s)
• Final selections are determined by an impartial panel of experienced filmmakers and judge
• We retain the right to change the festival date and venue under extraneous circumstances such as COVID-related closures or potential conflict with the venue availability.

10 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • PAOLINA WEBER

    I’m so grateful to Jonathan, Ethan, and Lisa for their incredible warmth and support throughout the festival. It was an honor to be recognized and to share space with such talented filmmakers. The programming was thoughtful, the communication was kind, and the community they’ve built is truly special.

    September 2025
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  • Wang Lau

    Thank you for your excellent Festival give me the precious opportunity to my Film <Until the end of time > , from your film festival, I have found kindness, encouragement, efficient work , artistic appreciation , enthusiasm... that gave me a lot of gains.

    April 2024
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  • Javier Santiago

    For us it is a very special achievement in our lives. It represents a lot of sacrifice, effort and love for the film industry.
    Also, thank you for your management with this beautiful industry. Festivals like yours are what make the dreams of filmmakers like us come true.

    April 2024
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  • David Luck

    Five Stars across the board! The CCFF Team was excellent. The cast and crew from 'Death by King Cake' are thrilled to have received Best Comedy!!

    January 2024
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  • Erik Sémashkin

    Thank you for selecting NATURE ATTACK, very good festival!

    November 2023
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