Welcome to the McMinnville Short Film Festival. Short Film. Oregon Wine Country!
Recognized by MovieMaker Magazine in 2023 as one of "20 Great Film Festivals in Vacation Destinations." Located one hour south of Portland, in the heart of (AVA recognized) Oregon wine country, the McMinnville Short Film Festival (MSFF) is a true filmmaker’s film festival. Our team carefully considers every submission and we strive to identify independent voices and original storytellers. Once selected, the films are reviewed by our noteworthy film industry professionals and Academy affiliated judges for category winners and awards.
2025 welcomes our inaugural short screenplay competition! Three finalists will receive script coverage and notes from celebrated screenwriter Jonathan Raymond (First Cow, Showing Up, Old Joy, Mildred Pierce) and the winner will receive a one on one consultation call with Jonathan to discuss the script.
"I've always encouraged filmmakers to make shorts. It's a great way to gain visibility and create a calling card for Hollywood to recognize new talent. It is a pleasure to watch so many high quality shorts at the McMinnville Short Film Festival." -2023 Keynote Speaker and Festival Judge, Peter Billinglsey (Executive Producer, Iron Man, A Christmas Story, Couples Retreat, The Breakup.)
The MSFF hosts a critical component to the Oregon arts community by connecting local filmmakers with their counterparts from around the world, and by providing a venue for culturally diverse screenings, events, and gatherings.
The 2024 MSFF showcased over 102 short films from over 30 countries with 74 Oregon premieres. Highlights included an opening ceremony meet-and-greet held in a charming vineyard barrel room, ongoing filmmaker Q & A's, networking mixers at local tasting rooms, industry focused panels, the featured 'Breakfast with a Filmmaker' and a closing awards dinner celebration.
"Imagine screening your film in a beautiful setting with welcoming audiences who appreciate your work and what it takes to make a film. Imagine networking events where filmmakers truly want to help each other. Imagine world class wine and amazing restaurants. Now imagine yourself here, at the McMinnville Short Film Festival. Come once, and you’ll want to come back every year." - Kelley Baker
Independent Filmmaker & Author (Good Will Hunting, To Die For, My Own Private Idaho, Psycho.)
MSFF organizers cater to filmmakers from the moment a film is submitted to the moment the festival wraps. Experience why New York City based filmmaker, Nancy Nagrant, had this to say, "The McMinnville Short Film Festival stands out for all the right reasons: easy and prompt communication, high-quality programming, a great venue, and plenty of networking events where you can really get to know fellow attendees. The vibes here are fun, warm, and welcoming. You can feel MSFF’s love for film and filmmakers from the first email you receive to the closing night after party. Highly recommended."
All selected films receive:
-Two all access passes which include all filmmaker events and screenings along with discounted lodging to attend the Festival. All of our filmmaker events are fully catered with open wine bar to showcase our AVA and award winning Willamette Valley wines.
In an effort to raise visibility for under represented voices in film we offer the following waivers:
LGBTQ+: Directors identifying as LGBTQ+ please use waiver code LGBTQMAC25 for 25% off submission fee.
BIPOC: Directors identifying as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous of People of Color) please use BIPOCMAC25 for 25% off submission fee.
Yamhill County Filmmakers - please email films@mcminnvillefilmfest.org with proof of county residency to receive a FREE submission waiver
We look forward to watching your work and celebrating independent filmmakers with you! Questions? Email: films@mcminnvillefilmfest.org.
Each Official Selection will receive digital laurels. Each Nominee and Winner will receive additional digital laurels and a certificate and trophy (cash prizes noted below.)
Grand Jury Award - $1000 prize
Best Short Screenplay - One on one consultation with Jonathan Raymond
Best Oregon Filmmaker - $2000 digital camera package courtesy of festival partner KOERNER CAMERA - the Pacific Northwest's premiere digital camera house
Founders Award - $500 Awarded to Outstanding Female Filmmaker
(Director, Writer, DP, Editor, and/or Producer are all eligible)
Will Vinton Award for Best Animated Short Film - $300 prize
Best Environmental Film (Sponsor: Zero Waste McMinnville) - $250 prize
Best Locals Film - Yamhill County Residents only (Sponsor: AAYC) - $250 prize
Best Experimental / A Bit Strange
Best Documentary
Best Drama
Best Comedy
Best Suspense/Horror/Sci-fi
Best Student Film (College)
Shawash Ilihi Award - presented in partnership with The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde for Best Native American Film