Melrose Hill Short Film Festival

Melrose Hill Short Film Festival
Location: 4304 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles
Date: July 26th, 2026

The Melrose Hill Short Film Festival is dedicated to creating an enriching festival experience that goes beyond mere submission. Our mission is to empower artists to transcend their own limitations and gain insights into how their art resonates within the industry and with the audience. We aim to provide participants with valuable feedback, ensuring they receive unbiased, constructive opinions on their work, regardless of selection outcomes.

Our festival is designed as a platform where emerging filmmakers can truly flourish. We believe in fostering a supportive community where artists can network, share ideas, and grow.

Meet our Judges:
Steven Helgoth – Director, Producer, Casting Director
Steven Helgoth's multifaceted career encompasses acting, directing, and casting. He began as an actor, studying under luminaries such as Uta Hagen, Geraldine Page, and Sandy Dennis. Transitioning to directing, he led over 150 off off-Broadway productions in New York City. In 1998, he founded Helgoth and Associates Casting, achieving acclaim with "West Bank Story," which won the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film in 2007. As co-founder of Cinekat Filmworks, Steven has directed award-winning films like "Hesperia," and "Say Goodbye to Hollywood." His upcoming projects, including "Alien Vacation" and "Shadow Watchers," continue to showcase his dedication to compelling storytelling.

Frayne Rosanoff – Producer, Executive Producer
Frayne Rosanoff brings a rich background in acting and producing to the festival. After studying in Pittsburgh, he moved to New York City, performing in off off-Broadway productions such as "True West" and "Brilliant Traces." Partnering with Steven Helgoth, Frayne co-founded Cinekat Filmworks, producing films like "Hesperia," and "Say Goodbye to Hollywood." His hands-on approach has taken him across the U.S., overseeing shoots from Red Rock to Key Largo. Currently, he's in post-production on "Alien Vacation" and "Shadow Watchers," continuing his commitment to bringing unique stories to the screen.

Mark Tillman, CSA – Casting Director
Mark Tillman is a veteran casting director with over 25 years of experience in film and television. A member of the Casting Society of America, his credits include TV series like "The Andy Dick Show," "Undressed," and "MacGyver," as well as films such as "Stephen King's IT" and "The Prophecy II & III." Mark has been instrumental in launching the careers of actors like Brittany Murphy, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Hilary Swank. His keen eye for talent and dedication to the craft make him a valuable asset to the festival's judging panel.

Oleksandr Zemlyanyy - Cinematographer
A cinematographer who has lensed eight feature films and is a member of the European Film Academy and the Society of Camera Operators (SOC). His work spans drama, historical epics, and war films, and he is known for his strong visual storytelling and emotionally driven imagery. In 2024, Zemlyanyy shot his first American feature, Bonding, starring Jefferson White, Gloria Reuben, and Tate Donovan. His acclaimed war drama Mother of the Apostles has received over 70 international awards, earning global recognition for its powerful portrayal of the human impact of war. He is now continuing his career in the U.S., focusing on narrative features, music videos, and visually ambitious independent projects.