Austin Shortsfest is an independent short film festival in Austin, Texas. The second annual event takes place August 15 - 16, 2026 at Eastside Cinema!

We are looking for short films with a clear point of view. Narrative, documentary, experimental, comedy, horror, animation, and work that does not fit cleanly into a category are welcome. If it runs under 30 minutes and feels intentional, we want to watch it.

Our programming is curated. Films are grouped into focused blocks so each screening has a rhythm and a point. Every selected film screens. Audiences stay, watch, and react. The room is full of people who care about short films and pay attention.

Q&A moments are built into the schedule and kept relaxed. Filmmakers get time to talk about how the work was made and what they learned. The conversations are concrete, not promotional, and often lead to new connections.

Fees are kept reasonable. Communication is clear. Every submission is watched from beginning to end. We keep the process simple because we have been on the other side and know what filmmakers need from a festival.

If you have a short film that is ready for an engaged audience, Austin Shortsfest is a solid place to screen it.

Awards & Prizes

Awards will be given in multiple categories, including
Best Short Film
Best Director
Best Local Short
Audience Choice
Best International Film
and more
Winners will receive a custom crystal trophy to celebrate their achievement.

Rules & Terms

Films must be 30 minutes or less, including credits.

Films must be in English or have English subtitles.

Works-in-progress are accepted if they will be completed before the festival.

Multiple entries are allowed, but each must be submitted separately.

Premiere Status
There are no premiere requirements, but Austin premieres are encouraged.

Exhibition Format
If selected, films must be delivered as a high-quality digital file

Notification
Selected filmmakers will be notified via FilmFreeway. Please respond promptly.

5 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Sameer Butt

    Amazing festival. Josiah is super cool and runs an amazing festival. Our entire team had a great time. Our film, Finding Comfort won best short film.

    May 2026
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  • ForcedPartyFilms Production

    We were honored to be in this festival! Even though we weren't Able to be there, the communication was done so well that we felt the love from afar! Thank you for having our short film, Nan!

    August 2025
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  • Chase Frank

    We had a great time mixing with some incredible filmmakers, actors and creators from around the country. We feel lucky to have been included in this spicy curation of films. Each block flowed really well and the Q&As were really fun & interesting.

    Thank you so much to Josiah & Lauren for their work at making our very first festival submission truly inspired. Thank you for including our music/animation/short - we feel honored we were the only music video selected, and the REEL HILARIOUS block was a riot! Shout out to SWOL & MAMMY's MONEY, too.

    Chase Frank (HYSTERICO) animated by Amitai Plasse, Austin, TX

    August 2025
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    Response from festival:

    Hi Chase,

    Thank you so much for your comments and your strong support Chase, we cannot tell you how honored we were to feature your animated music video. It was a natural fit that gave us a chance to promote both local filmmakers and a local band at the same time! We look forward to a continued collaborative relationship and showcasing talented independent artists like yourself is exactly the reason that our festivals exist!

  • David F Mewa

    It was an honor to be included in the inaugural year of this festival. I was unable to attend but I can attest to it's great leadership and solid organization throughout the process. Small but mighty. Can't wait to see what this festival can grow into by attracting more great films.

    August 2025
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you very much for the kind words David! It was an honor to showcase your work and we appreciate you trusting a first time festival like us. This was only the beginning and we cannot wait to expand our reach and ability to showcase amazing filmmakers such as yourself! We look forward to seeing what you create next

  • Grant Lee Bomar

    We had a great time at the Austin Shortsfest! Josiah was super accommodating and screening American Gothic to a sold-out audience was amazing.

    The Q&As were well moderated and insightful, and the event was smoothly run. Looking forwards to seeing more from Austin Film Series!

    August 2025
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks so much fellas, excited to continue working to amplify your work through our festivals!