In year 6 in Asbury Park, NJ it is us the "Hang on to Your Shorts" Film Festival. We are going to be back for a sixth season and this coming year 2019 we hope to be much bigger and better. The first season turned out to be a huge success with so many great films entered and shown in Asbury Park, NJ.
There have been festivals in the area in the past that have closed down or moved away. There are many other film festivals in the state of New Jersey but they are not close to the shore area in Central New Jersey. There have been past festivals that focuses mostly on feature films but what about that filmmaker who hasn't been able to make one yet. The artist who created a short film but is unable to show it or showcase their work. This is where we come in to the picture. We encourage the filmmakers who have short films of any length from 1 minute all the way up to 40 minute shorts to enter our festival.

(We have low entry fees so it could be affordable. We need to raise money for the festival so as a festival we can not waive any entry fees, so please do not ask, thank you.)

Awards & Prizes

We have over 28 awards for short films, all different categories and special guests.

Rules & Terms

The entry fee is per category. We only need 1 DVD, WE NOW PREFER ONLINE SUBMISSIONS ONLY! But...
Label DVD with the FilmFreeway Tracking ID, Film Title and Contact Info.
Submissions that are in any language other than English must be subtitled or dubbed.
Entries will not be returned.
If sending a check make checks payable to "Jersey Shore Shorts Film Festival"
We would prefer an online screener of the short film.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS
The entry fee is per category. 1 DVD Label DVD with the FilmFreeway Tracking ID, Film Title and Contact Info. Submissions that are in any language other than English must be subtitled or dubbed. Entries will not be returned.
37 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Jack Mulcahy

    Amazing! For the second year in a row at HOTYS FF, I was honored with a nomination for Best Actor; and for the second year in a row ... I was honored AND humbled with a win. With all the incredibly honest and nuanced performances I can only consider myself blessed. Thank you, Cj and your entire staff for making all of the filmmakers feel that their work has value ~ because it does. Nothing better than having our work, our art, seen. And as I said during my rambling acceptance speech: you all inspire me, constantly; and I will try to do even better next time. Don't ever quit; not before the miracle!

    May 2018
    Helpful
  • Lydia Fiore

    I wanted to thank CJ and the Hang Onto Your Shorts Team for hosting a great festival. They are lovers of films and filmmakers and provide a wonderful atmosphere to showcase your work.

    May 2018
    Helpful
  • Andrew de Burgh

    Amazing! Thanks for showing my film!

    May 2018
    Helpful
  • Jason Robbins

    "Hang on to Your Shorts!" was a fantastic festival. Will be submitting another film again in the near future! Staff was welcoming and hospitable, & the festival and award ceremony were well worth the trip!

    May 2018
    Helpful
  • Brett Eidman

    It was great being back at the Hang Onto Your Shorts Film Festival. I've said it before, this is one of the best film festivals around. Asbury Park is beautiful and all of the screenings were well attended. Our short, Taken In The Night was perfectly placed in a killer block of films. The only complaint I have is, it's too short and time went too fast. Thank you to Chris and Crew for everything. Hope to be with you again next year.

    April 2018
    Helpful