"The Super Bowl of Houston Short Film...." - Critics

We're a vibrant film festival that showcases independent storytelling, fosters industry collaboration, and celebrates emerging talent.

Our mission is to Elevate Houston film alongside national and international filmmakers
Our vision is to Establish Houston as the #1 destination to discover talent and produce stories in the world.

Get ready for year 3 of Houston's Short Short Short Film Festival (HS3FF)!

We're open to all filmmakers in HOUSTON and across North America (e.g., Mexico, United States & Canada).

We are also accepting international submissions to recognize international filmmakers in South America (e.g., Mexico, Brazil) and beyond (e.g., UK).

HS3FF provides a unique opportunity for filmmakers to showcase their work to a wider audience and network with other industry professionals and creatives.

The best selected short movies will be awarded prizes. Hallmark traits of the best shorts are they have an engaging storyline, strong characters, and demonstrate technical proficiency especially when it comes to cinematography, score, and story development.

We aim to celebrate the art of short filmmaking and provide a platform for talented filmmakers to share their work with a wider audience.

Submit your film to be considered!

Awards & Prizes

⭐️ Best Plot & Narrative
⭐️ Best Drama & Acting
⭐️ Best Cinematography
⭐️ Best Experimental Short
⭐️ Best Short Short
⭐️ Best Sci-Fi Short
⭐️ Best Action Short
⭐️ Best Short Doc
⭐️ Best Score & Soundtrack
⭐️ Best Multicultural Short
⭐️ Best Social Impact Short
⭐️ Best Leading Actor
⭐️ Best Leading Actress
⭐️ 🎥💰 Best Short gains opportunity to receive undisclosed investment amount to turn short into a feature length series and Pre-to-Post Production guidance by Guidehouse Production Studios

Rules & Terms

I. Film must be between 90 secs or 30 minutes. The sweet spot for a short is usually between 12-15 mins. Your short film will be disqualified from selection if beyond 30 minutes.

II. All films submitted must be of high quality, color-graded, properly subtitled, dubbed, and able to be shown on the big screen with no blue light effect or a warning of pulsing light if present in the short film.

III. All submitted shorts (North American & International) must include English subtitles/captions.

IV. Early bird deadline is October January. Only 21 of the best shorts will be picked and be in contention for awards.

V. Film must be in the action, documentary, drama, or sci-fi genre.

VI. By submitting your short film, you authorize HS3FF to use, distribute and share the film poster, trailer, synopsis and movie stills our social media and affiliate communities.

VII. There will be no refunds
4 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Tori Mosser

    I was incredibly honored to have been a part of this festival and win awards. They have incredible hospitality and kindness and I have never felt so special at a film festival. I had such a wonderful time and cannot wait to attend next year.

    October 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Tori, having you at our festival for year 2 is truly our pleasure. You now make up our illustrious group of award-winning filmmakers and star members. Thank you for pouring into our community. We can't wait to see where you go. You're a rising star.

  • Krishna Lyles

    I am so grateful to say that I the project Love +Hate Won Best Best Short at this years inaugural installment. Tim was so kind and communicated the entire time up to the festival. The festival was extremely warm, welcoming and accommodating. My team and I are over the moon excited for the next installment!

    August 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Dear Krishna, Congrats on winning "Best Short" for Year 1! Well deserved! "Love + Hate" was a festival darling and favorite of our judging committee. We can't wait to see what you create next!

  • Brenda Jacoby

    I was very pleased to win the best short documentary, Ukraine's Daughter - Justyna Uschak, at the launch of HS3FF. The staff was exceptional. The other filmmakers were incredibly gracious, and the audience was attentive and generous. I can't wait to see the 2024 films.

    July 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Dear Brenda, we're so grateful to have had you as one of our official selections and award winners. Thank you so much for making our 1st year a moment to remember! ❤️

  • Serkan Aktaş

    I was honored to participate in this year's Houston Short Short Short Film Festival with The Librarian Short film! - 😃😃😃🙏🙏🙏👏👏👏

    July 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Dear Serkan, you film, The Librarian, was a hit with our judging committee! Thank you for participating in our first year! You rock!