The 6th Indie Shorts Mag Short Film Festival: A Celebration of Pure Cinema

The wait is over. We are proud to announce the call for submissions for the 6th Annual Indie Shorts Mag Short Film Festival. We invite you to join us as we embark on a fresh search for the most electrifying and undiscovered filmmakers from around the globe. Our festival has firmly established itself as a home for the independent spirit, championing the visionaries who dare to see the world differently. We remain dedicated to our core mission: propelling emerging talent to the forefront and sharing their powerful narratives with a diverse and growing audience.

Is Your Story Ready to Be Told? Are you a creator driven by passion? A filmmaker whose work defies the status quo? This is your invitation to present your masterpiece. We are looking for unique voices and perspectives that challenge boundaries. We are eager to witness the groundbreaking work you have created. Together, let's continue to elevate the art of the short film.

A Legacy of Storytelling Since our inception in 2015, our journey has been defined by growth and connection. Over the last decade, we have cultivated meaningful partnerships, nurtured talent at every stage of their careers, and engaged with industry leaders to explore the essence of the craft. The unwavering support of the filmmaking community has been our driving force, strengthening our resolve and deepening the bond we share with cinema enthusiasts worldwide.

The Next Chapter: Building on the momentum of our first decade and the rich legacy of our previous editions, the Indie Shorts Mag Short Film Festival continues to serve as a hub of innovation. Our festival has grown from a brief showcase into a comprehensive, multi-day celebration of cinematic artistry, featuring an eclectic mix of fiction, documentary, and animation. It remains a space where attendees, critics, and professionals come together to discover hidden gems and engage in the conversations that matter.

For the 6th edition, we invite you to be part of an immersive festival experience. We are curating a program designed to inspire and connect, featuring masterclasses with renowned filmmakers, interactive sessions, and opportunities for industry engagement. Our Mentorship Program returns this year, continuing to pair selected filmmakers with seasoned veterans for guidance and collaboration.

Thank you for seeing the Indie Shorts Mag Short Film Festival as the right home for your creative endeavors. Let's make 2026 a year of exceptional storytelling and cinematic excellence.

"Shape the future of short film with us. Your story could be the one that resonates."

Awards & Prizes

Best Short Film
Best Documentary
Best Direction
Best Editing
Best Cinematography
Best Music
Best Screenplay
Best AI Generated Film
Best Poster
Audience Choice Awards - Most Voted Short Film
Audience Choice Awards - Most Voted AI Generated Film

Rules & Terms

At Indie Shorts Mag, we are a team of dedicated cinema enthusiasts committed to fueling filmmakers' journeys. Our goal is to meticulously curate a selection of films that truly deserve to be celebrated, promoted, and introduced to a wider audience.

Selection Criteria:

Our evaluation process is anchored by two fundamental pillars: Narrative and Directorial Vision.

We believe that the power of a film lies in the execution. A modest premise can be transformed into a masterpiece through skillful storytelling, just as a grand concept relies on precise direction to succeed. Consequently, our selection is not influenced by the project's runtime or the plot's complexity. Instead, we look for the seamless alchemy between the written word and the visual translation. It is the harmony between the story and the direction that captures our attention.
36 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
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Networking
  • Mehran Ranjbar

    I just wanted to express how exciting and engaging the online screening of the films was — especially watching my own work among such a wonderful lineup. It was a unique and memorable experience, and I truly appreciate the opportunity to be part of your festival in this way.

    July 2025
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  • Shelby Smith

    So grateful for this festival! Great communication and lineup. I was invited to submit after receiving a thoughtful review for my film (my very first) and ended up winning Best Documentary. Their authenticity and passion for indie filmmaking really shines through. Thank you for the wonderful experience!

    July 2025
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  • Amir Zargara

    Thanks for having us :)

    July 2025
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  • Sarina Film Productions

    A truly wonderful festival—highly professional and an absolute pleasure to be part of.

    July 2025
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  • Leonidas Goudelis

    Excellent Festival. Had the honor to have been awarded the Audience Choice Award of 2024 for my short A.I. Film titled "Requiem Zone". A big Thank you to the ISMSFF organizers for the impeccable arrangement of the festival and another big Thank you for the opportunity you gave me to be able to sign up with my A.I. short film and express as an artist and as a Phd student. Also, congratulations to everyone for having such a great variety of quality short films and for participating. Everyone was awesome.

    July 2024
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