The Spo​tlight Film Awards is dedicated to promoting experienced and new filmmakers through a unique and important international film competition. We are searching the globe for the best films on Earth to spotlight and support.

The Spotlight Film Awards values each film based upon its artistic merit alone. Each year, we search the world for some of the most unforgettable films, and we are so honored to present the top independent films of the year. We publicize our award-winning films through various websites, social media posts, press releases, and email campaigns to industry leaders, film festival organizers, and more.
We are dedicated to promoting experienced and new filmmakers through a unique and important international film competition. We are searching the globe for the best films on Earth to spotlight and support.

Our award-winning filmmakers get the recognition they deserve, and can have a better success rate on the sometimes arduous journey through the festival circuit.

Our organization is composed of industry professionals: filmmakers, independent film consultants, film festival organizers, festival programmers and judges who have been in the business nearly 20 years, and share a passion for independent film. Our team has evaluated and judged more than 25,000 independent films from directors and producers just like you. Many of the films were spectacular, and some needed a little tweaking, but they were all magically created with the unwavering spirit of the true independent filmmaker.

The Spotlight Film Awards is a must for filmmakers who are searching for someone who can give their short films the undivided attention they deserve. We can now shine the spotlight on an unlimited amount of talented filmmakers from around the world, and celebrate the art and beauty of filmmaking.

Filmmakers with short films of all genres are encouraged to enter the Spotlight Film Awards.

Platinum Awards: ​celebrate truly remarkable films with the highest scores from our panel. Platinum Award winning films will be invited to screen at one or more film festivals in Atlanta, Georgia.

Gold Awards: celebrate incredible films with the second highest scores from our panel.

Silver Awards: awarded to unforgettable films with the third highest scores from our panel.

Bronze Awards: awarded to films with high artistic achievement with the fourth highest scores from our panel.

All Award-Winning Film Receive:

Hi-resolution digital downloads of Spotlight Film Awards winning laurels.

A personalized digital Certificate of Excellence in Filmmaking announcing your award.

Emails to our extensive database of industry professionals with announcements of your award.

Links from our website to your film website, film trailer, and / or sales of your film online.

Filmmaker Spotlight profile on website with director photo, bio, and links to chosen websites.

RUNNING TIME AND CATEGORY
Entries must be under 46 minutes.

AWARD ANNOUNCEMENTS
Awards are announced every year in December with the top rated Platinum films screening in January.

LANGUAGE
Entries in any language other than English or Spanish should be subtitled in either language.

FORMATS​
Entries can only be submitted with a secure link of an online copy through vimeo or other host. Hard copies not accepted.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Randall Franks

    I was extremely pleased with the phenomenal experience of participating in the Spotlight Short Film Awards. Thank you for all those involved for the opportunity of sharing my film.

    March 2024
  • Great festival and very honored to be a part of it! Very well run. Honored to have won an award. Strongly recommended!

    February 2024
  • Courtney Sanello

    Right out of the gate
    ! Best experimental film in Atlanta! Thank you so much for your generous award and can not wait to meet the team one day in person

    February 2024
  • Anna Duplantis

    It was an honor to contribute to this festival and to win gold! As a first time filmmaker, the entire process has been smooth and fulfilling. Thank you Spotlight!

    February 2024
  • Thanks for selecting "Enter the Room" into your festival for a Spotlight Silver award. The communication was clear and concise and I received everything that I needed. I had a good experience overall and will consider submitting future projects to Spotlight Short Film Awards.

    February 2024