We focus each year on showcasing the finest independent short films of the fantastic. We welcome not only Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Horror films, but any film of the imagination that steps out of the slice-of-life category. This includes Mysteries, Thrillers, Film Noirs, Comedies, Slip Stream/Magical Realism, Asian influenced, Surrealistic films, and most dramas, just to name a few, as well as short animated films of all types. We take narrative shorts as well as documentaries and a limited number of features. Combine that with panels, celebrity guests, discussions, concerts, contests, seminars, and the 85,000+ Dragon Con attendees and you have an extraordinary film event
We award prizes for 1st place in each genre category. Specific categories will be determined based on the entries, but in the last 3 years, they have included: Action, Comedy, Fan Films, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Thriller, Horror, Horror Comedy, Documentary, Animated Comedy, Animated Horror, and Animated Fantasy. We also present Best of Fest (Live Action) and Best of Fest (Animation) chosen from the 1st Place winners in each category (excluding features) which includes a cash prize.