The 15th Annual San Francisco International Festival of Short Films (SF Shorts) celebrates more than a decade of diverse short film programming – seeking to push forward dynamic films that fill audiences with thought-provoking wonder. SF Shorts explores a wide mix of genres and cultures without circumscribing them into niches. Fueled by enthusiastic audiences and a focus on presenting compelling stories, SF Shorts programs exclusively from its pool of submitted entries. Unlike most festivals, all SF Shorts entries are individually screened by the festival director responsible for programming.
We accept all types of short films, which for us includes music videos. Our festival prides itself on its range. It's our mission to present the widest possible scope of content. Go to our website www.sfshorts.com to view the range of films programmed last year.
SF Shorts does not use screeners. A director of the festival will watch every single entry, so you can be assured that your film is fully considered. All films selected for the festival are automatically eligible for a variety of honors and prizes awarded by the festival and the audience.
At the festival, many of our visiting filmmakers remark how nice it is to have their film screened before a real audience and not just festival staff and colleagues. As filmmakers ourselves, we know the amount of work that goes into projects, so after each screening, we lead the audience in a meaningful discussion about your process.
In addition to cash prizes/awards, SF Shorts offers significant travel stipends to filmmakers attending the festival. The result is a festival where filmmakers, films, and audience collide into a cinematic celebration that includes eight different honors presented by judges, festival staff, and audience members.
At SF Shorts, wildly diverse films are mixed together to spark programs that electrify audiences. SF Weekly has praised SF Shorts for its programs of "concentrated inspiration, breathtaking craft, and unabashed entertainment value." Submit your short today, and find out what this unique celebration has to offer in San Francisco !
Visit our website at www.sfshorts.com to read filmmaker testimonials and to see the diversity of films from the very successful 2019 season.
Grand Jury Prize
Cash Award Value: 1000 U.S. Dollar
Jury Prize (#1)
Cash Award Value: 250 U.S. Dollar
Jury Prize (#2)
Cash Award Value: 250 U.S. Dollar
Audience Choice Award
Filmmaker Travel Grants
For those filmmakers traveling to the festival from out of the state, we will divide a budget of cash for stipends.
Cash Award Value: 2,500 U.S. Dollar
Additional Honors vary by year; see our website.