Our Live Event at the Marilyn Monroe Theater last April 19th-21st was an absolute blast with completely sold-out sessions! 🎉 Congratulations to all filmmakers whose films were screened. Pictures coming soon!!! 📷

It was a thrilling showcase, discovering the newest and most innovative, independent films from around the world. With Q&A's and networking cocktails every day.

At HOLLYWOOD SHORTSFEST, we're committed to helping up-and-coming filmmakers promote their work to global audiences. Our mission is to screen the best independent films of all genres, so don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to be a part of this amazing event. We are committed to screening all the winning films from the main categories in our Live Showcase with over 70 films.

As a GOLD FilmFreeway competition, we're proud to offer cash awards of USD 4000 per year to our winners. Our Live Screening Event is the perfect opportunity to showcase your short film, to network with other industry professionals, and to have an amazing time, surrounded by people who share your same passion.

In addition to the live event, HOLLYWOOD SHORTSFEST has created a social media platform where you can stay updated on latest projects through interviews, Q&A sessions, and video presentations. After each online event, our jury will choose a short film to receive the special GRAND JURY AWARD, which comes with a cash prize of USD 1000. We'll also be awarding a USD 1000 Cash Prize to the Audience Award winner at the Live Event!

Our Judging Team consists of professionals from different fields of the film industry who have no ties to the films in competition. Each season, we invite judges from around the world to select the best films and artists in all categories. All main category winning films will be screened at our live event. Plus, all official selection films will be screened at our virtual event.

Join us for an unforgettable three-day celebration of the most innovative and talented independent filmmakers from all over the world at HOLLYWOOD SHORTSFEST. Don't pass up on this fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the excitement and discover the best of independent cinema across all genres.

Every Quarter, a special GRAND JURY AWARD will be granted, receiving a CASH PRIZE OF USD 1000. Will you be the next winner?
USD 4000 CASH AWARDS PER YEAR 🏆🏆

MAIN CATEGORIES:
BEST SHORT
BEST FIRST TIME FILMMAKER SHORT
BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE SHORT
BEST EXPERIMENTAL SHORT
BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT
BEST STUDENT SHORT
BEST ANIMATED SHORT
BEST STUDENT ANIMATED SHORT
BEST DRAMA SHORT
BEST COMEDY SHORT
BEST HORROR SHORT
BEST MUSIC VIDEO

TECHNICAL & PERFORMANCES CATEGORIES:
BEST FEMALE DIRECTOR
BEST MALE DIRECTOR
BEST FEMALE STUDENT DIRECTOR
BEST MALE STUDENT DIRECTOR
BEST FIRST TIME DIRECTOR
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
BEST SCREENWRITING
BEST ACTOR
BEST ACTRESS
BEST NEW ACTOR/ACTRESS
BEST ACTING ENSEMBLE
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE
BEST SOUND DESIGN
BEST EDITING
BEST PRODUCER
BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN

SHORT FILM SELECTION PROCESS
Once you submit your project, it will be reviewed by our screeners team.
Film rating will be based on originality and creativity, direction, writing, cinematography, performances, production value, pacing, structure, sound & music.
Films with the highest scores will be part of the Official Selection and will receive an email notification with the corresponding laurel.
Non-Selected films will also receive an email from FilmFreeway on the notification date.

All Official Selection movies will be screened in our online Event.
All Official Selection movies will be watched and reviewed by our Jury who will select the winners.

At the end of the online screening, the winners of each category will be announced.
All the main category winners (Short, Foreign Language, First Time Filmmaker, Experimental, Documentary, Student, Student Animated Short, Animated Short, Drama, Comedy, Horror, and Music Video) will be automatically selected for our annual Live Event in the wonderful city of Hollywood.
Additionally, our curator will invite some top-notch, exceptional projects to participate in the live event.

Each winner will be notified via email from FilmFreeway and HSF, and we will attach a personalized achievement certificate, as well as the Official Laurels.
Winners will be announced on our website in the WINNERS section and promoted on our social media!

IF YOU SUBMIT YOUR FILM, YOU AGREE WITH THE FOLLOWING RULES:

FILMS MUST BE 40 MINUTES OR LESS.

FILMS MUST BE FULLY COMPLETED PRIOR TO THE DATE THE PROJECT IS SUBMITTED.

FILMS MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH A PRIVATE LINK (VIMEO, YOUTUBE, FilmFreeway, SELF HOSTED). OTHER FORMAT IS CURRENTLY NOT ACCEPTED.

QUALITY STANDARDS MUST BE MET. BELOW 720P RESOLUTION, POOR AUDIO QUALITY, ETC WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

FILMS CONTAINING ANY OTHER LANGUAGE THAN ENGLISH MUST HAVE ENGLISH SUBTITLES.

HSF HAS NO PREMIERE STATUS REQUIREMENTS.

ALL FEES ARE NON TRANSFERABLE AND NON REFUNDABLE.

WE DO NOT OFFER FEE WAIVERS.

HSF MAY USE PORTIONS OF YOUR FILM (INCLUDING TRAILER/TEASER/STILL/POSTER) FOR PROMOTIONAL PURPOSES.

YOU MUST OWN THE RIGHTS ON YOUR FILM IN ORDER TO SUBMIT IT.

FESTIVAL EVENT DATES AND TIMES MAY BE DELAYED OR CHANGED.

A DCP COPY OF YOUR FILM MIGHT BE REQUESTED FOR THE LIVE EVENTS.

We are not liable for any copyright infringements or unauthorized usage and any conflict should be settled by the parties involved thereof.

You are responsible for any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity.

HSF can consider any film to be disqualified if the festival considers the content inappropriate. If you have any questions regarding this decision, feel free to contact us.

All submissions in personal categories required the name of the person and the category. You can easily send us this information in the cover letter at the FilmFreeway website.

Not all the submissions are selected for the official competition. Our Judges are free to make their own choices and no answers nor feedback will be given about not selected films.

When submitting your film, you are consenting to our Privacy Policy. We are committed to respecting each filmmaker's preferences. We might contact you through your email or social media provided in the submission page to communicate updates on your submission status, screening and DCP requirements, events ticket confirmation, as well as to provide information about events, services, promotions that we think you might be interested in. You can unsubscribe from any marketing or advertising newsletter from us or any partner festival simply by clicking unsubscribe.
Even when unsubscribing from a marketing newsletter, you can still receive any communication regarding your submission status through the FilmFreeway system. For more information about our associated event, please refer to hollywoodshortsfest.com. If you need further information, please contact us via hello@hollywoodshortsfest.com, and we will be happy to help you.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Joseph Burch

    Hollywood Shortsfest was an incredible festival experience. They screened my film, Stains, to a sold-out theater and included me in a pre-show Q&A where the moderator asked thoughtful questions.

    Great communication, well-run screening, and I got the opportunity to meet a bunch of talented filmmakers.

    April 2024
  • Dustin Kahia

    The Hollywood Shortsfest stands out as a beacon for independent filmmakers, providing a great festival experience that is both intimate and organized. As a boutique festival, it not only champions the creative spirit of its participants but also excels in the quality of care and organization provided by its staff. Attendees can expect nothing less than a warm, communicative, and accommodating team, ready to make each experience memorable.

    One of the highlights of the Hollywood Shortsfest is its well curated Q&A sessions. These are not only well-organized but are also conducted in a comfortable living room-style setting on stage, fostering a relaxed and intimate atmosphere.

    Overall, the Hollywood Shortsfest delivers a cool festival experience that is both nurturing and stimulating for independent filmmakers and film enthusiasts alike. Its commitment to creating a supportive environment and its excellent logistical execution makes it a must-visit event in the landscape of film festivals.

    April 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Dear Dustin, thanks for your kind words, it was a joy to have you at the screening of MONDAY MOURNING. We loved that you have enjoyed the Q&A session! And you are absolutely right on how the setting helps to make it more relaxed and intimate. THANK YOU!!!

  • 1st off thank you to Hollywood Shortsfest for selecting our film The Fool! The team was very communicative and helpful. Loved how organized the live event was and the screening itself had a great selection of shorts. Was very grateful to be part of this festival!

    April 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you and all your guests for coming Jonathan! It was amazing to see how the audience enjoyed THE FOOL. Hope to see you next year!

  • Sean Carter

    This festival was FANTASTIC!! The whole team at the Hollywood ShortsFest was incredibly caring and attentive to all their filmmakers, and the show they put on was exceptional. Every night was completely sold out with an enthusiastic and excited crowd, for good reason… all the movies there were really REALLY good, and programmed in ways that highlighted the best in each film…while the Q&As with the filmmakers were insightful and so well thought out that you were hungry to continue the conversations afterwards in the lobby. And most importantly, it was clear that by the end of the night both the audience and filmmakers were all leaving with big smiles on their faces. You won’t regret the opportunity to be part of something like this.

    April 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Dear Sean, what a pleasure to have you and your movie WAKE in our event. Thanks for your kind words! One of our most important goals is to generate that conversations that you mention in your review! THANKS again and congratulations for the AUDIENCE AWARD!!

  • Christy Lee Hughes

    WOW we are truly blown away with the level of quality films in this festival! The communication from Tere and her whole team was fantastic throughout the festival and we are so honored that our film ASKING FOR IT was named a 2024 Finalist and selected for the live screening in West Hollywood! The event was so organized, professional, fun and the vibes were so positive and on point! The theater for our block was completely SOLD OUT and standing room only, and all of the films were absolutely extraordinary! The Q&A offered thought provoking questions which sparked an important conversation for filmmakers to continue after the screening. The red carpet, wine and snacks offered were such a treat as well. This festival offered complimentary tickets for our cast and crew to attend and welcomed us with such kindness. I can't say enough positive things about Hollywood Shortsfest. I wish every festival was this fun! I highly recommend this festival!

    April 2024
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    Response from festival:

    What to say, Christie. Thank you very much for your review. For us, it is always a pleasure to welcome all the filmmakers with their guests, and it gives us great satisfaction to know that you had such a good time throughout the event. Thank you very much to all of you for coming. Until next time!