Palm Springs International ShortFest
The largest short film festival in North America, held annually in June in Palm Springs, with Academy Award-qualifying competitive programming across all short film categories and an active short film market.
Overview
The Palm Springs International ShortFest is the largest short film festival in North America. Founded in 1995 and held annually in June in Palm Springs, California, the festival presents Academy Award-qualifying competitive programming across all short film categories alongside an active short film market that is the most important short film sales event in North America.
ShortFest operates as a companion event to the Palm Springs International Film Festival held each January, giving Palm Springs two major film events annually. The June ShortFest is entirely dedicated to short film in all forms -- live action, documentary, animation, and experimental -- creating the most comprehensive short film competitive platform in the Americas.
The short film market operates alongside the festival, connecting short filmmakers with streaming platforms, broadcasters, airlines, and other buyers seeking short content.
Key Sections
- Live Action Short Film Competition -- Academy Award-qualifying competitive programs
- Documentary Short Film Competition -- nonfiction short films
- Animation Competition -- animated short films
- Student Academy Award-qualifying Competition -- student films
- ShortFest Forum -- industry events and market meetings
What Filmmakers Should Know
ShortFest accepts open submissions. The Academy Award-qualifying status across multiple categories makes it one of the most strategically important short film submissions available. The short film market provides direct access to buyers for streaming, broadcast, and airline distribution.
Major Awards
- Best Live Action Short -- Academy Award-qualifying (all length categories)
- Best Documentary Short -- Academy Award-qualifying
- Best Animation Short -- Academy Award-qualifying
- Grand Jury Award -- overall best short
Festival History
Palm Springs ShortFest was founded in 1995 and has grown into North America's largest dedicated short film event.
See Also
For short film strategy, see Film Festival Strategy. For Palm Springs International Film Festival, see Palm Springs International Film Festival.
