Short and sweet: The full Tribeca Film Festival 2018 shorts lineup

It’s just under a month until Tribeca Film Festival kicks off and this week the lineup for its short films competition was announced, featuring a collection of 55 diverse & engaging titles. The short film program will be presented in ten contender lineups, with a special focus this year on global storytelling, as nearly half of the selections are international films.

Not only do we have the full line up to bring to your attention, but also ten of the best short film festivals on the circuit. Let’s start with the 2018 Tribeca Film Festival Short Film Program. Short movie fans & filmmakers, looks like you’ve got a busy year ahead:

Aftermath: The impact of gun violence is explored in this unique hybrid program, followed by an extended Q&A

Surviving Theater 9

Short Narrative

Directed and written by Tim McGrath. Set after the mass shooting at a midnight screening of The Dark Knight Rises in Aurora, Colorado, filmmaker Tim McGrath and his fellow survivors offer an inside look in this intriguing and inspiring movie. With Corbin Bernsen (Kiss Kiss Bang Bang), Chelsey Crisp (Fresh Off the Boat), Brittany Ishibashi (Runaways), Luke Colombero, Tim McGrath, and Stacey Oristano (Shockwave).

Lesson from a School Shooting

Short Documentary

Directed by Kim Snyder (One Bridge to the Next). Following the Sandy Hook Massacre, a priest from Dunblane, Scotland reaches out to Father Bob offering support 16 years after a school shooting in his own town. The men bond over personal trauma and responsibilities. In the aftermath the UK reformed its gun laws; the U.S. responded with inaction. With Monsignor Bob Weiss, Monsignor Basil O’Sullivan.

Animated Shorts Curated by Whoopi G: Showcasing imaginative storytelling and captivating craft

Brooklyn Breeze

Short Narrative

Directed and written by Alex Budovsky. Brooklyn Breeze is a visual journey through different parts of Brooklyn, some of the iconic spots and others not often seen by the visitors. Based on a tune recorded by New York-based Michael Arenella and his Dreamland Orchestra.

Late Afternoon

Short Narrative

Directed and written by Louise Bagnall. Disconnected from the world around her, Emily drifts back through her own memories, looking to her past in order to fully embrace her present. With Fionnula Flanagan, Niamh Moyles, Lucy O’Connell, and Michael McGrath.

The History of White People in America

Short Documentary

Directed by Jonathan Halperin (A Year in Space), Ed Bell, Aaron Keane (Lore), Pierce Freelon, Drew Takahashi (Natural Heroes), written by Pierce Freelon and Jon Halperin. The invention of race in America gets an animated, musical treatment.

Two Balloons

Short Narrative

Directed and written by Mark C. Smith (A House, A Home). Two travelers return to a place crossed by stars and clouds where love is at the beginning of everything.

Surpresa

Short Documentary

Directed and written by Paulo Patrício. A recorded conversation between a mother, Joana, and her three-year-old daughter, Alice, who is recovering from kidney cancer, forms the heart of this short experimental-documentary animation. With Carina Beringuilho, Joana Amorim, Ana Sofia Gueifão, and Inês Almendra. In Portuguese with English subtitles.

The Velvet Underground Played at My High School

Short Documentary

Directed by Robert Pietri, Tony C. Jannelli, written by Marina Donahue. This animated short recounts the Velvet Underground’s first gig in 1965, in front of a crowd of shocked kids at a suburban New Jersey high school.

Fire in Cardboard City

Short Narrative

Directed by Phil Brough (The Devil Dared Me To), written by Brough and Matt Heath (Honk if You’re Horny). When a city made entirely of cardboard catches fire, it’s up to the local fire chief and his brave deputies to save Cardboard City and its citizens from impending doom.

Bao

Short Narrative

Directed and written by Domee Shi. An empty-nesting Chinese mom gets another chance at motherhood when one of her dumplings springs to life. But she must come to terms with the bittersweet revelation that nothing stays cute and small forever.

Bold Moves: Risk takers tell true tales

Hula Girl

Short Documentary

Directed by Amy Hill, Chris Riess, written by Amy Hill. Hula Girl is the untold story behind one of the biggest fads in modern American history. At 94 years of age, Joan Anderson has waited 50 years to prove that “a gentleman’s handshake ” was hardly a deal, and it’s time to set the record straight. With Joan Anderson, Richard Burton, James DiLullo, residents of La Costa Glen retirement home.

Cosmic Debris

Short Documentary

Directed and written by Patrick Waldrop (Killer at Large). This documentary depicts the friendship between animator & creator Gabor Csupo (The Simpsons) and the legendary musician Frank Zappa. With Gabor Csupo.

9 at 38

Short Documentary

Directed by Catherine Lee. Juilliard-trained violinist Hyungjoon Won is about to realize a dream seven years in the making – a joint concert by North & South Korean musicians straddling the 38th parallel. But military aggression and apathy soon threaten to derail his plan. With Hyungjoon Won. In English, Korean with English subtitles.

The Last Storm

Short Documentary

Directed and written by Liam Saint-Pierre (The Reinvention of Normal). Mark – a 60-year-old fledgling storm chaser who was recently diagnosed with lung cancer – sets out across the Midwest with his friend’s nephew to search for a twister before the two-month season comes to an end. With Mark Zabawa and Mike Marz.

Adventure Not War

Short Documentary

Directed by Max Lowe. Three U.S. veterans travel back into the mountains of Iraq on a mission to heal wounds and to experience the country and its culture, relieved of the shadow of war. With Stacey Bare, Robin Brown, Matthew Griffin.

Home Sweet Home: From small towns to planet Earth, docs that celebrate home

Hey Ronnie Reagan

Short Documentary

Directed by Maurice O’Brien. When U.S. President Ronald Reagan makes a visit to his ancestral home in Ireland, the tiny, anonymous Tipperary village is thrust into the world spotlight. Ballyporeen would never be the same.

Wendy’s Shabbat

Short Documentary

Directed and written by Rachel Myers (Saving Lincoln). After mourning the loss of her husband Jack of nearly 60 years, Roberta Mahler sought to connect with her Jewish community to ease the loneliness. She did so (surprisingly) at her local Wendy’s. With Roberta Mahler, Sharon Goodman, Michael Goodman, Lou Silberman, Rabbi Isaiah Zeldin, Gerrie Gussman, Winston Bannister.  

Destination Park

Short Documentary

Directed by Andrew Cohn. Deep within Trump’s America, a camp of destitute truck drivers confide their anxieties, frustrations, hopes, and fears in the chaplain of a Midwest mobile chapel. With Chad Roedema.

Homeless: The Soundtrack

Short Documentary

Directed by Irene Taylor Brodsky (Beware the Slenderman). Thirty years after being taken away from her parents by the state and given up for adoption, singer-songwriter Jenni Alpert went searching for her father. She finally finds him – homeless, toothless, addicted, and a musician, just like her. With “Cami” Jenni Alpert, Don Logsdon, Jill Alpert.

The River of the Kukamas (The El Río de los Kukamas)

Short Documentary

Directed and written by Nika Belianina (The Last Mermaids). This film takes a tranquil journey through the waters and history of Kukama people, who inhabit the Amazon basin in Peru. With Pablo Taricuarima Pinedo. In Spanish with English subtitles.

Earthrise

Short Documentary

Directed by Emmanuel Vaughan-Lee, written by Emmanuel Vaughan-Lee, Adam Loften. The Apollo 8 astronauts recount their memories of capturing the first image of Earth from space in 1968 and evokes the awe of seeing Earth framed against the blackness of space. With Frank Borman, James Lovell, Bill Anders.

Into the Void: Sci-Fi shorts that will rock your multiverse

The 716th

Short Narrative

Directed and written by Andrew Bowen. When a small shuttle piloted by an unlikely hero arrives to save them, a poorly planned and at times comical rescue sends these outcasts on an unexpected adventure. With Andrew Bowen (A Boy Called Po), John Asher (Tooken), Lauren McFall, and Taj Speights (Teen Wolf).

Bad Peter

Short Narrative

Directed and written by Zach Strauss. An expectant mother is forced into a humiliating birthing regimen by her automated personal assistant, which thinks it knows what’s best for her and her unborn child. With Frankie Shaw (SMILF) and Ross Partridge (Stranger Things).  

Exit Strategy

Short Narrative

Directed and written by Travis Bible. A man who is trapped in a time loop must work with his brother to prevent a catastrophic fire. With Christopher O’Shea (Madam Secretary) and Richard Kohnke (My All-American).

Let Them Die Like Lovers

Short Narrative

Directed by Jesse Atlas (Angels in Exile), written by Jesse Atlas and Aaron Wolfe (Record/Play). A body-jumping soldier grapples with the morality of her missions in this emotionally charged sci-fi thriller. With Mustafa Shakir (Brawl in Cell Block 99), Angela Lewis (The Last Ship), Bradley Fisher (Westworld).

UI – Soon We Will All Be One

Short Narrative

Directed by Johannes Mücke, Patrick Sturm, written by Johannes Mücke. When hard-bitten ranger Kira is sent out to retrieve a drone that has gone astray, she discovers a mysterious, large object in the vast icelands of Antarctica. Little does she know that inside this object waits a lethal trap not only for her, but for mankind. With Tanja Petrovsky, Dennis Kozeluh, Michael Smulik.  

Laboratory Conditions

Short Narrative

Directed by Jocelyn Stamat (Night of the Living Deb), written by Terry Rossio (The Lone Ranger). A physician investigating a missing body disrupts an unlawful experiment. With Marisa Tomei (My Cousin Vinny), Minnie Driver (Good Will Hunting), Paulo Costanzo (40 Days and 40 Nights), and Robert Scheid (Cold Water).

Lighten Up!: Have some fun with comedic & offbeat stories

The Last Romantic (El Último Romántico)

Short Narrative

Directed by Natalia García Agraz, written by Natalia García Agraz, Gerardo Lechuga. Hector – the employee of the month at a bowling alley – is in love with his co-worker, Magda. With Ulises Galván, Lorea Montemayor, Enrique Arreola, Raúl Briones. In Spanish with English subtitles.

Five Minutes

Short Narrative

Directed and written by Justine Bateman (Californication). A “parenting class” at a progressive elementary school takes an unexpected, dramatic turn. With Rob Benedict (Not Another Teen Movie), Rae Dawn Chong (Commando), Bre Blair (Last Vegas), Aimee Graham (From Dusk Till Dawn), Steve Agee (You’re the Worst), and Seana Kofoed (30 Miles from Nowhere).  

Love-40

Short Narrative

Directed and written by Harry Israelson (Paranormal Activity 4). A friendly tennis match between Alice & Andy takes an abrupt turn when Alice goes to retrieve a stray tennis ball and is bitten by a rattlesnake. With Lola Kirke (Gone Girl) and Jack Henry Robbins (Opening Night).

Ugh!

Short Narrative

Directed by Jimmy Marble, written by Jimmy Marble, Doug Sacrison. 1990s. Los Angeles. The Future Is Repeating Itself. Oh My God. With Nika de Carlo and Carly Foulkes.

Black Label (Etiqueta negra)

Short Narrative

Directed by David Vergés, written by Guillermo Tato, David Vergés. Erik is a night-shift employee from a lonely gas station; Alex is a regular at the shop. One night, something happens that gives them the opportunity to discover who they really are. With Úrsula Corberó (Money Heist), Andrés Herrera (Night and Day), Macarena Gómez (Shrew’s Nest), and Cristina Brondo (Russian Dolls). In Spanish with English subtitles.

Welcome Home (Velkommen til oss)

Short Narrative

Directed and written by Armita Keyani. An Iranian refugee couple living in the North of Norway invite in two Jehovah’s Witnesses when they knock on their door. With Ashkan Ghorbani, Elnaz Asgari, Marianne Lauritsen, Ole Jorgen Farstad. In English, Farsi, Norwegian with English subtitles.

So You Like the Neighborhood

Short Narrative

Directed and written by Jean Pesce (The Place Beyond the Pines). After Wendy gets dumped and then evicted from her Brooklyn apartment, she befriends some locals, who offer to help with the eviction. The thing is, they’re Mafia members, and by “help”, they mean something rather more nefarious. With Sarah Stiles (Unsane), Carmine Raspaolo (Last Letters from Monte Rosa), Ernest Mingione (Obvious Child), and Vince Bandille (Amongst Friends).

Loose Ends: Life is unravelling

The Goodnight Show

Short Narrative

Directed by Charlie Schwan, written by Charlie Schwan and Wyatt Miller. Being a virgin isn’t the end of the world, but when the world is actually ending, the stakes are raised. As such, tragic hero Samuel embarks on a quest to lose his virginity before it’s too late. With Spencer Flynn and Ellie Dubin.

Paper Roof

Short Narrative

Directed and written by Judith Tong. Two young sisters – Pamela & Abigail – decide to run away from trouble at home to build a cardboard house together. However, reality soon catches up with them and threatens to put an end to their escapade. With Lee Min Xin and Zhang Zhirou.

We Were Three

Short Narrative

Directed by Caroline Ingvarsson (Hundvakten), written by Caroline Ingvarsson, Gunnar Järvstad (The Bridge). In this true story, three young girls arrive at the airport after a long night of partying during a parent-free trip to England. But a naive joke in the wrong place shatters their friendship. With Selma Modéer Wiking, Sofie Nilsask, and Livia Liedholm.

Phone Duty (Дежурство)

Short Narrative

Directed and written by Lenar Kamalov. A Donbass rebel fighter whose nom de guerre is Cat receives orders to sit on phone duty, which he quickly learns is not as easy as it first seems. With Zakhar Prilepin (Break Loose), Oleg Chernov, Gleb Kornilov, Mikhail Sivorin (Transit), and Yuriy Maslak. In Russian with English subtitles.

Salam

Short Narrative

Directed and written by Claire Fowler (Noodles). A female Lyft driver navigates the night shift in New York City while waiting to hear life-or-death news from her family in Syria. With Leslie Bibb (Iron Man), Hana Chamoun (Medinah), Khaled Al Maleh, and Jessica Damouni (Like Salt). In Arabic, English with English subtitles.

The Motion of Stars (Die Bewegung der Sterne)

Short Narrative

Directed and written by Jan Prazak-Zoufaly. Eight-year-old Lena’s favorite book about the secret relationship between stars and humans gains special significance when she watches a solar eclipse with her father – an event that changes both their worlds forever. With Ulrich Reinthaller (Lieber Karl), Lena Madsen, Rainer Doppler, Martina Spitzer (Cracks in Concrete), Aaron Friesz, and Vivienne Causemann (Mademoiselle Paradis). In German with English subtitles.

Souls of Totality

Short Narrative

Directed by Richard Raymond (Desert Dancer), written by Kate Trefry and Ben Bolea. Set during the Great American Eclipse, Souls of Totality is a relationship story about the sacrifices we make, the things we don’t say, and love’s seemingly supernatural ability to conquer all. With Tatiana Maslany (Picture Day), Tom Cullen (Knightfall), Helen Shaver (The Amityville Horror), and Mike Tague.

Magic Act: Everyone can enjoy these family-friendly films

How Tommy Lemenchick Became a Grade 7 Legend

Short Narrative

Directed by Bastien Alexandre, written by Nicolas Billon (Elephant Song). Eleven-year-old Ophelia has never been kissed, but she has the perfect plan to remedy that. She finds a suitable candidate – Tommy Lemenchick – and at school the following day, he describes how he became a seventh-grade legend. With Charli Birdgenaw, Sam Ashe Arnold, and Caroline Dhavernas.

Mirette

Short Narrative

Directed and written by Helen O’Hanlon (How to Be a Villain). In 20th-century Paris, a young girl’s life is changed by the arrival of a mysterious man, who she discovers is a wirewalker. With Tom Conti (Derailed), Miriam Margolyes (Romeo + Juliet), Dixie Egerickx (The Little Stranger), Jean-Marc Desmond (Boomerang), and Bebe Cave (Great Expectations).

Earthy Encounters

Short Narrative

Directed and written by Sam Johnson (Billy the Kid). Fifteen-year-old Kyle believes he can save his dying older brother with a plant he found in the garden center where he works. The problem is, a shadowy government agency is out to destroy it first. With Fionn O’Shea (Handsome Devil), Jessica Barden (Hanna), Peter Sullivan (The Limehouse Golem), Luke Baverstock, Nathalie Armin (Grow Your Own), and Johnny Palmiero (Green Street Hooligans).

Make or Break: Aspirations and complications

The Love Letter (Michtav Ahava Lam’em Sheli)

Short Narrative

Written and directed by Atara Frish (Heroine). When Noa finds a special love letter in her locker, she struggles to reconcile her safe, restrained world and her urge to feel – at least for a brief moment – loved. With Gili Beit-Halahmi, Ravit Dor, and Shir Abramov. In Hebrew with English subtitles.

Time Traveller

Short Narrative

Directed and written by Steve Kenny. A Back to the Future-obsessed young Irish Traveller strives to finish building his own DeLorean replica before he and his family are evicted from their halting site. With Barry Ward (Jimmy’s Hall), Tom Doran (Glue), Liam Doran, Denise McCormack (A Date for Mad Mary), Barbara Bergin (Intermission).  

Knuckles

Short Narrative

Directed and written by Laura Groombridge (Life Swap). A man entangled in the violent criminal underworld of bare-knuckle fighting pursues a misguided attempt at redemption. With Tim Phillipps (Animal Kingdom), Mirko Grillini (The Suicide Theory), and Laura Jane Turner (This Little Piggy).

Blind Audition

Short Narrative

Directed by Andreas Kessler, written by Linda Kokkores. When violinists and partners Ari & Ron both get invited to audition for the same solo part in an orchestra, their relationship is put to the ultimate test. With Han Nguyen, Simon Kluth, Horst Kotterba, Sven Gielnik, and Tine Kiefl. In German with English subtitles.

The Life of Esteban (Het Leven van Esteban)

Short Narrative

Directed and written by Inès Eshun. A future Olympic swimmer, Esteban, has grown up with a single mother and doesn’t know who his father is. As he searches for his identity in this poetic short film, he determines swimming is a metaphor for life itself. With Noah Mavuela, Mathis Mavuela, Joshua Tassin, Tine Cartuyvels, Goua Grovogui, Lamine Diouf. In Dutch with English subtitles.

Rise of a Star (Naissance d’une Étoile)

Short Narrative

Directed by James Bort, written by Stéphane Landowski. Emma is about to be the new Ballerina at Paris Opera. But something upsets her – a secret liable to undermine what she has spent a whole life on. With Dorothée Gilbert, Catherine Deneuve (8 Women), Antonia Desplat (Victoria), and Pierre Deladonchamps (Stranger by the Lake). In French with English subtitles.

NY Shorts, Homemade: World premiere docs from our New York-based filmmakers

I Heart NY

Short Documentary

Directed by Andre Andreev, written by Dan Covert. This documentary short examines the life of the creator of the infamous I Heart NY symbol and his struggle to find love for the city during a trying time. With Milton Glaser.

Saul’s 108th Story

Short Documentary

Directed and written by Joshua Carlon. A story wherein Saul recalls fixing a window. With Saul Moroz.   

Into My Life

Short Documentary

Directed by Sarah Keeling, Grace Remington, and Ivana Hucikova. From 1965 to the present, two African-American women – M. Elaine & Cassandra Bromfield – made joyful documents of their lives in Brooklyn’s Lindsay Park Housing Cooperative on 8mm film. Into My Life pays tribute to their drive for self-preservation and self-representation, highlighting the memories, identities, and relationships housed within their archive. With Cassandra Bromfield.

Big Elvis

Short Documentary

Directed by Paul Stone, written by Mark Winegardner. A 960-pound Elvis impersonator becomes convinced he is Elvis Presley’s secret love child. With Pete “Big Elvis” Vallee, Brendon Paul, Ron Decar.

Sidelined

Short Documentary

Directed by Galen Summer. In 1978, several NFL cheerleaders posed in Playboy magazine, having received approval from team management. But when the issue hit newstands, it unleashed a wave of repercussions for the women themselves and their team.

Tribeca/ESPN Sports Film Festival (Sports Shorts, sponsored by Mohegan Sun): A spectrum of stories, styles, and sports, this collection of athletically-minded short films will take audiences on the exciting personal journeys of four athletes

Locked In

Short Documentary

Directed and written by Alison Ellwood. After falling victim to a pair of illnesses at age eleven, Victoria Arlen lived with locked-in syndrome for four years. Locked In tells the story of her recovery and eventual gold-medal victory in swimming at the 2012 London Paralympics. With Victoria Arlen.

A Mountain to Climb

Short Documentary

Directed by Kristen Lappas, written by Tom Rinaldi. A Nepali teen named Pratima Sherpa works to become her country’s first golf star. With Pratima Sherpa, Pasang Sherpa, Kalpana Sherpa.

Run: The Robert Young Story

Short Documentary

Directed by Todd Kapostasy. Ultra-marathon runner Rob Young attempts to set a record running across the United States, but his efforts are marred by allegations of fraud.

Sonic Break

Short Documentary

Directed by Stevan Riley. Sonic Break explores the sports psychology and mental training that helped Felix Baumgartner to jump from the Earth’s stratosphere. With Felix Baumgartner, Joe Kittinger.

Special Screenings

Lesson from a School Shooting

Short Documentary

Directed by Kim Snyder. Following the Sandy Hook Massacre, a priest from Dunblane, Scotland reaches out to Father Bob offering support sixteen years after a school shooting in his own town. The men bond over personal trauma and responsibilities. In the aftermath the UK reformed its gun laws; the U.S. responded with inaction. With Monsignor Bob Weiss, Monsignor Basil O’Sullivan.

Following the screening there will be a conversation with director Kim Snyder, producer Maria Cuomo Cole, along with Sandy Hook, surviving teacher Mary Ann Jacob, and Parkland, Florida student Ryan Deitsch. Moderated by actor & director John Slattery.

RX: Early Detection A Cancer Journey with Sandra Lee

Short Documentary

Directed and written by Cathy Chermol Schrijver. RX: Early Detection A Cancer Journey with Sandra Lee follows the intense and intimate journey of a woman whose life becomes dramatically altered when her routine medical check-up delivers a cancer diagnosis. Executive Produced by Sandra Lee and Sheila Nevins.

Looks like Tribeca 2018 is set to be a busy one. Whether you’re attending this year or not, there are hundreds of other short film fests to choose from across the globe. Here are FD’s top picks:

Aspen ShortsFest

April 3 – 8

Aspen, Colorado

Aspen ShortsFest is described as “the crown jewel” of Aspen Film’s trifecta of festivals, in large part due to its rich history and the fact it boasts previous lineups including filmmakers like Sean Baker (The Florida Project), Damien Chazelle (La La Land), Sarah Polley (Mr. Nobody), Jason Reitman (Up in the Air), and Lucy Walker (The Crash Reel). As always, the 2018 event will present a wide selection of films across various disciplines from animation & documentaries to comedies & dramas.

Palm Springs International ShortFest

June 19 – 25

Palm Springs, California

The Palm Springs International ShortFest is one of the largest showcases of short films in North America. The seven-day competitive festival screens approximately 330 short films from 60 countries in a series of 90-minute programs. The fest is a great opportunity for its entrants, including 17 competitive categories with prize money and services valued at over $70,000. In addition, first-place winners in the Non-student Animation, Non-student Documentary, and Non-student Live-Action categories, as well as the Best of the Fest Award winner will automatically become eligible for nomination consideration by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in the short film categories.

Atlanta ShortsFest

July 6 – 7

Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta Shortsfest is held during the annual Atlanta Film Series – a five-part showcase of independent movies packed with five unique film festivals designed to spotlight every genre of cinema out there. The event showcases a variety of shorts with a running time under 45 minutes and a program comprising comedy, animation, documentary, experimental, horror & sci-fi, personal, erotic, fantasy, drama, thrillers, action & adventure, cult, and just about any other genre you can imagine.

DokuFest

August 3 – 11

Prizren, Kosovo

DokuFest International Documentary and Short Film Festival is the largest film festival in Kosovo. Recognized as one of the top film & music events in Southeast Europe, the festival fills the cinemas and improvised screening venues around the historic city center of Prizren with a selection of more than 200 hand-picked films from around the world, while at the same time bringing top international and local music acts to perform at DokuNights music festival. Awards are handed out for Best Feature Documentary, Best Short Documentary, Best Balkan, Best Short Fiction, Best National, Best Human Rights, Best Green, and Audience Award.

Cannes Short Film Festival

September 6 – 9

Cannes, France

CSFF brings together filmmakers from around the world for an outstanding presentation of cinematic excellence and brand new directing talent, in the beautiful setting of the French Riviera. Awards are available for Short Film, Short Documentary, Animated Short, Experimental Short, LGBT Short, Horror Short, Sci-Fi Short, and Music Video.

Raindance

September 19 – 30

London, England

Raindance Film Festival is the largest independent film festival in the UK, based in the heart of London’s buzzing West End film district. Each year, Raindance attracts 16,000 visitors including 500 industry professionals into the capital city. Its shorts program offers awards in Best Short of the Festival, Best UK Short, Best Documentary Short, Best Animation Short, and Best Music Video.

Show Me Shorts

October 6 – 31

Auckland City, New Zealand

Show Me Shorts is New Zealand’s leading international short film festival. The event’s organizers work to connect New Zealanders with the best short films from around the world, to celebrate excellence in short filmmaking. Cinematic narrative-style films with strong audience appeal are prioritized. As part of the festival, Show Me Shorts also provides resources, professional development, and networking opportunities for aspiring filmmakers through its Short Film Talks, Filmmaker Resources, and Aotearoa Short Film Lab for screenwriters.

Aesthetica

November 7 – 11

York, England

The Aesthetica Short Film Festival is a BAFTA-recognised international film festival based in York, UK. It is an important outlet for moving image and digital culture, creating a platform to champion short film internationally. Its seventh edition ran over a five-day period, providing even more opportunities for talent development, networking, and inspirational film viewing.­ This year, there will be prizes for Best Film in each category, as well as Festival Winner, The Northern Film School Award for Best Screenplay, the People’s Choice Award, and the York Youth Award.

Bucharest Short Film Festival

November 13 – 17

Bucharest, Romania

Bucharest Short Film Festival showcases some of the finest short international film in narrative, animation, student, experimental, documentary, fashion, music video, stop motion, and human rights. The fest’s organizers take the entries very seriously and as such, the festival rules ensure each movie is reviewed at least two times and is well-debated by the jury. The festival runs film screenings, preceded or followed by artist Q&As and networking side events.

Leuven International Short Film Festival

December 1 – 8

Leuven, Belgium

The Leuven International Short Film Festival program contains live action fiction films, animated shorts, short films for children, non-narrative shorts, and virtual reality shorts. Every year, the festival screens more than 200 short films from all over the world, divided into more than 25 different compilations. Besides the film program, the festival organizes masterclasses, workshops, and panel discussions, giving film professionals from Belgium and abroad inspiring moments of learning & networking possibilities.