DC Shorts International Film Festival

Overview

DC Shorts International Film Festival is 22! Named the “Coolest Short Film Festival” by Moviemaker Magazine, the 22nd DC Shorts Film Festival is the largest short film event on the East Coast of the United States. A highly competitive festival, DC Shorts receives 1,300+ submissions from over 100 countries around the globe, projected to an audience of 80,000 both in-person and online, internationally, making it a perfect platform to share your art. During the 4-Day Festival - each day will have a collection of mixed themed screenings with a live element: filmmaker Q&A, awards dinner, live podcast interviews, parties, a directors table, red carpet night and more! A collection of esteemed judges, all professionals in the filmmaking industry, will vote and select winners for seven awards. Audience members will have a chance to vote for their favorites as well!

Last updated Sep 20, 2026

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FilmFreeway communityGold festival

• Filmmaker

  Review Festival Review

• Filmmaker

  We loved our experience!! You can really feel how much care the team puts into every part of the fest. The vibes were amazing, and it clearly trickled down from the organizers and volunteers! The films we watched were great, the filmmakers we met were wonderful, and the whole experience left us feeling inspired and grateful to be part of it. Definitely worth the submission fee!

• Filmmaker

  Such a huge honor to screen here (and be nominated.) The festival team was so incredibly well organized and on top of things that it felt like we were included even if weren't able to be there in person. An amazing experience from beginning to end.

• Filmmaker

  It was great to be there for the screening and talk to other filmmakers and the audience. The festival was very organized and exciting.

• Filmmaker

  DC Shorts was one of the best film festivals I've attended, and it was an incredible experience from start to finish. The energy, the people, and the films were outstanding, and I left the festival feeling creatively recharged and genuinely like a better filmmaker. A huge shoutout to Christian, Joe, and Anavic—the heart and soul of the festival. You three are not only passionate champions of film, but also some of the kindest, most approachable people I’ve met on the circuit. Your warmth and enthusiasm created such a welcoming, supportive environment for both emerging and seasoned filmmakers alike. The programming was top-notch. Every block was packed with inspiring shorts, stunning cinematography, and powerful storytelling. Whether it was a laugh-out-loud comedy or a deeply moving drama, each film felt like it belonged. The curation was so good. I’m so grateful to have been a part of it, and I encourage everyone to submit their film here.

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