Independent Shorts Awards International Film Festival

Overview

Independent Shorts Awards International Film Festival is a Los Angeles-based international short film festival and live event series dedicated exclusively to short-form cinema. It is notable for its monthly competition structure that feeds into an annual in-person showcase at Regal LA Live, and for its emphasis on films from around the world, especially low-budget, student, emerging, and underrepresented voices.[2][3]

Last updated Oct 1, 2026

Legitimacy Analysis

Trust Signals

Festival Details

FilmFreeway communityGold festival

• Garrett LudwigDec 2025

  Very well ran Film Fest, a few of my post-college projects got finalist!

• Marco CariatiDec 2025

  A professional, well-run festival that genuinely supports independent filmmakers and screenwriters. Clear communication and meaningful recognition.

• Carling ErnstzenDec 2025

  Independent Shorts Awards has been an exceptional experience for our team. The programming feels cinematic, intentional, and genuinely curated. There is a level of taste and industry awareness here that makes the selections feel meaningful. As a first-time writer/director, it was incredibly affirming to feel our work understood at this level. Our film The Last Rehearsal was honoured with Best Short of the Season (Runner-Up), Platinum for Best Indie Short, Gold for Best First Time Female Director, Best Editing, and Best Sound Design, Silver for Best Actor and Best Ensemble Cast, and Bronze for Best Cinematography. To be recognised across so many disciplines was both surreal and deeply validating, and it reflects the calibre of attention this festival gives to independent craft. ISA treats filmmakers like collaborators, not numbers. Communication was warm, professional, and genuinely supportive, and the sense of community around the selections felt exciting. Being showcased alongside such strong international filmmakers created a feeling of momentum that encourages you to keep going, keep creating, and keep leveling up. Huge appreciation to the ISA team and jury for championing bold storytelling and emerging voices. We are honoured to be part of this season, and grateful for the recognition. Highly recommended for filmmakers seeking an LA festival with real curatorial integrity, industry awareness, and a platform that genuinely lifts independent work. The Last Rehearsal (UK) Writer/Director: Carling Ernstzen

• John McCarneyJan 2026

  Good communication about the process.

• Patrick McNerneyJan 2026

  It is an honor for our film The Sanguine to have won Honorable Mention (Visual FX) from Indie Short Fest. This festival is very responsive, timely, and keeps you in the loop through the whole process. They have great selections and introduced us to other great films through the process as well. I would highly recommend this festival for any filmmaker.

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