Short Films. Big Screen. Make us laugh, make us cry, make us think, make us feel… We’re ready to be amazed by your films - any budget, any genre, any story, as long as it’s short!
BEST SHORT FEST is seeking the world’s best short films (under 45 minutes) and super-short films (under 5 minutes) to be shown on the big screen in Lanark County, Ontario, Canada.
Our venues include a historic community theatre with over 30 years as a live performance venue, which has regularly screened the best international films in partnership with the Film Circuit, a division of the Toronto International Film Festival Group. BEST SHORT FEST continues this tradition, showcasing the talents of independent filmmakers from far and wide!
The Best Short Film and Best Super-Short Film will be chosen from the Finalists in the following categories:
Best Short
Best Short Comedy
Best Short Drama
Best Short Genre (Action / Sci-Fi / Horror...)
Best Short Experimental
Best Short Animation
Best Short Documentary
Best Short Music / Dance / Poetry
Best Super-Short
Best Super-Short Comedy
Best Super-Short Drama
Best Super-Short Genre (Action / Sci-Fi / Horror...)
Best Super-Short Experimental
Best Super-Short Animation
Best Super-Short Documentary
Best Super-Short Music / Dance / Poetry
Finalists in every category will be shown at BEST SHORT FEST. The Filmmakers of Finalist / Official Selection films will be awarded free passes to attend all festival screenings. We will also provide free passes to 3 members of your cast and crew, or family and friends. Plus, we'll welcome you to town at our annual Opening Night Mixer.
Presented on stage at the end of our closing ceremonies, Winners will receive the BEST SHORT FEST Trophy for Best Short Film of the Year and Best Super-Short Film of the Year. Or, if you’re unable to attend, trophies will be mailed to you.