Deadlines
About festival
Coffeehouse Cinema
Coffeehouse Cinema is a screening series hosted in a coffee shop, dedicated to showcasing exceptional short films in an intimate, community-driven environment. Unlike traditional annual film festivals, Coffeehouse Cinema operates year-round, creating consistent opportunities for filmmakers to present their work and engage directly with audiences.
Rooted in the idea of the “third space,” Coffeehouse Cinema brings films out of traditional theaters and into a more social, accessible setting. By exhibiting work in a coffee shop, we create a relaxed and communal atmosphere where audiences can discover new films, connect with others, and experience storytelling in a more personal and immediate way.
Founded with the belief that great films deserve a life beyond both the festival circuit and passive online release, Coffeehouse Cinema exists to extend the runway of standout short films. We curate programs that give films additional opportunities to be seen, discussed, and remembered—rather than getting lost after their initial premiere or sitting unseen on the internet.
At its core, Coffeehouse Cinema is audience-first. Each event is designed not just as a screening, but as a shared experience—where filmmakers can see real-time audience reactions, participate in conversations, and build meaningful connections within a growing creative community.
As a new and evolving platform, Coffeehouse Cinema is focused on expanding access—for filmmakers seeking visibility and for audiences seeking discovery. By hosting recurring events in an unconventional space, we are redefining how short films are exhibited and creating a bridge between festivals, online platforms, and real-world audience engagement.
Trailer
Festival Amenities
Accepted Content
Submission Categories
LA Submissions
Films are reviewed on a rolling basis. Submissions received by each deadline will be eligible for programming consideration beginning two months later. For example, films submitted by August 31, 2026 may first be considered for an October 2026 screening.
NYC Submissions
Films are reviewed on a rolling basis. Submissions received by each deadline will be eligible for programming consideration beginning two months later. For example, films submitted by August 31, 2026 may first be considered for an October 2026 screening.
London Submissions
Films are reviewed on a rolling basis. Submissions received by each deadline will be eligible for programming consideration beginning two months later. For example, films submitted by August 31, 2026 may first be considered for an October 2026 screening.
Festival Team
Ellis Sutton
Co-Founder/Head of Marketing & Strategy
Eddie Locks
Co-Founder/Head of Events & Programming
Festival Rules
What We Look For:
At Coffeehouse Cinema, we are not defined by genre, budget, or scale. We are defined by how a film makes us feel and how well it holds us inside its world.
The films we program share a common thread. They connect emotionally, feel intentional in their craft, and contribute to a curated experience. Every Coffeehouse Cinema film has an emotional anchor. This does not mean every film needs to be heavy or dramatic. Many are comedies or concept-driven. What matters is that beneath the premise, there is something real. We are drawn to films that reveal something human and leave the audience with something to feel or reflect on.You do not need a large budget, but your film must feel intentional and immersive. Strong visual choices, clear sound, and believable environments all contribute to this. We are not looking for perfection. We are looking for control, intention, and cohesion. We program curated screenings, not individual films. Every selection is considered both on its own and as part of a larger lineup. We think about how films connect, how themes build, and how the audience moves from one story to the next. Because of this, a film may align with our taste and still not be programmed right away. We are not just programming what is good. We are programming what resonates.
If your film is intentional, immersive, and leaves people feeling something, we want to see it.
Why Screen Here (Benefits):
Screening at Coffeehouse Cinema means your film is experienced the way it’s meant to be seen — in front of a live, engaged audience where each selection is given real attention. Every film is thoughtfully programmed to ensure it has space to land, with a dedicated spotlight and filmmaker Q&A that allows for meaningful conversation in a way larger blocks often can’t. Each program is intentionally curated, placing your work alongside filmmakers with a shared sense of taste while connecting you directly to a growing creative community in Los Angeles. If selected, your submission fee is fully refunded, you and a guest receive complimentary access to your screening, and all alumni can submit future short films to Coffeehouse Cinema free of charge.
