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The HollyShorts Film Festival is an Oscar®-Qualifying short film festival based in Los Angeles. Since its establishment in 2005, HollyShorts has grown into a premier platform for independent filmmakers worldwide. As an Academy Awards-qualifying festival in four categories, HollyShorts presents a diverse selection of innovative short films across various genres.
From its modest beginnings at The Space Theatre to events at prestigious locations like the TCL Chinese Theatres and Cannes Film Festival, HollyShorts has evolved into an international symbol of excellence and influence within the film industry. Over the past two decades, the festival has attracted renowned filmmakers, actors, and industry professionals from around the world, fostering a community built on collaboration, inspiration, and mutual respect.
Recognized by MovieMaker magazine as one of the Top 50 Film Festivals Worth The Entry Fee, HollyShorts remains dedicated to championing emerging talents and pushing the boundaries of cinematic innovation.
2025 HSFF winners news here: https://deadline.com/2025/08/2025-hollyshorts-awards-winners-1236490453/
Short Live Action films 40 minutes or less. Category includes Drama, Narrative, Action, Horror, Thriller, Comedy, and Cinematography. *Winner of Best Short Live Action qualifies for Academy award consideration* Best Short Film aka Grand prize winner also Qualifies for Academy
Animation short films 40 minutes or less. *academy qualified category Best Animation winner
Short Documentary films 40 minutes or less. (winner qualifies for Academy Awards)
Web Series submissions up to 20 minutes per submission of episodes.
College or thesis projects, film class projects, etc. 40 minutes or less.
Films made on tablets, iphones, Microsoft Windows phones, Androids, gopro, etc. Budget at or under $500. 10 minutes or less.
Commercial submissions 3 minutes or less.
Music Video submissions 7 minutes or less.
Films shot on 8mm, 16mm, or 35mm. Sponsored by Kodak.
Short Films fitting of the Midnight screenings 40 minutes or less.
Scripted and unscripted podcasts.
Sponsored by Kodak, this category is dedicated to films shot on Super 8mm film
Bollywood Short films produced or inspired by the Bollywood industry in India!
Short films on sports
Music documentaries or music themed narrative films and or music films or extended music video narratives.
Local to Los Angeles short films produced in the greater LA area. $1,000 cash prize for award winner of this category presented by First Entertainment Credit Union. Join Now: go.firstent.org/hollyshorts Disclosures NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A purchase or additional account opening will not increase your chances of winning. Void where prohibited. The Made in LA Award is a promotional prize sponsored by First Entertainment Credit Union. One (1) winner will be selected in accordance with the Official Rules. The prize consists of a one-time $1,000 award, which will be deposited into the winner’s First Entertainment savings account, subject to verification of eligibility and standard account terms and conditions. No substitution or transfer of the prize is permitted. Winner is responsible for all applicable federal, state, and local taxes. Sponsor: First Entertainment Credit Union, Los Angeles, California. Join Now: go.firstent.org/hollyshorts
Micro drama (verticals) under 5 mins per episode per submission.