As a filmmaker, creating a short film is only half the battle. The real challenge begins when it’s time to get your work seen by the right audience. With so many platforms available, knowing where to submit your film can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re aiming for festival exposure, online streaming, or a chance at awards, finding the right platform can make all the difference in your film’s success.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up the top submission sites where your short film can shine and reach its potential. From cost-effective options to globally recognized platforms, these opportunities are a must for any indie filmmaker ready to take the next step.
1. Short of the Week
- Link: shortoftheweek.com
- Cost: $30 per submission.
- Details: Short of the Week highlights emerging filmmakers and innovative short films across genres. Films must be under 40 minutes and can be fiction, documentary, animation, or experimental.
2. FilmFreeway
- Link: filmfreeway.com
- Cost: Varies by festival ($0 to $100+).
- Details: FilmFreeway is a platform where filmmakers can submit their films to thousands of film festivals worldwide, including short film categories. Submission fees vary depending on the festival.
3. Vimeo Staff Picks
- Link: vimeo.com
- Cost: Free (must upload your film to Vimeo first).
- Details: Vimeo Staff Picks showcases standout short films on their platform. You must upload your film to Vimeo and gain some visibility for a chance to be chosen by their curators.
4. NoBudge
- Link: nobudge.com
- Cost: $25+ per submission.
- Details: NoBudge is an indie film platform that specializes in no-budget, DIY films. They prefer films under 30 minutes that showcase fresh, unique voices in filmmaking.
5. Omelato
- Link: https://filmfreeway.com/Omeleto
- Cost: $120 per submission.
- Details: Sundance winners, Oscar nominees and critically-acclaimed filmmakers across every genre. With millions of dedicated subscribers, we are the premier platform to reach a global audience of passionate film enthusiasts.
6. Nowness
- Link: nowness.com
- Cost: Free (but highly selective).
- Details: Nowness curates visually stunning, boundary-pushing short films. While submission is free, it’s a highly competitive platform for filmmakers with a strong artistic vision.
7. Indie Short Fest
- Link: indieshortfest.com
- Cost: $40+ depending on the submission period.
- Details: Indie Short Fest is a Los Angeles-based monthly competition for indie shorts. It’s part of a larger network of film festivals and offers awards and screening opportunities.
8. New Filmmakers LA
- Link: https://www.newfilmmakersla.com/film-submissions/
- Cost: $40 +
- Details: NewFilmmakers Los Angeles (NFMLA) presents the NFMLA Monthly Film Festival, a uniquely intimate opportunity that provides a filmmaker focused festival approach by an intently devoted team.
9. Short Film Depot
- Link: shortfilmdepot.com
- Cost: Varies depending on the festival ($0 to $60+).
- Details: Short Film Depot allows you to submit your short film to numerous film festivals across the globe. It streamlines the submission process to various festivals in one place.
10. Directors Notes
- Link: https://directorsnotes.com/submit/
- Cost: £40 +
- Details: Directors Notes focuses on championing independent filmmaking. They look for unique, bold voices in both short and feature-length films and offer in-depth interviews with the filmmakers they feature.
11. The New Yorker Screening Room
- Link: https://thenewyorker-video.submittable.com/submit/151047/submit-your-film-here
- Cost: Free (must pitch to them).
- Details: The New Yorker’s Screening Room showcases short films with a strong narrative or documentary style. Submissions are via pitch, and the platform is known for curating high-quality films with social or cultural relevance.
Tips for Filmmakers:
- Read the Submission Guidelines: Always review the specific rules and guidelines before submitting your film to ensure it meets the platform’s requirements.
- Consider Submission Fees: Plan your festival or platform submissions by budgeting for entry fees, which can add up quickly.
- Prepare Your Film for Distribution: Ensure your film is properly formatted and ready for digital distribution (HD, subtitles if necessary, etc.).
- Track Your Submissions: Keep track of where and when you’ve submitted your film to manage responses and deadlines efficiently.
Conclusion
Submitting your short film to the right platform can open doors to industry recognition, new audiences, and valuable feedback. With options ranging from free submissions to highly curated showcases, it’s important to choose platforms that align with your goals and your film’s unique voice.
Remember to budget for submission fees, prepare your materials meticulously, and be strategic with where and when you submit. Your film deserves to be seen, and these platforms can help make that a reality. Good luck, and may your short film find its perfect audience!
