“An entry to Shorts could see your film shown both in Australia and the UK, and could even send you to Cannes!”
David Lightfoot, Shorts founder
What is Shorts?
Shorts Film Festival stands alone as Australia’s only national short film festival and competition entirely dedicated to ensuring that the specialist craft of storytelling through film is fostered and celebrated. Films are judged on their ability to communicate a story so entries are welcomed from any genre.
The generous support of our sponsors allows Shorts to offer a spectacular prize pool worth in excess of $50,000, and sends the first prize winner to some of the biggest overseas film festivals in the world, such as Cannes.
The Festival
Shorts presents a showcase of Australian talent across a week of lounge-style film screenings. Set in non-cinematic, eclectic venues such as Adelaide’s iconic Queen’s Theatre and the Norwood Concert Hall, Shorts is an intimate event that combines great film, fabulous food and a cocktail atmosphere to create a uniquely creative vibe. The festival is a fantastic opportunity for filmmakers, artists and the general public to mingle, creating an enthusiastic audience that’s fanatical about film.
Where it all began
Shorts was founded in 2002 by acclaimed film producer David Lightfoot (Wolf Creek, Rogue, Coffin Rock) with the aim of championing the abilities of emerging Australian filmmakers.
Over eight years the festival has grown in success and stature, and is now able to promote its winners both at home through the main festival and Shorts Outback, and internationally through the prestigious Rushes Soho Shorts Festival in London.