Dates & Deadlines
About festival
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/
Awards
Festival Amenities
Accepted Content
Submission Categories
Dark ComedyCloses within 7 days or closed
Dark Comedy short films 30 minutes max runtime.
Deadline: March 6, 2026
Web SeriesCloses within 7 days or closed
Comedy Web Series episode(s) of a maximum runtime of 7 minutes.
Deadline: March 6, 2026
SpoofCloses within 7 days or closed
Deadline: March 6, 2026
Rom ComCloses within 7 days or closed
Romance Comedies with a maximum runtime of 30 minutes.
Deadline: March 6, 2026
Alternative ComedyCloses within 7 days or closed
Deadline: March 6, 2026
Cringe ComedyCloses within 7 days or closed
Comedy shorts with a horror or raunchy twist! 30 minutes maximum runtime.
Deadline: March 6, 2026
Bad Comedy ShortsCloses within 7 days or closed
We are looking for the best of the worst comedy shorts to be showcased at the festival and also selected filmmakers will be contestants for our web show Hollywood or Hollywouldn't! The show is currently exclusive to Bitpix and can be seen on www.bitpixtv.com.
Deadline: March 6, 2026
Horror ComedyCloses within 7 days or closed
Comedic horror shorts 30 minutes or less.
Deadline: March 6, 2026
Student ComedyCloses within 7 days or closed
Student comedy short films 30 minutes or less. Must be a student production.
Deadline: March 6, 2026
MidnightCloses within 7 days or closed
Midnight. B Cinema Campy Comedic Genius!
Deadline: March 6, 2026
TV Comedy EpisodicCloses within 7 days or closed
TV Comedy Pilots and Series.
Deadline: March 6, 2026
Exclusive Feedback Of Your FILM (SHORT)/SUBMISSIONCloses within 7 days or closed
Your film will be evaluated by prestigious reviewers—award-winning filmmakers whose works have been selected at Festival de Cannes, Sundance, and Venice. Unlike most festivals, which do not provide personal or detailed feedback, we offer a unique review system designed to give filmmakers valuable insights into their work and enhance their artistic potential for future projects and festival submissions. Each review will be more than 500 words long, providing an in-depth evaluation of your film, covering direction, script, cinematography, editing, sound, and acting. Whether you are selected or not, you will receive private, professional feedback from our reviewers from SHORTS WRAP ACADEMY, helping you understand how top festivals perceive and value your film.
Deadline: March 6, 2026
Festival Rules
Refund Policy:
No refunds are provided once you submit (upload & purchase) your project to HollyShorts Film Festival via FilmFreeway No refunds for double submissions No refunds for submissions that are not accepted No refunds for withdrawals, regardless of reason Double submissions will receive a credit for another submission (not a refund)
Eligibility & Competition:
Films and videos submitted will be considered for competitive categories Oscar-nominated films may be submitted for screening only (not for competitive categories)
Screening Obligations:
By submitting, you agree to allow HollyShorts to screen your film if selected You are obligated to honor this commitment if your film is selected All films will screen on DCP format (unless otherwise mentioned) Simple DCP is the designated DCP vendor
Los Angeles Premiere Requirement :
Selected films must be a Los Angeles Premiere HollyShorts must be the first LA screening for any selected films
Binding Agreement:
By submitting your film, being accepted, and submitting your DCP, you confirm HollyShorts can screen your film regardless of another festival's acceptance You are legally bound by these terms and conditions upon submission
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