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We screen short films once a month, every third Thursday, at Gardena Cinema. Each screening ends with a Q&A and an audience vote, where one filmmaker wins our Audience Choice Award. Winners from January through November return in December to compete for Film of the Year.


2026 Screenings:

January 15

February 19

March 19

April 16

May 21

June 18

July 16

August 20

September 17

October 15

November 19

December 17


If you’d like your film considered, here’s how it works!

Submission Process

  • Submissions are open year-round

  • Films remain under consideration throughout the year

  • Programming space is limited each month

  • Because of this, not all films we consider are able to be screened

  • Selected filmmakers will be contacted

Eligibility

  • Short films up to 15 minutes

  • All genres and formats are welcome

  • No AI-generated content

By submitting, you confirm that you own or have secured all rights for any copyrighted, trademarked, or private property shown or recorded in the film.
I understand
The Festival may use stills, trailers, or short clips for promotion.
I agree

Submission Fee

$15

Non-refundable. Waived through Feb 14 with code VALENTINE

Awards

  • Every screening includes an audience vote

  • The top-voted filmmaker wins that month’s Audience Choice Award

  • Monthly winners from Jan–Nov return for our December finals to compete for Film of the Year


Gardena Cinema provides an annual champion belt for the Film of the Year winner, awarded in December

If Selected

  • Selected films need a DCP in Scope format for screening

  • Gardena Cinema offers DCP conversion for $50 if needed

  • The venue handles projection and playback

Rules may change at any time, with or without notice. This festival is rooted in community and a shared love of filmmaking 😊

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