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SHORT FILM SUBMISSION FORM

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

Submission Process

  • Submissions are open year-round.

  • Films are reviewed on a rolling basis.

  • Programming space is limited each month.

  • Films not selected right away may still be considered for a future month.

  • Selected filmmakers will be contacted.

Eligibility

  • Preferred runtime: 15 minutes or under

  • All genres and formats are welcome

  • No AI-generated content

By submitting, you confirm that you own or have secured the rights to all copyrighted, trademarked, or private property shown or heard in your film.
I understand
You also agree that the festival may use stills, trailers, or short clips from your film for promotional purposes.
I agree

Submission Fee

$15

Non-refundable First-time submitters may use waiver code: GARDENA

Awards

  • Each screening includes an audience vote.

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

  • Monthly winners from January through November return for the December finals to compete for Film of the Year.

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.

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