It’s January 2026 – a new year has begun and it’s time for a fresh start. Below are 5 festivals to submit to based upon specific goals. The golden rule still applies – always research the Festival to ensure that your Film is a good fit for their audience and if so go ahead & submit
1. The goal – get Oscar qualified
HollyShorts – 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.
2. The goal – get BAFTA qualified (for U.K. Produced short films)
Norwich Film Festival
The Norwich Film Festival is a BAFTA Qualifying Short Film Festival (Section B)* as well as a BIFA (British Independent Film Awards) Qualifying Short Film Festival* and was chosen by The Metro as one of “the top UK film festivals you need to know about”.
They pride themselves on screening a wide range of short films, spanning an eclectic mix of genres, themes and backgrounds. All films must be under 25 minutes in duration (including titles & credits).
3. The goal – get BIFA qualified (for U.K. Produced short & feature films)
The Worcester Film Festival is a new addition to the BIFA qualifying film festival category, this Festival are committed to introducing the best of indie film to their region by championing and nurturing talent both upcoming and established. They are proud to be a festival for film lovers and filmmakers alike, creating a meaningful film presence in the heart of the UK.
4. Local Exposure
Let’s say you’re based like me in Dallas Fort Worth Texas and you’re looking to meet new filmmaker connections. A great place to start is local festivals that are close to you
The Waco Independent Film Festival is a great choice – exactly 1 hr and 40 minutes away from both Austin & Dallas it’s easy to get to and they champion indie filmmakers and have an Unproduced screenplay competition
5. Student Filmmakers
The National Film Festival for Talented Youth is the world’s largest, most influential film festival for emerging filmmakers 24 years old and younger. In 2025 we screened over 240 amazing short films representing 28 US states and 32 countries.
They provide a first-class festival experience that includes four days of film screenings, parties, networking events, panels, and more!
