SUBMIT YOUR SHORT FILM

AFI announced the dates for AFI FEST 2026 presented by Canva. The 40th edition of the Institute’s annual film festival will take place October 21–25 at the TCL Chinese Theatres in the heart of Hollywood and will feature a curated selection of Red Carpet Premiere screenings, Special Screenings, World Cinema, Documentaries and Short Films.

“AFI FEST brings the film community together through the collective embrace of cinema,” said Todd Hitchcock, Director of AFI FEST and the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center. “AFI FEST audiences know to expect bold, compelling films created by passionate filmmakers from around the world. Last year smashed box office records, and we anticipate the same enthusiasm for the art form as the festival celebrates its 40th year.”

AFI FEST is recognized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences as a qualifying festival for the Live Action, Animated and Documentary Short Film categories for the annual Academy Awards®. AFI FEST is also a qualifying festival for consideration for the British Short Film categories of both the BAFTA Film Awards and the British Independent Film Awards (BIFA).

Entries for the AFI FEST 2026 Short Film Competition program open today. Short films (40 minutes and under) that have been completed after October 1, 2025, are eligible for submission to AFI FEST 2026. Filmmakers are invited to submit live action, documentary and animated short films. AFI FEST accepts short film submissions exclusively through Its official submissions partner FilmFreeway at https://filmfreeway.com/AFIFEST. Filmmakers can email [email protected] for more information about the submissions process for short films.

SHORT FILM SUBMISSION DATES

Early Deadline – March 1, 2026

Official Deadline – April 12, 2026

Final Deadline – May 31, 2026

AFI is a nonprofit, donor-powered organization. Join AFI’s Premiere Circle to support the American Film Institute and enjoy access to exclusive one-of-a-kind opportunities at AFI events, including AFI FEST. To learn more, email [email protected].

Canva, the all-in-one visual communication and collaboration platform, returns as the exclusive Presenting Sponsor of AFI FEST 2026. Designed to empower entertainment professionals to visualize their ideas into impactful film and TV projects, Canva will be integrated throughout AFI FEST including hosting industry networking events, hands-on training workshops for filmmakers, and powering the festival’s digital and printed materials. Entertainment professionals can explore resources to pitch projects, plan shoots, and bring creative visions to life at canva.com/entertainment.