Tickets available for this week, on every showcase page.
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Line-up announced for "Best of" showcases.

7 Reasons to
Consider DC Shorts

Thoughts from Filmmakers who attended DC Shorts

"Most enjoyable fest I've ever attended. The quality of the films was high. The festival really put in the effort to make the experience great for the filmmakers, which is too often an afterthought at other festivals. The projection was polished and looked great."

"It was also very inspiring to find out that the Director of the film festival was himself a filmmaker, something I had been unaware of until the end as well. I feel that there is truly something special about the DC Film Shorts Festival. The atmosphere was one of a family of artists as opposed to an "industry" event. As a result, I left the film festival feeling inspired and motivated, but also wishing I knew more about this wonderful group of artists. Thank you!"

"This year was great and whether we have an entry in that particular year or not, I never hesitate recommending to everyone to attend DC Shorts for the caliber of films for audience members and for the way you're treated if you're a filmmaker. Thank you, thank you, thank you."

"I am very proud to have participated in this year's event. I met a lot of very nice people, the organization was great, the party was fantastic and you did a very good job. Thank you so much to have gave me the opportunity to show my film in this beautiful city."

Thoughts from Filmmakers who WERE REJECTED from DC Shorts

“Thank you so much for your feedback! Although we are naturally disappointed not to be accepted into your festival, we really appreciate your comments, criticisms, and evaluations. The other few festivals we entered did not send us any information that would enable us to learn and improve. And as first time filmmakers, we are eager to improve.”

“I'm not sure if this email will reach the right person, but I wanted to say a huge thank you for providing the judges' scores and comments - it's incredibly helpful and I wish more festivals would do this.”

1. It’s all about TREATING FILMMAKERS WITH RESPECT.

Filmmakers who attend DC Shorts not only enjoy parties and city tours, but also receive complimentary housing, meals and local transportation. Most importantly, they enjoy the opportunity to meet and learn from other filmmakers—an experience that comes from a showcase dedicated to short films and the people who make them.

2. It’s all about UNDERSTANDING THE JUDGING PROCESS.

Why didn’t your film or script get in? What were the judges looking for? DC Shorts lets you know. Before you apply, we provide not only the rules of competition which explain the judging process, but offer a comprehensive article with information and tips about films that have made it or been rejected in the past. After the judging process, DC Shorts provides direct feedback from the judges to EVERY filmmaker through our online review system in which your scores and comments can be viewed. This is one of the reasons DC Shorts was named as “one of 25 festivals worth an entry fee” by Moviemaker Magazine – 2 years in a row!

3. It’s all about PROFESSIONAL PROJECTION.

DC Shorts prides itself on the clearest digital projection available. Your film will be carefully and meticulously digitally mastered for projection through a sophisticated projection system we developed. Our theaters project in high definition for ultra-clear images as you intended your HD film to play.

4. It’s all about WATCHING FILMS.

At other festivals, if you want to see other films, you need to cough up money for another ticket. DC Shorts provides an all-inclusive pass so filmmakers and their friends can watch, discuss, relax and enjoy themselves without any extra cost.

5. It’s all about QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS.

At a typical film festival, the audience can’t wait for the film to start. At DC Shorts, they can’t wait for it to be over. That’s when they can learn more about your film—from you—in a professionally moderated discussion. Our moderators spend time with you before the festival to understand your film and process—which allows them to ask the probing questions filmmakers and audiences really want to know.

6. It’s all about the CAMARADERIE.

Filmmakers who have attended past DC Shorts have made connections that stand the test of time. Many have collaborated after the festival to work on new projects, new ventures — and even new relationships. Now, that’s spreading the love around!

7. It’s all about the LEARNING.

During the festival, we offer FREE SEMINARS for filmmakers in subjects as diverse as screenwriting, ultra-low budget shooting, working within the system and more — taught by industry professionals and film leaders.

Best of DC Shorts 2009

The films

DC Shorts has always presented an array of awards. In 2009, we expanded our competitions to offer even more awards with incredible prizes of cash and products.

Filmmaker's Favorite: Boo
U S A - 12:00 - Comedy - Michael Goldberg, Director
Answering the door on Halloween, Kari realizes that the trick-or-treeting the ‘ghost kid’ may actually be supernatural.

Outstanding Cinematography (Presented By Fujifilm): William’s Christening
U S A - 15:00 - Drama - Joshua Hume, Director
A sleepwalking mother and her husband must make a choice when their newborn child disappears.

Outstanding Local Film: The Response
U S A - 19:50 - Drama - Adam Rodgers, Director
Military judges must decide the fate of a suspected enemy combatant in this courtroom drama.

Outstanding First-Time Director: The Mouse That Soared
U S A - 5:45 - Animated - Kyle Bell, Director
A famous flying circus mouse reflects on his humble beginnings in this high-altitude adventure in aerodynamics

Diversity Award (Presented By Verizon): Funky Prairie Boy
Canada - 18:30 - Drama - Mike Schultz, Director
A young boy living in a small prairie town during the early 1980s, befriends the only black kid at his school

Festival Director's Choice: And What Remains
U S A - 9:57 - Documentary - Marc Havener, Director
The complexities of a father's relationship with his son uncovers the essential desire of wanting to leave behind something great.

Audience Choice Awards

Forever's Not So Long
George discovers that the end of the world is the perfect time to lose everything.

In The Name Of The Son
After escaping execution, a Bosnian prisoner of war, looks to leave his past behind.

William's Christening
Genevieve (Sarah Jane Casey), a new mother, suffers from sleepwalking disorder. Her husband Putnam (Nick Merritt) often finds her wandering the halls and grounds of their ancient, gothic mansion. When their infant son disappears, everyone believes Gen accidentally drowned him. To protect Gen, Putnam arranges to illegally adopt a baby from a desperately poor man whose wife died in childbirth, but when the man changes his mind, things go horribly wrong, and Putnam and Gen are forced to make a terrible choice.

Found
A young man faces the stark void that is his existence. Will he go forward into the void?

Meltdown
Last night's leftovers are presented with a cold reality.

Boo
Answering the door on Halloween, Kari realizes that the trick-or-treating 'ghost kid' may actually be supernatural.

Funky Prairie Boy
A young boy living in a small prairie town during the early 1980s, befriends the only black kid at his school and soon discovers the prejudice that exists within his friends, his family and even in himself.

Placebo
Moving from one college town to the next, Derek buys over the counter pills and resells them as prescription medication.

Clam Pie
After gorging on a classic Cape Cod delicacy, a curious older woman finds herself launched into a radical encounter with heaven!

Pigeon: Impossible
Walter, a rookie secret service agent is faced with a pigeon trapped inside of a multi-million dollar, government issued nuclear briefcase.