Forum
The ShortFest Forum is the "classroom" educational component of the Festival where we bring together festival filmmakers and prominent industry members for panels, roundtables, and meetings, covering a wide range of emerging trends and new practices in the global film community. They focus on the art and industry of filmmaking and offer filmmakers a first-hand opportunity to listen, learn, and network with a group of industry professionals specializing in their fields.
All Forum events will be held in person at the Renaissance Palm Springs and require a Shortfest Pass. Events are first-come, first-served so we recommend arriving early to guarantee your seat
Please note that the One-on-Ones will require advance registration. Registration is also required for those wanting to be considered to pitch during the Pitch Perfect masterclass.
Roundtables and One-on-Ones are Filmmaker only events
Check your badge for access details for all other Forum events.
Taking the giant step from shorts to feature filmmaking doesn't have to be intimidating! Hear from our panel of seasoned filmmakers about their own journeys and learnings as they stepped into making features for the first time, and discover the best way to prepare yourself for the next chapter.
PASSHOLDER DO NOT NEED TO PURCHASE TICKETS FOR THIS EVENT
Industry Participants
Don't miss one of our most popular events, centered on the art of perfecting your pitch. Hear from industry experts about do's and don'ts for pitching and tips on getting your delivery just right. Submit your pitch ahead of time for the chance to pitch directly to the panelists and receive feedback live! Three pitches will be pre-selected and confirmed prior to the panel. Panel is open to all, advance registration required for those wanting to pitch.
PASSHOLDER DO NOT NEED TO PURCHASE TICKETS FOR THIS EVENT
Industry Participants
In a world where content creation is king, what can filmmakers learn from viral creators? This dynamic conversation brings together digital storytellers who have cracked the code of online virality alongside industry executives seasoned in this fast-paced world. We’ll explore how short-form content is evolving, the creative strategies behind breakout success across platforms, and what narrative and audience-building techniques translate best in the age of algorithms.
PASSHOLDER DO NOT NEED TO PURCHASE TICKETS FOR THIS EVENT
Industry Participants
Ever wondered what it takes to start working in television? Hear from prominent directors, writers, showrunners, and industry experts about the current television landscape, what they anticipate for the future, and the best ways to forge a path into this coveted area of the industry.
PASSHOLDER DO NOT NEED TO PURCHASE TICKETS FOR THIS EVENT
Industry Participants
A Forum favorite! Meet the programmers from festivals around the country who are keen to spotlight work from emerging and established filmmakers. Learn about how selection processes work, do's and don'ts for submissions, and how to make the most of a film festival experience. Bring all your questions as the audience are the moderators!
PASSHOLDER DO NOT NEED TO PURCHASE TICKETS FOR THIS EVENT
Industry Participants
Don't miss the chance to meet in person with an industry professional as part of our One on Ones. These general meetings are designed to allow you the opportunity to ask burning questions about areas of the industry you are interested in working in or learning more about, general career advice, or ways to best position yourself and your work as you move forward. Limited seating - advance sign-up required.
Industry Participants
Don't miss the chance to meet in person with an established filmmaker as part of our One on Ones. These general meetings give you the opportunity to ask burning questions about their careers, aspects of filmmaking you are interested in learning more about, general advice, or ways to best position yourself and your work as you move forward. Limited seating - advance sign-up required.
Industry Participants
Our newest interactive event! Are you a director seeking a producer for your new project? An actor looking for the writer that will have your next meaty role? Whatever hat(s) you might wear in the filmmaking process, let us step in and help you find your next great collaborator through these structured general meetings. Limited seating - advance sign-up required.
We are proud to introduce a new roundtable this year! In an intimate group setting, hear directly from prominent agents & managers about how they build relationships with filmmakers, and how your work can stand out from the crowd. OR sit down with established writers and directors working in television to learn about how they began their careers and what advice helped them succeed. Bring your questions - we'll rotate every 20 minutes, so you'll be able to meet with 3 speakers total. This event is first-come, first-served with limited seating so we recommend arriving early.
Industry Participants
Our signature roundtable event returns! In an intimate group setting, hear directly from development executives and organizations involved in artist support and granting to learn about how they select the filmmakers they work with, what they look for, and what opportunities exist for your project. Bring your questions - we'll rotate every 20 minutes, so you'll be able to meet with 3 speakers total. This event is first-come, first-served with limited seating so we recommend arriving early.
Industry Participants
See it for yourself!
Check out our 2023 ShortFest Forum playlist.