ShortFest 2025 Program Index
All programs are listed by date and time
WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD | Tuesday, 11:00 AM
Take a peek over the fence with this collection highlighting the significance and allure of local community, hometown belonging, and the impact of outsiders. Read More
COMMUNICATION BREAKDOWNS | Tuesday, 11:30 AM
From awkward to heartbreaking, these misunderstandings change the trajectory of conversations, relationships, and lives. Read More
ART ATTACK | Tuesday, 12:00 PM
Explore the transformative and provocative influence of art through an assortment of documentary, fiction, and animated short films celebrating the creative process and its ability to heal and challenge. Read More
DESERT DOCS | Tuesday, 2:00 PM
A showcase of powerful short documentaries spotlighting local voices, stories, and communities. Read More
OUTSIDERS & UNDERDOGS | Tuesday, 2:30 PM
With the odds stacked firmly against them, the protagonists in these shorts must surmount tough obstacles and take charge of their own destinies. Read More
SOCIAL ANIMALS | Tuesday, 3:00 PM
Pleasant company can be difficult to come by in these entertaining stories of dueling dads, scheming hitmen, and a boar in desperate search of his favorite beer. Read More
OPENING NIGHT | Tuesday, 6:30 PM
Opening Night is where the vibes begin. Filmmakers, industry folks, and film lovers gather for a high-energy kickoff packed with bold, brilliant, bite-sized cinema. We’ve selected a lineup that captures so much of what ShortFest is all about — a little laughter, connection, and a whole lot of heart. And to really kick it off... Read More
THE HISTORY OF US | Wednesday, 11:00 AM
From personal to shared histories, this collection of films looks at the stories that shape us—the choices, the moments, the people. Read More
ALL ABOUT MY MOTHER | Wednesday, 11:30 AM
Whether touching or comedic, these stories traverse the world of motherhood, spotlighting the enduring impact our mothers leave on our lives. Read More
AMAZING ANIMATION | Wednesday, 12:00 PM
This unique collection of animated films run the gamut from moving to hilarious to strange—and always visually evocative.(Note: If you're looking for our family friendly program, please see the Shorties lineup) Read More
SAME PLANET, DIFFERENT WORLDS | Wednesday, 2:00 PM
In our increasingly connected world, real and imagined barriers continue to drive a wedge between people from different backgrounds. These compassionate and cutting stories highlight unexpected encounters across the class divide. Read More
FATHER FIGURES | Wednesday, 2:30 PM
Dads and fatherhood take center stage in this collection showcasing the full spectrum of love, frustration, and cheesy jokes. Read More
TALK OF THE TOWN | Wednesday, 3:00 PM
Word travels fast in these stories about tight-knit communities where it’s impossible to avoid your neighbors, and everyone knows your business. Read More
ON THE JOB | Wednesday, 5:00 PM
From the confines of the office to the high seas and everywhere in between, punch in and enjoy these funny and fraught portraits of working life. Read More
SIBLING STORIES | Wednesday, 5:30 PM
The bond between siblings is stronger than ever in this eclectic selection of shorts that oscillates between shenanigans and unconditional support, reminding us that blood is thicker than water. Read More
OUT OF THE PAST | Wednesday, 6:00 PM
The past seeps into the present in this diverse variety of films, in which memories and prior events make a pronounced return. Read More
CODES OF CONDUCT | Wednesday, 8:00 PM
The unwritten rules of society can exasperate and confuse at every turn. These shorts examine how we follow—and break from—prescribed norms. Read More
A DOSE OF REALITY | Thursday, 11:00 AM
Transportive, sobering, and wondrous, these nonfiction accounts from across the globe exemplify the power of narrative in truth. Read More
ANIMAL INSTINCTS | Thursday, 11:30 AM
From loyal companions to wild disruptors and everything in between, fauna take center stage in these charming, curious, and sometimes unruly shorts. Read More
UNBOUND VISIONS | Thursday, 12:00 PM
From surreal landscapes to abstract narratives and emotional excavations, experience the boundless creativity of filmmakers pushing the limits of storytelling and perception. Read More