ATTN: Filmmakers - Inaugural Short Takes Film Festival

"The length of a film should be directly related to the endurance of the human bladder."
- Alfred Hitchcock

Great films are not defined by length, but rather their ability to artfully tell a story and communicate something emotional and true. The Short Takes Film Festival's goal is to promote, showcase and award quality short films made by talented filmmakers.

Applicants submit one short film with a maximum runtime of 30-minutes. All genres are accepted, as long as they fit into these five specific categories: fiction, documentary, animation, music video and student film. Multiple entries from directors are accepted, although a separate entry fee is required.

All finalist films are viewed and considered by an executive judging committee consisting of top entertainment industry professionals, including (but not limited to) production executives, filmmakers, agents, managers and producers.

Winning films are selected based on their merit, both as pieces of entertainment and art, and are judged on the following four criteria:

1. Theme Originality: Does your film bring something new to the table? Does the work showcase a unique voice and perspective?

2. Production Value: Does your film play at a professional level across the board? From camera work to lighting to acting, the film should ooze filmmaking proficiency.

3. Life on the Screen: Does your film translate your vision into something cohesive and utterly "filmic?" Everybody has ideas-what do you do to create yours?

4. Entertainment Value: How engaging is your film? Is it entertaining? Does it maintain the viewer's interest?