Portland Shorts Filmmakers - IFF

Welcome to the Portland Shorts Filmmaking international film festival, where creativity knows no bounds and innovation takes center stage.

Our Live Event will be held at April 14-19 2026 in Avalon Theatre. 20 Works from 4 seasons will be screened during our event. 5Q&A, 4 Workshops, Interviews will be presented during film festival

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About

At the Portland Shorts Filmmaking festival, we're not just celebrating films – we're celebrating the power of storytelling to inspire, connect, and transform lives. Join us for an unforgettable cinematic experience unlike any other.

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Networking:

Connect with fellow filmmakers, producers, and industry experts during our networking events and panels. Exchange ideas, collaborate on future projects, and forge lasting connections within the film community.

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Exploring:

Experience a diverse selection of new works and emerging filmmakers pushing the boundaries of storytelling. From experimental narratives to groundbreaking documentaries, our festival showcases the next generation of cinematic talent.

Competition

Celebrating:

Join us in honoring the artistry and dedication of filmmakers as we celebrate their achievements. From awards ceremonies to filmmaker spotlights, we shine a spotlight on the incredible contributions of storytellers from all backgrounds.

Competition

Creating:

Immerse yourself in the creative process with workshops, masterclasses, and interactive sessions designed to inspire and empower filmmakers. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, there's something for everyone to learn and explore.

Our Award Categories

Feature Film Icon
Feature Film
Short Film Icon
Short Film
Experimental Icon
Experimental
Documentary Icon
Documentary
Animation Icon
Animation
Actor & Actress Icon
Best Actor & Actress
Director Icon
Best Director

Winners of Portland Shorts Filmmakers - IFF - March 17, 2026

Ball Lightning
Ball Lightning
Directors

Catriona Trina Baker

Category

Award Winner

Winning Categories

Animation, Experimental, Best Sound Design

An innovative exploration of visual and auditory boundaries.

The High King's Daughter
The High King's Daughter
Directors

Joël Gibbs

Category

Award Winner

Winning Categories

Animation, Best Production, Best Music Video

A majestic animated tale with outstanding production value.

Alaska Rescue Story
Alaska Rescue Story
Directors

Mark D Rose

Category

Award Winner

Winning Categories

Documentary

A gripping documentary about survival and heroism in the extreme wilderness.

Strolling Down Brighton Pier
Strolling Down Brighton Pier
Category

Award Winner

Winning Categories

Best Costume, Best Music Video

A visually stunning journey down the iconic pier, featuring incredible costume design.

Sirà
Sirà
Directors

Jason Quinn

Category

Award Winner

Winning Categories

Best Indie Short Film, Best First Time Filmmaker

A compelling independent short exploring deep emotional themes.

No Evil
No Evil
Directors

Sophia Peaslee

Category

Award Winner

Winning Categories

Experimental

An abstract and thought-provoking experimental piece.

The Gun Machine
The Gun Machine
Directors

Ryan McDowell

Category

Award Winner

Winning Categories

Best Indie Short Film, Best Super Short Film

A fast-paced, high-impact super short film that leaves a lasting impression.

Durning Road
Durning Road
Category

Award Winner

Winning Categories

Best First Time Screenwriter

A heartfelt story from a promising first-time screenwriter.

Korakuen (29min)
Korakuen
Directors

Mia Ando

Category

Award Winner

Winning Categories

Best Director, Best Indie Short Film, Best First Time Filmmaker

A masterfully directed indie film that captivates from beginning to end.

The Curious Incident of Everett Wilder
The Curious Incident of Everett Wilder
Directors

Ben Tobin

Category

Award Winner

Winning Categories

Best Visual Effects, Best Costume

A visually spectacular narrative driven through exceptional effects and costume design.

Here I am
Here I am
Directors

Kostiantyn Oktiabrskyi

Category

Award Winner

Winning Categories

Narrative Short Film

A poignant narrative short film exploring identity and presence.

Wildflowers
Wildflowers
Directors

Arda Wuyts

Category

Award Winner

Winning Categories

Best Director, Narrative Short Film, Best Actress, Best Student Film, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Original Screenplay

A sweeping and highly acclaimed student film that dominated multiple categories.

Rules

1. We encourage submissions in the form of narrative and documentary short-length films (under 60 minutes recommended). International films are also welcome but must either be in English or have English subtitles.

2. Films must be available for screening during the festival.

3. By submitting a film, you grant the PSF permission to screen your film, if said film is officially accepted into the lineup.

4. By submitting a film, you acknowledge that the PSF DOES NOT PAY SCREENING FEES for accepted films.

5. By submitting a film, you agree to allow highlights or excerpts of your film (e.g. a trailer) to be placed on the PSF website and used for other marketing and promotional purposes. You also agree to allow PSF to promote the following year's festival with the above excerpts, highlights and/or trailers. PSF will never solicit or screen your film outside the promotion of the PSF.

6. You may submit as many entries as you like. Each entry requires its own entry fee.

7. The only acceptable way to submit your film is via FilmFreeway as an online screener (Vimeo password-protected link is recommended).

8. In accordance with the PSF policy, the entry fee is non-refundable. You will not be allowed to enter your work unless you agree to abide by the terms and conditions of PSF.

9. Filmmakers must have obtained all clearances for exhibition and must certify that the work is original and no disputes regarding ownership exist with the film.

10. All entries must be submitted through FilmFreeway.

11. Notification of selections will be by MARCH 25, 2026. Only then will the film be considered for awards.

12. Being an accepted film does not guarantee eligibility for awards. Films may screen out-of-competition at the discretion of our programmers.

13. PSF does not offer paid transportation or lodging for the event.

14. PSF accepts no responsibility for loss or damage of exhibition screeners (DCP, thumb drives, etc) during shipment to or from the PSF.

15. To be eligible for a film competition category, your film must be completed no later then 2020.

16. PSF reserves the right to screen a submitted film out-of-competition during the festival if a category is filled.

17. Selected Films will be provided two (2) All-Access Passes, and a small allotment of complimentary tickets to the 2026 PSF in APRIL.

18. Festival have right to change date and place of event.