Remembering Walter Koenig (1936–2026)
Independent Shorts Awards pays tribute to the legendary actor, recognized as Best Actor at the festival’s 2026 Annual Awards.
Colombian Drama “Behind the Curtain” Named Best Short of September 2026 at Independent Shorts Awards
In a Colombian village, a grandmother’s daily search for water leaves her grandchildren in their uncle’s care, as unsettling silences and gestures hint at something hidden within the home.
“Child of the Rouge” and “The Third Dream” Receive September 2026 Awards of Excellence at Independent Shorts Awards
A child’s birth amid Cambodia’s historical upheaval and a dreamer’s interrogation in Iran bring two distinct visions of vulnerability and power to September’s Awards of Excellence at Independent Shorts Awards.
Brazilian Drama “The Tempest” Named Best Short of August 2026 at Independent Shorts Awards
In rural Brazil, a solitary aging farmer’s life is upended by the arrival of a trans woman fleeing violence, opening an unexpected path toward healing, reconciliation, and belonging.
“Stolen Reins” and “Table Read” Receive August 2026 Awards of Excellence at Independent Shorts Awards
An atmospheric American Western and a playful Taiwanese comedy receive the August 2026 Awards of Excellence at Independent Shorts Awards.
Red Carpet Interviews from the 8th Annual Independent Shorts Awards
Watch 24 red carpet interviews hosted by Olivia Lyle at the 8th Annual Independent Shorts Awards in Los Angeles, now available on YouTube.
Zimbabwean Drama “Rise” Leads the 2026 Independent Shorts Awards with Five Wins
Jessica J. Rowlands’ directorial debut “Rise” led the 2026 Independent Shorts Awards with 5 wins, including Best Indie Short of the Year, as “Malka” and “Boatlift 9/11” each earned 3 awards.
Lilith
Based in a suburban town in Northern California, A young sorceress uses the dark arts of black magic to pursue
Black Ink
Black Ink is a psychological drama about a struggling actress who, after another devastating rejection, encounters a mysterious man in
Missed Connection
A girl and a guy meet on the DLR. The modern day crisis of connection roars around them, yet they
HunneyBee
After crashing a pool party to win back the girlfriend he cheated on, a musician imagines himself putting on the
All That We See
All That We See is a short film following a young 20 year old named Iris as she navigates everyday
Elishéva – Paparazzi (Expose Me)
Inspired by the classic murder mystery game Cluedo, “Paparazzi (Expose Me)” unfolds inside a mysterious mansion filled with eccentric, color-coded
Inertia
In the midst of a scorching heatwave, Vincent, an exhausted father, struggles to navigate an ordinary day filled with professional
The Guest
Three friends are interrupted during a late-night gaming session by a series of unexplained knocks. As they search for the
Ortega
Ortega sets a new profit record. The textile giant continues to grow and dress new generations. Ortega: always by your
Cloud
This film a visually stunning, montage-driven cinematic journey that explores BIG QUESTIONS. What is the pattern of things? What is
The Dream
Directed by Ruojin Ding (China)
The Devil’s Lettuce
In this 90s educational film, a rebellious teen shrugs off his father’s anti-drug sermon and learns the hard way that
Blue Hour
In a town where everyone is expected to conform, two teenagers, Monika and Joan find solace in the town’s field.
Morpho
A man recounts his fantastical memories as a boy, trapped in his oppressive father’s arboretum. He spends his time befriending