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.
Shadows Of Hourly
Following the death of the feared and respected Kallan Hood, his son Allan inherits a city that refuses to give
I Simulated an Entire in a Week by Cody Hales
Cody spends a week simulating an entire life, experiencing a different life stage each day. Directed by Cody Hales (Australia)
It Ends Here
Two friends chatting on a somber evening. One laments his poor financial situation, the other offers advice to the best
Do No Harm
A dying man is visited by a nurse who may have a very different treatment in mind. Directed by Robert
I Long For Cloudy Days
After waking up with her face disfigured, a recent mother has to come to terms with her own failings. Directed
The Long Hall
A young man who suffers from sleep paralysis and night terrors after mothers death. after five years he tosses his
A Glimpse Misread
Two teenage girls, driven by rebellion, intended to buy cigarettes. Unexpectedly, they stumbled upon a “prohibited goods” transaction. This blunder
Dick’s Pic
A widowed father asks his adult daughter to help him reinvent himself on the internet. Directed by John Kestner (USA)
Ghost of Hollywood
An aspiring actress being constantly rejected…desperate for fame and glory she decides to seek help from a dark powers. By
The Bucket List
Everyone has dreams and a bucket list. Directed by Chad Davis (USA)
My Father is Heroine
In the heart of Manipur’s vibrant courtyard theatre, Shumang Leela, the Nupi Shabi—male actors who embody female roles—carry the heavy
Dream with Me
When Liam, a freshman art student, gets into a difficult situationship with a senior at his college, a single decision
Loss
Amy is in the hospital with her daughter Emma, who needs a heart transplant to survive. Born with congenital heart
Mercy Man Malloy: I’m Not Your Magical Negro
Based on the Dicky Murphy play, “The Lost Recording of Mercy Man Malloy” this film follows Nate, a young white