Filmmakers will sign up a team to make a 5-minute short film in 33 days. Teams will pull a random prompt in person or through zoom on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 7:00 PM EST. Teams will forfeit if they do not choose a prompt at that time or do not discuss an alternative way to be assigned a prompt.
All films must be 5 minutes or less in runtime, use the prompt as a major part of their film, and upload it to the secure link provided by Sunday, February 15, 2025 at 11:59 PM EST. No Artificial Intelligence (AI) or copyrighted music will be allowed.
All completed films by the deadline will be shown in person on Sunday, March 8, 2026 at Atlas Cinemas Shaker Square in Cleveland, OH USA. Team Captains who complete a film on time will receive one week-long festival pass. Good luck!
The films will be reviewed and judged by a separate team of judges. The top film will receive a check for $250, the second place team will receive a check for $150, and the third place team will receive a check for $50!
Additionally, we will award non-cash prizes to the top 3 in the following categories:
It is $35 to sign up a team in advance or $40 at the door. Teams will choose prompts in the order of signing up so the earlier you sign up the earlier you pick a prompt!
Short. Sweet. Acting Competition.
https://shortsweetfilmfest.com/short-sweet-acting-competition/
Compete to win $100 and extra prizes for our Short. Sweet. Acting Competition. 10 actors will perform a 60-90 second Dramatic monologue of their choosing and 10 actors will perform a 60-90 second Comedic monologue of their choosing.
Trophies will be awarded to the top 3 actors in drama and top 3 actors in comedy. The winner of drama and the winner of comedy will each receive a check for $100.
Actors will be judged by 3 industry professionals. It is $15 to sign up in advance or $20 at the door. Actors will perform their monologues in the order they sign up.
The Short. Sweet. Acting Competition will be held on Sunday, March 8, 2026 at Atlas Cinemas Shaker Square.
Please email us at short.sweet.film.fest@gmail.com with any questions!