Animation
This category is for all forms of animation - including hand-drawn, 2D, 3D, stop-motion, claymation, rotoscope, and other creative techniques. Whether your film is whimsical, experimental, narrative-driven, or abstract, if it is animated by hand or digital craft, this is the space to showcase your work.
Please note: Films made using AI to create visual effects will NOT be considered for this category (if you have any questions about this, please contact us.)
AI
This category is for films created using AI in any capacity. Special consideration will be given to films which use AI technology innovatively and creatively to explore new areas of filmmaking. AI films which replace human creativity with AI generated content will not be favoured.
Area of Focus:
This year, considering the recent explosion of AI generated content, and its relationship with environmental sustainability, in this category, there will be an award for the best AI short film to focus on the relationship between AI and the environment. This may be in the effect of AI on the environment, or the ways in which AI might be used to mitigate current threats to the planet’s ecology.
Alternative Medium
This category is for films created using, or mainly consisting in any performance medium that is neither conventional “acting” nor animation - examples are, dance pieces and other physical performance, puppetry, musical performances, etc.
Documentary
This category is open to non-fiction short films that explore real people, places, events, and ideas. We welcome documentaries of all styles and formats — from investigative and journalistic pieces to personal stories, observational films, and creative nonfiction.
Whether your film highlights a social issue, profiles an individual or community, captures a unique moment in time, or offers an unconventional take on the documentary form, this is the space to share truth-driven storytelling that resonates.
There are no restrictions on subject matter, and we encourage submissions from both emerging and established filmmakers who bring fresh perspectives and compelling narratives to light.
Let your documentary open minds, spark dialogue, and inspire change.
Experimental
This category is for short films that challenge the conventions of traditional filmmaking. Whether through structure, technique, aesthetics, or narrative form, experimental films push boundaries and invite audiences to experience cinema in unexpected ways.
We welcome works that explore abstraction, nonlinear storytelling, sound/image manipulation, unconventional editing, or hybrid formats that blur the lines between genres and disciplines.
If your film breaks rules, redefines cinematic language, or offers a sensory or conceptual experience beyond the mainstream, this is where it belongs.
Surprise us. Confuse us. Move us. Most of all — experiment.
Student
This category is open to all short films created by students, regardless of academic level or field of study. Whether you're in high school, university, film school, or an independent learning program, we invite you to share your voice and vision.
All genres, styles, and formats are welcome — from narrative to documentary, animation to experimental. This is a space to showcase emerging talent, bold ideas, and new perspectives from the next generation of filmmakers.
If you’re a student with a story to tell, we want to see it.
Miscellaneous
Not sure where your film fits? This category is for short films that don’t fall neatly into our other categories, or that creatively blend elements from multiple genres and styles.
We welcome hybrid works, genre-bending pieces, and innovative shorts that defy easy classification. If your film is unique, unconventional, or crosses boundaries in a way that doesn’t align with Animation, AI, Documentary, Experimental, Alternative Medium, or Student — submit it here.
Let your originality speak for itself.
Walter Craftson
/ Executive Producer /
Cole Sullivan
/ Chief Officer /
David Fitch
/ Director /
