The 16th Annual Atlanta Shortsfest is your front-row seat to some of the most creative, clever, emotional, strange, hilarious, powerful, and unforgettable short films from around the world. It’s a weekend built to celebrate indie voices and bold storytelling in small doses that leave a big impression.

From comedy and drama to animation, horror, documentary, and experimental work, this is where filmmakers take risks and audiences discover something new around every corner.

What Makes Shortsfest Special:

Nonstop Variety
Every screening block is a fresh mix. You never know what’s coming next, and that’s what makes it fun. You’ll laugh, think, and maybe get a little weirded out - all in the same hour.

High Energy, No Filler
These films get right to the point and pack a punch. It’s an ideal festival for curious film lovers who want to see more in less time.

Meet the Makers
After the credits roll, stick around for Q&As with filmmakers. Whether they flew in or live down the street, they’ve got stories to tell and insights to share.

A Festival That Feels Like a Party
When the films wrap, the fun continues. Mingle with filmmakers and film fans at casual after-parties and hangouts where the conversations keep flowing  The vibe is fun, friendly, and fast-moving.

Film Festival Schedule

12:00 PM: SHORTS 13: TRIGGER HAPPY

Cowboys, assassins, debt collectors, and rivals - everyone’s armed, and everyone’s got a score to settle. These eight shorts blend western grit with meticulously choreographed action, from outlaw showdowns to brutal modern brawls. No one walks away clean.

96 min. total run time

2:00 PM: SHORTS 14: Fine Not Fine

Some say they’re okay. Others don’t even bother. In these seven sharply observed shorts, characters deal with crime, trauma, awkward parties, and emotional breakdowns. Sometimes all at once. It’s a mix of dry humor, high tension, and the quiet kind of chaos that hits close to home.

107 min. total run time

4:30 PM: SHORTS 15: BENEATH THE SURFACE

A little drama, a little dark comedy, some animation, and even a dip into documentary. These shorts explore what people bury and what bubbles up - quiet grief, awkward tension, and the strange ways truth finds a way out.

91 min. total run time

6:30 PM: SHORTS 16: OOPS, THAT GOT DARK

A boring slideshow turns sinister. An influencer's apology backfires. A nice hike? Not so nice. Some of these are funny. Some are just messed up. And a few are both. This block leans hard into dark humor, sharp turns, and characters who snap, spiral, or show up already broken. Comedy and horror shake hands - and then push each other down the stairs.

98 min. total run time

8:30 PM: Shorts 17: Audience Favorites Replay

We’re bringing back the most loved films of the weekend, chosen by you. Sit back, laugh, cry, and celebrate the standouts one more time before the curtain falls.

Followed by:

10:00 PM – Shortsfest Awards Announcements
No long speeches, just the good stuff. We’ll reveal the jury picks and audience award winners.

10:30 PM – Official After Party
Drinks with your new favorite filmmakers. Celebrate a packed weekend of short films with a proper send-off. All Pass holders welcome.

Tickets and Passes:

On Sale Now!
- $12 per screening
- $25 One Day Pass
- $40 Two Day Pass

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