CANNES INDIE SHORTS AWARDS

Overview

The Cannes Indie Shorts Awards is an IMDb-qualifying film festival dedicated to discovering and showcasing new filmmakers. The festival culminates in a 5-day live event held in Cannes, France, returning to the Olympia in November 2026. This event provides a platform for filmmakers to network with industry professionals, attend masterclasses, participate in Q&A sessions, and enjoy filmmakers' cocktails. The competition has previously featured acclaimed short films, including Oscar and BAFTA winners and nominees, as well as films recognized at Sundance and Clermont-Ferrand. The festival is committed to promoting filmmakers' projects and fostering a vibrant community where artists and industry figures can connect. All official selection films receive an Official Laurel and are screened at the annual live event. Beyond the live event, semi-finalists are invited to a virtual event to compete for the CANNES NEW WAVES GRAND PRIX, which includes a screening slot at the main live event. The festival aims to honor cinema in Cannes, a city renowned for its rich film history and status as a leading international market for filmmakers.

What to build

Submit a short film up to 40 minutes in length across various categories, including Narrative, Foreign, Documentary, Animation, New Filmmakers, Experimental, Student, Horror, Music Videos, and Comedy Shorts. Technical and performance categories are also judged.

Prizes

Key dates

• Live EventNovember 2026

Eligibility

To submit a film, the applicant must own the rights or have permission from the owner. The maximum film length allowed is 40 minutes. Foreign films not in English must include English subtitles. Submissions for official competitions require a fee.

How to enter

1. Prepare your short film, ensuring it is no longer than 40 minutes.
2. If the film is not in English, provide English subtitles.
3. Pay the required fee for official competition submission via FilmFreeway.
4. Submit your film, authorizing Cannes Indie Shorts Awards to use, distribute, and share the film poster, trailer, synopsis, and movie stills on social media.
5. Accept the INDIE SHORTS AWARDS CANNES’ Rules and Terms.

Submission requirements

• Film length must not exceed 40 minutes.
• Foreign films must have English subtitles.
• A DCP copy will be requested for live events.
• DCP in English must have French subtitles.
• DCP in French must have English subtitles.
• DCP in other languages must have both English and French subtitles.

Resources

• Cannes Indie Shorts Awards on FilmFreeway
• Official Website
• 2025 Live Event Video
• Email for inquiries
• Alternate email for inquiries