2023 Elgin Short Film Festival

2023 ESFF GIF LOGO

***Call for Entries***
Accepting Films
April 1st through August 18th

This competition will allow any filmmaker to submit work, even if it has been entered into other festival competitions.

See below for more information.


WELCOME BACK!!!!  

The Elgin Short Film Festival (ESFF) will celebrate its 15h year on September 23, 2023, with a hybrid event – in person viewing and a virtual screening option. On April 1, 2023 we will begin accepting entries for this year’s festival!

Since 2009 the ESFF has become a world-wide competition, with entries from around the globe and prizes going to filmmakers from the US, Canada, Spain, and South Korea. Welcoming an in-house audience as well as those screening the festival from afar, the 2023 ESFF is sure to be another impressive event showcasing the best in short cinema. We are currently inviting filmmakers to submit their short films (20 minutes or less in length including credits) for competition in our festival via filmfreeway.com

Check out the Elgin Fringe Festival in September. 
Six films will compete to make the finals. Vote on your favorites: elginfringefestival.com.

2023 ESFF CALL FOR ENTRIES PRESS RELEASE

FILMMAKERS
 THERE ARE TWO CATEGORIES OF FILMS: LIVE ACTION AND ANIMATION. 
 PRIZES UP TO $1,000 PLUS TROPHY! 
 
 Film Submission Deadline August 18, 2023. Discount for films postmarked by July 28, 2023.
 Complete your Film submission online through August 18, 2023.

Submit via Filmway Opens in new window
 

Downloadable Entry Form
with Guidelines & Rules
 (download and print only)

Sponsorship Opportunities
 Email us at elginshortfilmfest@cityofelgin.org

Finalists will be screened Saturday, September 23 at 7pm.

- The ESFF will feature a Live Action category and an Animation category.
- The top two selected films in each category, as voted on by the selection committee, will make the finals. The next three selected films in each category will compete to make the finals during the Elgin Fringe Festival,
 - Awards and monetary prizes will be presented to the top three films.