Healdsburg International Short Film Festival (6)

Festival start: 24 September 2026      Festival end: 27 September 2026

Showcase Your Short Film in California’s Premium Wine Country with cash prizes, filmmaker parties, and industry judges, such as Tom Waits.

Overview:
The Healdsburg International Short Film Festival (HISFF) brings remarkable short films from around the globe to the heart of California’s world-famous Sonoma Wine Country. Taking place annually on the last weekend of September at the historic Raven Theater, our festival is a premium cinematic experience dedicated to showcasing hidden gems, spotlighting under-the-radar talent, and exploring the rich essence of what it means to be human.

We pride ourselves on being a bridge between independent creators and industry veterans. Our festival has proudly screened short films from over 50 countries, spanning filmmakers of all ages and backgrounds. Proving our dedication to elite storytelling, past editions have included Academy Award-winning shorts in our lineup.

Why Submit to HISFF?

Luminaries on the Jury: Your work will be evaluated by an exceptional panel of cultural icons, trailblazers, and entertainment industry veterans. Our past juries have included legendary figures like Tom Waits, Laraine Newman (Saturday Night Live co-founder), veteran actor Ed Begley Jr., and Emmy-winning talent and producers.

The Historic Raven Theater: Screen your masterpiece on a beautiful, large-scale stage with top-tier projection and sound, managed by a world-class theatrical team.

Unparalleled Destination Experience: Healdsburg is a world-renowned destination for food, wine, and culture. We treat our official selections to an unforgettable weekend of networking, hospitality, and community engagement in a stunning setting.

Whether you are an emerging student filmmaker or a seasoned veteran, HISFF offers a discerning, film-loving audience and an influential platform to elevate your short film.

We look forward to viewing your story. Submit today!

Cash Prizes: 4,000$

Best Comedy
Best Drama
Best Documentary
Best Animation
Best Romance
Best Action/Adventure
Best Sci-Fi
Best Thriller
Best Dramedy
Best Family
Best Student
Best Indigenous
Best Green Planet (Ecology, Conservation, Sustainability)
Best Spanish Language

• Not on Public YouTube (Vimeo is ok)

• No DCP required

• Maximum duration = 20 minutes

• Must have been produced in 2024 or later

• All Music must be cleared

• Filmmaker grants permission to screen the film at least 2 other times before October 2027. (This allows us to offer our community another chance to watch the festival's highlights.