October 17 – 18, 2026
The Reel Champions Shorts Fest
Submissions for 4th Annual TRC Short Fest are NOW Open!
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Submissions for 4th Annual TRC Short Fest are NOW Open! ~
Event Dates
Submissions Open
December 12, 2025
Final Deadline
June 12, 2026
Notification Date
August 15, 2026
Event Dates
October 17–18, 2026 · Los Angeles, CA
Regular Deadline
April 17, 2026
Extended Deadline
May 15, 2026
A Showcase for Up-and-Coming Women and Non-Binary Creatives
❋ Festival OverviewThe Reel Champions Shorts Fest is an annual, live short film festival spotlighting films by women and non-binary creators, with an emphasis on both directing and key creative roles behind the camera.
❋ EligibilityFilms directed by women or non-binary filmmakers, as well as films led by women or non-binary creatives in eligible department head roles (including cinematography, writing, editing, production design, and sound).
❋ SubmissionsSubmit via FilmFreeway & Hiike for consideration. Selected films will be screened live and eligible for awards and official selection laurels.
❋ Awards & PrizesJuried awards selected by mentors from TRC’s NEXT GEN Executive Diversity Mentorship Program, including genre, craft, and director categories.
FILM SELECTIONS THROUGHOUT THE YEARS
Check out the trailer from TRC Shorts Fest 2025 to see what our talented filmmakers brought showcased last fall. Ready to see your own work on the big screen? Submit your short for this year's festival happening October 17 - 18, 2026
TESTIMONIALS
“Amazing experience at TRC Shorts Fest 2025! They really care about their filmmakers, and I was super impressed with how organized everything was and the communication was great. We even took home the prize for Best Student Short. If you’re thinking about submitting, run don’t walk.”
“Thank you to the TRC Shorts Fest team for selecting RUYA for their first year! Though I couldn’t attend, Sydney, the President, found a way to ensure I was a part of the event through a video Q&A and blog spotlight. She was communicative every step of the way. TRC promoted the filmmakers and films on social media. I could tell the event was a fantastic opportunity for community building. I’m excited to submit to future iterations. Thank you again!”
“Fantastic experience! The showcase was full of amazing filmmakers, the panels were super informative and The Reel Champions and Cinematography for Actors staff were incredibly kind and present. Loved every second of it! If you are a female or non-binary filmmaker, don’t hesitate: submit. Did I mention the prizes???”
“I had the absolute BEST time at this event. Even though it was their first year, TRC is an incredible festival— and I’ve been to tons. They curated such high quality films for both blocks and I met so many talented filmmakers I intend to develop relationships with. I even won a prize for best experimental film— and they have sponsors that gave me actual prizes! So cool. Will absolutely submit again.”
