Submit a Micro Short Film
Micro shorts are about precision.
They don’t have time to explain themselves. They have to land fast.
When they work, they hit harder than longer films.
A strong micro short knows exactly what it is and commits to it.
This page helps you understand what micro short festivals look for and where ultra-short films are most likely to connect.
What Counts as a Micro Short Film
Micro shorts are ultra-short films, usually under 5 or 6 minutes.
Some festivals cap them at 3 minutes or less. Normally, these films don’t have huge budgets, but still showcase talent within an ultra short time.
They can be:
Narrative
Documentary
Horror
Experimental
Comedy
Animation
What matters most is clarity.
There’s no room for filler in a micro short.
What Micro Short Programmers Look For
Micro short programmers watch for control.
Strong submissions usually:
Get to the point immediately
Make one clear choice and commit to it
Use time intentionally
End with purpose
A micro short doesn’t need to be simple.
It needs to be focused.
Common Micro Short Submission Mistakes
Many micro shorts struggle for similar reasons.
They try to do too much.
They spend too long setting up the idea.
They feel like a trailer for a longer film.
They rely on explanation instead of execution.
They mistake brevity for impact without intention.
A strong micro short understands that every second counts.
Choosing the Right Festivals for Micro Shorts
Not all festivals are built for micro shorts.
Some festivals struggle to program very short work.
Others are designed around it and know how to present it properly.
Submitting to festivals that value micro shorts as a format, not a novelty, makes a big difference in how the film is received.
Where to Submit Your Micro Short Film
These festivals actively program micro and ultra-short films and screen them for real audiences.
Atlanta Micro Short Film Festival
A festival dedicated entirely to micro shorts and ultra-short storytelling.
Austin Shortsfest
Programs strong short and micro films with an emphasis on clarity and audience connection.
Dead Weird
A home for strange, dark, and unconventional micro work.
Atlanta Horror Film Festival
Welcomes short and micro horror films with strong audience impact.
Atlanta Experimental Fest
For micro shorts that push form, structure, or concept.
Atlanta Spotlight Film Festival
An end-of-year showcase for standout short and micro films.
Each festival approaches micro shorts differently.
Choosing the right environment matters.
Final Thought
Micro shorts aren’t small films.
They’re concentrated ones.
When a micro short works, it doesn’t feel short at all. It feels complete.
Ready to Submit Your Micro Short Film?
Explore festivals that value ultra-short storytelling and screen micro films for engaged audiences.
Submissions are handled through FilmFreeway.