The 2021 Red Carpet Gala was another chapter in the post COVID world.  Continuing on from our hybrid approach we deployed in 2020, we split our resources with in person screenings and a digital experience with FAVA TV.  Both screenings were a hit  with The Metro Cinema selling out!  

We gave out more awards and screening fees than we ever have and helped a lot of people experience the best of Alberta short film. An amazing 9th year for the Edmonton Short Film Festival !

A huge CONGRATULATIONS goes out to the 2021 Edmonton Short Film Festival Winners!

We were blown away by the quality, creativity, and clear purpose evident in the films selected this year.  Alberta filmmakers you are AWESOME!

Let’s continue to elevate independent film in Alberta together!

AWARD WINNERS

Best Music Video: Betamax Dub Machine – BETANAUT directed BY Ben Metcalf 
Best Trailer: Connecting Flights trailer directed BY Gilbert Allen
Best Animation: RKLSS directed BY Tank Standing Buffalo
Best Documentary: Normalizing Awkwardness directed BY Daelan Wood
Best Comedy: Trinkets directed BY Kenneth Heintz
Best Drama: Framed directed BY Nic Collar Film
Best Horror/Suspense: Delivery directed BY Brendan Meyer 
Best Experimental: The Other Side directed BY Anthony Goertz, Robert Latte
Best Social Justice: Nightreach directed BY Rueben Tschetter
Best Commercials: Howlin’ Harvest directed BY Ben Olsen
Best Web Series: From Fantasy to Galaxy directed BY Matthew Dutczak  &nbsp:

SELECTED ESFF 2021 GALA FILMS

1000 Brazils of Truth directed BY Sheena Rossiter, Sandro Silva 
Alberta’s Pioneer Photographer directed BY Steven Brese
Betamax Dub Machine – betanaut directed BY Ben Metcalf 
Boneyard Racers directed BY David Heacock
Breathe directed BY Christina Estillore
Cameron O’Neill – Want To directed BY Laura La France
Connecting Flights trailer directed BY Gilbert Allen
Date Night Facades directed BY Yvonne Chapman 
Delivery directed BY Brendan Meyer 
Framed directed BY Nic Collar Film
From Fantasy to Galaxy directed BY Matthew Dutczak 
Glub glub directed BY Devon Bortscher
High Strung (Escalator to Hell) directed BY Daniel McDougall
Hop Along Hang On directed BY Cobra Collins 
Howlin’ Harvest directed BY Ben Olsen
Mean Hakeem directed BY Evan Bourque
Nightreach directed BY Rueben Tschetter
Normalizing Awkwardness directed BY Daelan Wood
Professional Triangle Player directed BY Nathaniel Sutton 
RKLSS directed BY Tank Standing Buffalo
Secret Embalmer directed BY Kylie Hitchcock
The Other Side directed BY Anthony Goertz, Robert Latte
Trinkets directed BY Kenneth Heintz
What The Heart Wants directed BY Darrell Portz 
Wild Constructs: The Other directed BY Audrey Lane Cockett|&nbsp: &nbsp:

SELECTED ESFF 2021 LONG SHORTS FILMS

Courtroom sketches directed BY Karleener
Cronos directed BY Michael Middelkoop
Discrimination directed BY王 杰
Dollar Bin DJ: Ottawa directed BY Lesley Marshall
God Lady directed BY Emily Renner Wallace
Jordan Hart – “Freedom” directed BY Michael Joseph McDonald, Joe Bluhm
Lead Belly directed BY Sean Glynn
Muted directed BY Rew Jones
Penelakut ~ Returning to the Healing Circle directed BY Peter Campbell
The Abandoned Block directed BY James Bourne
The Dead Collectors directed BY Brendan Cleaves
The Kicked Dog directed BY Max Hemmings
The taste of ginger directed BY Jean-Robert Thomann

 The 2021 team of adjudicators features  Artist  Alexis Marie Chute , Playwright Heather Morrow, Producer  Peter Morton,  Film Festival Events Production Manager Carolyn Dunk  , Television Director  Jake Bradley. and Actor  Jessica Moutray.

[Show slideshow]

When we first started the Long Shorts program we had no idea of the quality of films that would be submitted from around the world. We are fortunate to be able to screen some of the best short filmmakers works form around the globe. We wish we had more time to screen them all! 

It is our intention to have a live screening of the all the Long Short selected films in 2022 for the Edmonton Short Film Festival’s 10 anniversary celebrations. 

2020_ESFF-ProgramGuide (1)

2020 Justice 4 Reel Poster

In 2020 the Edmonton Short Film Festival partnered with Justice4Reel to screen under represented filmmakers tackling social issues. All completed films were screened and Valécia Pépin’s “Illusion: The Fear” was chosen as the best Social Justice film and Tara Mitrovic;s film “Hungry for Hearing” won the online People’s s Choice award.

Justice4Reel (J4R)  Media Advocacy Free School is a community partner network (John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights, MacEwan University, TELUS Storyhive, FAVA, and the Edmonton Short Film Festival) committed to the goals of critical digital media literacy realized through the amplification of often marginalized voices and underreported issues faced by Edmonton’s diverse communities. J4R brings together community advocates and human rights educators with DIY filmmakers to build technical skills and community coalitions to produce independent digital video art for change and resistance. 

Using an open call for submissions, we invite the community advocates, activists, and emerging filmmakers to pitch an idea or issue to address through film. J4R’s DIY filmmaker team nurtures these ideas using an activist media pedagogy to develop the necessary technical skills and self-confidence to bring those ideas to life. Using a DIY production process, a short film opens dialogue, educates, and shares solutions to systemic issues faced by communities. 

The films from J4R 2019-2020 alumni were screened at the Edmonton Short Film Festival, with some films becoming Official Selections and Award Winners at national and international film festivals. Each short film results from passionate and careful work, and we are proud and honoured to have this brilliant first group of graduates and short films. 

2020 Students

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Heath Birkholz

Heath’s background is in creating Art towards Social Justice in the lens of the Disability Community, by developing and collaborating with other communities to contribute in breaking down barriers and stereotypes.

Heath Birkholz

Valécia PépinI

Valécia PépinI is currently working on the Illusion series, which was born in Banff Center for Arts and Creativity last September, as part of Entr’art and organized by the Regroupement artistique francophone de l’Alberta (RAFA).

Valécia PépinI

Tara-Mitrovic

Tara Mitrovic is a Hard of Hearing artist who has explored many artistic mediums before choosing film as her next adventure.

Tara-Mitrovic

Sara-Campos-Silvius

Sara Campos-Silvius (she/her) is a queer and mixed race Latinx artist in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, in Treaty 6 territory. She is a playwright, screenwriter, and poet, as well as an actor, singer-songwriter, emerging filmmaker, and graduate of MacEwan University’s Arts & Cultural Management Program.

Sara-Campos-Silvius

Nauzanin Knight

Nauzanin Knight is a Canadian woman of Caribbean and Middle Eastern descent. Her nuanced stories reflect the uniqueness of her heritage as well as her international life.

Nauzanin Knight

Gabriel Lazerick

Gabriel Lazarick is an artist, illustrator, writer, director and actor living in Edmonton, Alberta. Gabe has seen it all and come through the eye of the needle after surviving life on the streets for over a decade. Gabe brings a keen eye and sense of realism to all of his creative work.

Gabriel Lazerick

Chantel Buffalo

This is Chantel Buffalo ‘s first foray into writing, producing and co-directing a film. This film is dedicated to a young indigenous girl who died in the child care system

Chantel Buffalo

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  Heath Birkholz

  Heath’s background is in creating Art towards Social Justice in the lens of the Disability Community, by developing and collaborating with other communities to contribute in breaking down barriers and stereotypes.

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  Valécia PépinI

  Valécia PépinI is currently working on the Illusion series, which was born in Banff Center for Arts and Creativity last September, as part of Entr’art and organized by the Regroupement artistique francophone de l’Alberta (RAFA).

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  Tara-Mitrovic

  Tara Mitrovic is a Hard of Hearing artist who has explored many artistic mediums before choosing film as her next adventure.

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  Sara-Campos-Silvius

  Sara Campos-Silvius (she/her) is a queer and mixed race Latinx artist in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, in Treaty 6 territory. She is a playwright, screenwriter, and poet, as well as an actor, singer-songwriter, emerging filmmaker, and graduate of MacEwan University’s Arts & Cultural Management Program.

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  Nauzanin Knight

  Nauzanin Knight is a Canadian woman of Caribbean and Middle Eastern descent. Her nuanced stories reflect the uniqueness of her heritage as well as her international life.

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  Gabriel Lazerick

  Gabriel Lazarick is an artist, illustrator, writer, director and actor living in Edmonton, Alberta. Gabe has seen it all and come through the eye of the needle after surviving life on the streets for over a decade. Gabe brings a keen eye and sense of realism to all of his creative work.

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  Chantel Buffalo

  This is Chantel Buffalo ‘s first foray into writing, producing and co-directing a film. This film is dedicated to a young indigenous girl who died in the child care system

2020 Films

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Interviewability

You never really meet a person until you live with them or get to know them for a while. Interviews are a snapshot of a person, so this is our ability, and how does judging ability from a snapshot affect your business?

Interviewability

Illusion: The Fear by Valécia PépinI

A sex worker under the influence of a pimp.

Illusion: The Fear by Valécia PépinI

Hungry for Hearing by Tara Mitrovic

One Zombie. One Human Brain. One Giant learning Curve

Hungry for Hearing by Tara Mitrovic

Let Me Find The Words by Sara Campos-Silvius

A short poetry film about mental health.

Let Me Find The Words by Sara Campos-Silvius

Shades of Worth by Nauzanin Knight

An exploration of beauty and self-worth in Black women.

Shades of Worth by Nauzanin Knight

Diana by Gabe Lazerick

A sex trade workers final moments are shown after escaping an attack.

Diana by Gabe Lazerick

Iskwew’s Light by Chantel Buffalo

Iskwew’s Light.Iis about a young woman who was disconnected from her mother in the foster care system

Iskwew’s Light by Chantel Buffalo

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  Interviewability

  You never really meet a person until you live with them or get to know them for a while. Interviews are a snapshot of a person, so this is our ability, and how does judging ability from a snapshot affect your business?

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  Illusion: The Fear by Valécia PépinI

  A sex worker under the influence of a pimp.

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  Hungry for Hearing by Tara Mitrovic

  One Zombie. One Human Brain. One Giant learning Curve

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  Let Me Find The Words by Sara Campos-Silvius

  A short poetry film about mental health.

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  Shades of Worth by Nauzanin Knight

  An exploration of beauty and self-worth in Black women.

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  Diana by Gabe Lazerick

  A sex trade workers final moments are shown after escaping an attack.

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  Iskwew’s Light by Chantel Buffalo

  Iskwew’s Light.Iis about a young woman who was disconnected from her mother in the foster care system

2020 Instructors

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Editing: Taro “T-Ro” Hashimoto

Taro “T-Ro” Hashimoto is a long standing producer and filmmaker in the Edmonton social development sector.

Editing: Taro “T-Ro” Hashimoto

Trainer: Holly Mazur

Holly Mazur has been working as a full-time freelance filmmaker since 2014 as part of the camera department on local Edmonton TV shows, independent productions, and feature films.

Trainer: Holly Mazur

University Partner : Michael McDonald

Michael B MacDonald, Ph.D. – cine-ethnomusicologist, author, and associate professor of music at MacEwan University.

University Partner : Michael McDonald

Marketing: Jack Belhumeur

Jack Belhumeur is Metis and started filmmaking in 2007 while making 16mm films. Jack’s films have received several awards and official selections around the world.

Marketing: Jack Belhumeur

Facilitator : David No

David N.O.(David Newton Opoku-otoo) has been a lover of film & art since he was a small child. David was influenced by genre films of the early 80’s and the independent film movement in the mid 90’s.

Facilitator : David No

Screenwriting: Daniel Foreman

Daniel Foreman is an award winning Métis filmmaker who has screened across the world. His feature film, “Abducted” has just finished production after being fast tracked through Telefilm’s Talent to Watch program.

Screenwriting: Daniel Foreman

Cinematography : David Baron

David Baron is an award winning cinematographer with over 9 years of experience in the film industry and a true passion for his craft. David works on a wide range of projects including commercials, music videos, short films, documentaries and web-series.

Cinematography : David Baron

Production: Samantha Quantz

Samantha Quantz is an Edmonton based filmmaker and owner/operator of The Juniper Motion Picture Company. She works as a freelance producer, locations manager, production manager and 1st assistant director for film and television projects as well as continuing to develop her own stories.

Production: Samantha Quantz

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  Editing: Taro “T-Ro” Hashimoto

  Taro “T-Ro” Hashimoto is a long standing producer and filmmaker in the Edmonton social development sector.

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  Trainer: Holly Mazur

  Holly Mazur has been working as a full-time freelance filmmaker since 2014 as part of the camera department on local Edmonton TV shows, independent productions, and feature films.

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  University Partner : Michael McDonald

  Michael B MacDonald, Ph.D. – cine-ethnomusicologist, author, and associate professor of music at MacEwan University.

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  Marketing: Jack Belhumeur

  Jack Belhumeur is Metis and started filmmaking in 2007 while making 16mm films. Jack’s films have received several awards and official selections around the world.

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  Facilitator : David No

  David N.O.(David Newton Opoku-otoo) has been a lover of film & art since he was a small child. David was influenced by genre films of the early 80’s and the independent film movement in the mid 90’s.

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  Screenwriting: Daniel Foreman

  Daniel Foreman is an award winning Métis filmmaker who has screened across the world. His feature film, “Abducted” has just finished production after being fast tracked through Telefilm’s Talent to Watch program.

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  Cinematography : David Baron

  David Baron is an award winning cinematographer with over 9 years of experience in the film industry and a true passion for his craft. David works on a wide range of projects including commercials, music videos, short films, documentaries and web-series.

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  Production: Samantha Quantz

  Samantha Quantz is an Edmonton based filmmaker and owner/operator of The Juniper Motion Picture Company. She works as a freelance producer, locations manager, production manager and 1st assistant director for film and television projects as well as continuing to develop her own stories.

2020 Behind the Scenes

 
Congratulations to all the filmmakers that took part in the 2020 48 Hour Mobile Device Filmmaking Challenge! 

The Best Judged Film was “Touch My Skin” and screened at the Edmonton Short Film Festival Gala on October 17  and was eligible for the Peers’ Choice Award (voted on by the audience at the gala)!

The Best Use of Secret Elements was “Noncombatants” and the Best Marketed Film “A Funny Look”  and was screened at the Edmonton Short Film Festival Long Shorts Day on Sunday October 18 .

All three winning films received screening fees..

The ESFF Long Shorts Program brings the best short films in the world to Edmonton!

This special  event is for longer form short films (up to 60 minutes) and for films created outside of Alberta. The 2020 Long Shorts program was completely digital and  freely available on FAVA TV.  We had some incredible local and international films and were very happy to be able to share them online. 

According to Google:  How do you make long shorts look good?

• Wear casual tops. These shorts, especially when they’re long, can look matronly, so keep your look younger by pairing them with a slouchy tee and some sneakers or sandals.
• Try a preppy look. Pair it with a lightweight pullover sweater, or a short or long sleeved button down.

We say … wear what you want … Our Long Shorts are gonna look good no matter what!

The  ESFF 2020 Red Carpet Gala had a Maskerade theme…

The 2020 Red Carpet Gala was a lot of fun and a very unique experience. Normally we would have 300-400 people in attendance along with the filmmakers but with COVID the rules have changed. The ESFF management team discussed the pros and cons of having an in-person event as opposed to a strictly digital screening. The food, the live music, the mingling, the after party and a lot of the social interaction were unavailable to us this year.

We were very fortunate in that theatres were still open  but at much lower capacity. The team decided on a hybrid approach  where the theatre event would be limited to filmmakers and ESFF staff and the films would be available on FAVA TV

We decided to have some fun with the live event and had prizes for best mask and w\ere still able to have filmmaker interviews, champagne for everyone and filmmakers on stage to accept their awards all socially distanced with COVID protocols in place. It was the best we could make it and a celebration of  Alberta short film.

Festival Director Sharlene Millang presenting an award to another deserving Alberta filmmaker.

BEST OF 2020 GALA SHORTS

Accidental Beach 𝐁𝐘 Jason Kuchar

Absence 𝐁𝐘 Sarah Clarke- BEST DRAMA

Bearcat 𝐁𝐘 Jenna Turk

Black acid 𝐁𝐘 Ben Metcalf

The Campaign 𝐁𝐘 Jakob Densky- BEST COMEDY

Cut The Light 𝐁𝐘 Anthony Seto

Form and Function 𝐁𝐘 Are You Artists or Cops

Ghosted 𝐁𝐘 Taya Walter

Hacked 𝐁𝐘 Erick Delgado- BEST SUSPENSE/HORROR

Melted Hearts 𝐁𝐘 Cole Stevenson- PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD

Midnight Lady 𝐁𝐘 Molly Little- BEST ANIMATION

One Bad Day 𝐁𝐘 Max Montesi

Orwell’s Debut 𝐁𝐘 Thomas Stachura

Paradise Motel – High Water 𝐁𝐘 Adrian G de la Peña- BEST MUSIC VIDEO

Perspective 𝐁𝐘 Delanie Tiedemann- BEST EXPERIMENTAL

The Preparator 𝐁𝐘 Aquiles Ascencion- BEST DOCUMENTARY

Quarantinis 𝐁𝐘 Girl Brain Sketch Comedy

We Are Crush 𝐁𝐘 Julia Gunst

What Happened to Heritage Mall 𝐁𝐘 Matthew Dutczak

The Wiles 𝐁𝐘 Ryan Northcott- BEST HORROR/SCI-FI

𝐄𝐒𝐅𝐅 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟎 𝐋𝐎𝐍𝐆 𝐒𝐇𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐒:

As You Like It 𝐁𝐘 Hannes Rall

As I Lie Awake By Brandon Gladue (Justice 4Reel)

Avernus 𝐁𝐘 Simon Ross

Brides of Heaven 𝐁𝐘 Naeem Rabbani (Justice 4Reel)

DIANA 𝐁𝐘 Gabriel Lazarick (Justice 4Reel)

Edmonton Natural Hair Show 𝐁𝐘 Osas Eweka-Smith

The Flowers 𝐁𝐘 Pete Malicki

Glory Days 𝐁𝐘 Kama Sood

Hungry for Hearing by Tara Mitrovic (Justice 4Reel)

Let Me Find the Words by Sara Campos-Silvius (Justice 4Reel)

llusion: The Fear 𝐁𝐘 Valecia Pepin- BEST JUSTICE4REEL

Iskwew’s Light 𝐁𝐘 Chantel Buffalo (Justice 4Reel)

Joey Boy 𝐁𝐘 Mark Matechuk

Lana Gets Her Talk 𝐁𝐘 Beth MacKenzie

LEFT HIT 𝐁𝐘 Alexandre LABARUSSIAT

Malcolm 𝐁𝐘 Jimmy Vi

Not Your Average Bear 𝐁𝐘 Cliff Skelton

Paradoxical Dream 𝐁𝐘 Mohammad Khaki

Shades of Worth 𝐁𝐘 Nauzanin A. Knight (Justice 4Reel)

The Tailor 𝐁𝐘 Nathalie Therriault Acting Teacher

The woman of the house 𝐁𝐘 Felipe Espinosa

The 2020 team of adjudicators featured  Producer Wendy Hill-Tout, Performer Cody Porter   Filmmaker  Taghreed Saadeh ,  Video Editor  Warren Cowell and former Vice Chairman of LandMark Cinemas Neil Campbell.

[Show slideshow]

ESFF Program_2019

Script Breakdown time at the 2019 Edmonton Short Film Festival Skills Class.

Pre-registration is now closed for the FILMMAKER SKILLS CLASS on September 21 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at  King’s University (9125 50 St NW, Edmonton, AB T6B 2H3). Paid submissions to the festival receive FREE registration (check your email for details or contact us for more information).  If space is available, admission is $50 cash at the door. A hot lunch and networking is also included

Edmonton filmmaking legends Gilbert Allan and Wes Doyle, csc will be conducting the workshop that will deal with Directing Actors and Working with the Camera. This will be a fully interactive workshop where students will learn how to break down a scene from a movie script.

This FREE Event features films from the 48 Hour Mobile Device Film Challenge. Admission is included in your K-Days admission ticket. All of the films screened on Juy 28,2019 in Hall F at the Expo Centre from 12:30 PM to 6:30 PM. 

In conjunction with the Challenge films there will be a special selection of films that have screened at the Edmonton Short Film Festival over the last 6 years.  All of the filmmakers will be in attendance to answer your questions about their work. 

Looking forward to seeing you there! Any questions please contact us at filmfest@esff.ca 

Here are all the films that were created for the 48 Hour Challenge and screened:

Northlands K-Days and the Edmonton Short Film Festival are partnering for FREE film training, a FREE 48 Mobile Film Challenge and a FREE Short Film Festival!!

The 2019 Free 48 Hour Mobile Device Challenge Class was brought to you with the support of Northlands and K-Days. Partnering with us for free video editing software was Movavi. This unique event helps teach beginning and emerging filmmakers storytelling and  technical techniques for shooting a two minute movie on your smart phone or tablet. 

THE CLASS WAS SOLD OUT ! This free event took place on May 4 at The Kings College 9125 50 St NW, Edmonton, AB T6B 2H3.  Pre-Registration iwas at 10:00 am with the first class running from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm taught by award winning filmmaker Daniel Foreman.  Lunch was included and was served from 12:00 pm to 12;45 pm. The second class ran from 12:45 pm to 2:15 pm and was taught by professional cinematographer Chase Gardiner

Subscribe to our Newsletter to be sure to hear about next year’s FREE Mobile Device Filmmaking class and other ESFF opportunities and events!

The 2019 Mobile Device Filmmaking Challenge was on July 19-21, 2019. Pre-registration for the 2020 event will open on May 1. Pre-registered participants will receive preliminary information about the event and then will receive complete details on Friday, July 17 at 6:00 pm. This important email will include full contest rules and the secret elements.

Films that met the criteria for the Challenge screened at the ESFF @ K-Days Film Fest on Sunday, July 28, 2019. at the Edmonton Expo Centre. Filmmakers screened received two passes to K-Days for July 28. There were three prizes awarded to the winning filmmakers including best film “Tethered“, best marketed film “Passion” and best use of secret elements “The Unattainable Dream” . These three films will also screen at the Edmonton Short Film Festival Red Carpet Gala. and be eligible for cash prizes. 

ALL OF THESE OPPORTUNITIES ARE PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE TO RESIDENTS OF ALBERTA.

Join Edmonton producer Adam Scorgie as he screens the teaser from Inmate #1: The Rise of Danny Trejo.  Adam will also discuss filmmaking in Edmonton and in Hollywood.

NEW for 2019! We have introduced a second day of screenings for longer form short films (up to 60 minutes) and for films created outside of Alberta. ESFF Long Shorts will be held at the historic Metro (Garneau) Cinema, 8712 109 Street, on Sunday afternoon, October 20. Doors open at 1:00 PM; screenings begin at 2:00 PM. Tickets available now!

SPECIAL PRESENTATION: Included with admission will be a “Conversation with Adam Scorgie”, an award-winning documentary filmmaker from Alberta [credits include Inmate #1: The Rise of Danny Trejo (2019), Making Coco: The Grant Fuhr Story (2018) and Ice Guardians (2016)].

Online Tickets are available until October 15th and then at the door.. Advance Pricing: Red Carpet Gala: $30; ESFF Long Shorts $15; Week-end Festival Pass $40. Tickets at the door (if available): Red Carpet Gala: $35; ESFF Long Shorts $15 (no passes will be available).

According to Google:  How do you make long shorts look good?

• Wear casual tops. These shorts, especially when they’re long, can look matronly, so keep your look younger by pairing them with a slouchy tee and some sneakers or sandals.
• Try a preppy look. Pair it with a lightweight pullover sweater, or a short or long sleeved button down.

We say … wear what you want … Our Long Shorts are gonna look good no matter what!

The ESFF Red Carpet Gala is one of Edmonton’s most fun, exciting events.

Expect to be entertained by a variety of projects … our adjudication team reviews thousands of minutes of film and narrows these down to 90 minutes of laughter, screams, tears and amazement for you to enjoy at our Gala event on Saturday night. Tickets available now!

You may see everything from a 30-second trailer to a 15-minute short film. We screen comedies, horrors, dramas, documentaries, web episodes, trailers, animation, commercials and experimental films and videos … and we encourage filmmakers to dig out their previously screened and award-winning projects that they may want to show again.

Enjoy the paparazzi atmosphere as you get your complimentary photo taken in front of the ESFF’s custom backdrop. RETURNING FOR 2019! Our inaugural 360°/Virtual Reality screening was SO successful, that we are once again opening our doors early to share these films using state-of-the-art headsets. Of course, if you just want to arrive early and enjoy time meeting film creators and enthusiasts, you are welcome to come hang out – the bar will be open and the popcorn will be ready. 

What else is there for you besides watching some great short films? This is a red carpet, Hollywood-inspired event! Take selfies, tag and share your photos on Facebook and Instagram; post messages and photos on our Twitter Wall. Interact and be part of the excitement!

Included in your ticket price is a live social media experience, complimentary hors d’ouevres from Mercer’s Catering and live music by Adeaze Hubbard over the intermission. The bar, hosted by our friends at Metro Cinema, will be open before the screening and during the intermission, proudly serving craft beer from the Village Brewery as well as a selection of wines. 

The 2019 Edmonton Short Film Festival Gala was on Saturday evening, October 19 at Garneau Theatre, 8712 109 Street. 

On stage with Best Music Video Winner “Daniel Martin & The Infamous”.

Come and party with us as we celebrate the best of Alberta  Film and International Film!  Experience VR/360° movies from around the world!                      

2019 Edmonton Short Film Festival Official Selections:

Linear Films:

Carlito Ghioni-  My Old Man – WINNER BEST ANIMATION
Adolfo Ruiz-  Sand
Garry MacLean – Yard Sale- WINNER BEST SUSPENSE/HORROR
Hernan Moreno – La Decision
Adrian Gonzalez –  T-Minus- WINNER BEST DRAMA
Simon Chan – The Garbage Boi- WINNER BEST COMEDY
Preston Ewasiuk- Rutherford Manor- Teaser
Annette Reilly- A Typical Fairytale
Daniel Martin-  This is the Life- WINNER BEST MUSIC VIDEO
Steve Mikalisky – The Successor- WINNER BEST DOCUMENTARY
Mariya Stokes –  Hands on My Body- Music Video
Cody Kennedy – The Video Store Commercial- WINNER BEST COMMERCIAL
Darrell Portz – Homecoming
Frederick Kroetsch-  Visitability PSAs
Patrick O’Connor- Demonetized
Emily-Anne Salkeld- Cotard’s Delusion
Tyler Duffy – Nut Milking Exposed- PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD WINNER
David Puff – Unidentified Flying Object- Trailer
Andreas Eichmuller– Tether
Roman Jr Olorvida– Passion
Amy Skrocki– The Unattainable Dream

Virtual Reality / 360° Films:

Jon Griffith – Everest – The VR film Experience
Filipe Gontijo – When a heroine is born
R.S. Douglas-  TALL TALES: The Mostly True History of Cave Springs
Maciej Hatta – Chasing Dreams – 360
Jacob Kupfermane –Nubivagant 360 VR
Ulysse Dikoumé A – UNITY 4 RIDE
Daniel Foreman- Bus 7003
Dylan Pearce– Tall Tales
Ryan Jackson– Spirit of the Ice

Exhibition Only (Not part of People’s Choice Award)

Adam Scorgie– Making Coco: The Grant Fuhr Story – Teaser

Long Shorts (NEW EVENT)

Adam H. Stewart – Abe’s Story
Greg Chwerchak – Sac de Merde
Bob Celli – The Keeper
Fokke Baarssen – Swung
GTF Le Film – Garage Tanguay and Sons
Gordie Haakstad – Aeternitas
Joe Chang – The Music Box
John Gray – Extra Innings
Joshua Vanderlinden – Off World
Justin Kueber – Black and Blue
Kelly Wolfert – MS’ed with the Wrong Girl
Ludvig Gür – The Outsider
Mahsa Razavi – A Celebration
Montgomery Burt – The United Guys Network
Phenix J.F. Miao – 575 Yunnan Miishein: Cut Your Ex Off Chicken
Adam Scorgie– Inmate #1: The Rise of Danny Trejo- Teaser

 GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!

 WE ARE GRATEFUL TO OUR ADJUDICATION TEAM FOR ALL THEIR WORK THIS YEAR!  
 The 2019 team of adjudicators features Producer Devon Supeene,  Filmmaker Suza Singh, Video Editor   Warren Cowell, Multi-Media Producer Sheena Rossiter and  Theatre writer/director  Sharon Reichhert.

ESFF 2018 PROGRAM_WEB

Production Accountant Rick Minhuas teaches the ins and outs of movie accounting at the 2018 Edmonton Short Film Festival’s Skills Class.

The Edmonton Short Film Festival is presenting 6th annual Filmmakers Skills Class on September 22, 2018 from 10am to 3pm at The King’s University, 9125 50 St NW, Edmonton. We are grateful to ATB and the Alberta Media Professional Industry Association (AMPIA) for their contribution to this event. It is because of their generosity that we are able to provide this event to you at such a low cost.

Limited tickets available ($35 plus GST including lunch). Fill in the form below to secure your spot by midnight on September 19. The educational opportunity is sure to be  a highlight of your year!

The 2018 event will include discussions about copyright, production line management, funding, financing and, pre-production planning. The three workshops (producing basics; legal/accounting and finance/distribution) will be led by local industry professionals Katrina Beatty (producer), Linda Callaghan (entertainment lawyer), Giilbert Allan (producer/director/actor), Rick Minhas (accountant), Carson Mayer (ATB Arts Branch), Chris Roberts (Edmonton Arts Council), and representatives from Alberta Culture. 

Registration is now closed.

THANK YOU to  Edmonton Northlands and  K-Days for their support of the first annual ESFF @ K-Days Film  Challenge and Expo!

July 29, 2018- ESFF @ K-Days Film Fest.  THANK YOU to everyone who came out to enjoy the 23 films created by the participants in the 48-Hour Mobile Device Filmmaking Challenge.

The Edmonton Short Film Festival, in partnership with K-Days, is pleased to announce the following winners of the Challenge. The top two winning films for Excellence and the top Marketed film have WON their way into the Edmonton Short Film Festival gala on October 13. In addition, two films received honourable mention. These filmmakers will receive weekend passes to the Edmonton Short Film Festival (October 12 & 13).

WINNERS for Excellence: Deadline by Lutz Papenfuss and Flowers for Sam by Paul Studiman. WINNER for Marketing: Undying by Christina Estillore. HONOURABLE MENTION: Excellence and Marketing: A Daughter’s Journey by Darrell Portz. HONOURABLE MENTION: Most creative use of the secret elements: Some People’s Belts by Harley Myhovich.

Come and party with us as we celebrate the best of Alberta Linear Film and International VR/360° Film!                       

2018 Edmonton Short Film Festival Official Selections:

Linear Films:

Ramin Eshraghi-Yazdi-  Stampeed
Belinda Cornish-  Girl Brain
Naddine Madell-Morgan – The Parent Council – Pilot
Darren McInnes – 1979 Lincoln Continental Mark V (Commercial)
Gilbert Allan –  Cor Values Trailer
Moh Mahfouz – The 50th
Funeh Aliu – Uncaptured
Sarah Clarke – Eggshells
Eppo Eerkes-  The Child Soldier
Vicki Chau – Pulled Strings
James Cadden – Five Course Meal
Joshua Roach – Summoned
Ethan Johnson – FKB – “Casual Love” Music Video
Derek Selinger-  Never Been to War
Matthew Paproski – Universe
Paul Studiman- Flowers for Sam
Lutz Papenfuss – Deadline
Christina Estillore – Undying

Virtual Reality / 360° Films:

Johan Anderson – The Crew
Shaun Crawford – 1200 Roommates
Shaun Crawford-  Skratcher
Vincent McCurley – BeatiBot 360
Jodi Calahoo-Stonehouse –  Pow Wow Xperience 360
Carlos Oceguera – Overlooked
Danilo Guzman – Pyramids of Egypt by The Patuo 360
Frederick Kroetsch-  KittenTV 360: Kitt’n Around
Chris Bedyk-  VR Wonders of The World- Grand Canyon
Chris Bedyk-  VR Wonders of The World- Aurora
Stephen Baden– Dive
Daniel Foreman- Bus 7003
Dylan Pearce– Tall Tales
Ryan Jackson– Spirit of the Ice

Exhibition Only (Not part of People’s Choice Award)

Harley Myhovich– Some People’s Belts
Darrell Portz–  A Daughter’s Journey
Mike Shiell–  Melon Shorts
Daniel Foreman–  The Horned Serpent Trailer

GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!

 
The 2018 team of adjudicators features producer Devon Supeene,  Toronto Television Host Doug Paulson, Filmmaker  JUstin Kueber, multi-media producer Sheena Rossiter and  producer/writer  Zac Hogle.

[Show slideshow]

Join us on the Red Carpet and celebrate the best of Alberta’s short film Hollywood style at the Edmonton Short Film Festival.

What can you expect at the Edmonton Short Film Festival’s Red Carpet Gala?

Expect to be entertained by a variety of projects … our adjudication team will review thousands of minutes of film and narrow these down to 90 minutes of laughter, screams, tears and amazement for you to enjoy at our Gala event on Saturday night.

You may see everything from a 30-second trailer to a 15-minute short film. We screen comedies, horrors, dramas, documentaries, web episodes, trailers, animation and experimental films and videos … we encourage filmmakers to dig out their previously screened and award-winning projects that they may want to show again.

Enjoy the paparazzi atmosphere as you get your complimentary photo taken in front of the ESFF’s custom backdrop, having fun with some props provided by FotoButh. NEW THIS YEAR! We are opening our doors at 5:00 PM to share the 360/VR films using state-of-the-art headsets. Full Circle Visuals will be on hand to show you how to use this cool technology and enjoy some truly amazing films. Of course, if you just want to arrive early and enjoy time meeting film creators and enthusiasts, you are welcome to come hang out. 

What else is there for you besides watching some great short films? This is a red carpet, Hollywood-inspired event! Make sure to get your photo taken in front of the Festival banner … then follow our Facebook page to tag and download your photo. Post messages and photos on our Twitter Wall. Interact and be part of the excitement!

Included in the ticket price was free pre-movie popcorn courtesy of our friends from SERVUS, complimentary hors d’ouevres created by the culinary professionals from The Cavern, and live music by David Lyons (the Gentle Yeti) over the intermission. A cash bar was also available before the screening and during the intermission, proudly serving craft beer from the Village Brewery and wine. Advance ticket sales are now open.

The 2018 Edmonton Short Film Festival Gala was  held on Saturday evening, October 13. This event was held  at the Orange Hub in the former John L. Haar Theatre at 10045 156 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5P 2P7. 

ESFF-Program-2017

Learn exciting new filmmaking skills with industry professionals at the Filmmaker Master Class.

The Edmonton Short Film Festival will have our 4th annual Filmmaking Skills Class on September 23, 2017 from 10:00am to 3:00pm at The King’s University, 9125 50 St NW, Edmonton.

There are some limited tickets available to the general public, fill in the form below to secure your spot. A hot lunch is included and this event will sure to be  a highlight of your year!

The Filmmakers’ Skills Class was created as a special bonus offered to filmmakers who submit their projects to the festival. Every submission to the Edmonton Short Film Festival receives one complimentary ticket to this educational opportunity. 

This  event includes an interactive, hands on workshop with classes in Sound Design with Umesh Sahajpal from Pixel Blue College and Lighting Design with Ken Nemetchek from Alberta Visual Communications in Room N208 . The Directing Actors Class will be presented by Gilbert Allan of Reyjax Media Inc. in Room N209.

.There are opportunities to network with industry professionals, an included meal and more.

This workshop is also open to anyone who wants to increase their movie knowledge and are welcomed to join in! Space is limited, please fill in the form below to secure your spot!

REGISTRATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED.

Join us for Alberta’s most NEW and EXCITING Film Challenge. All you need is your phone!

Presented with support from Pixel Blue College, the Edmonton Short Film Festival (ESFF) has created something unique that offers an incredible opportunity to aspiring filmmakers to make a short film on their mobile device, win prizes and be screened!

Voting is now completed and the winners have been selected on elements such as promotion, creativity, production values, story, acting, music and entertainment .

Big Congratulations to filmmakers Elisa Friesen for “When Alien Beavers Attack” and Adriel Rosenfeldt  for “Yearning” that will screen at the Edmonton Short Film Festival. The grand prize winner will receive a wireless HP Sprocket.  Join on October 14th to see these two films on the big screen at the Red Carpet Gala, tickets available here. 

We were so impressed with the quality of all the other films submitted, we are showing them in the pre show on the Free Family Fun Film Festival starting at 2PM on October 15th.. 

Join Hollywood actor Josh Emerson to learn the ins and outs of Tinseltown on October 15th from 2-5PM.

This special event was created specifically for families to experience Alberta Independent Film. Many new families are looking for a great place to take their children and have fun at a great price. FREE!

Come and learn about local stories, be entertained  and  play with your children. Pre-Registration is advised due to high attendance.

Check out the green screen video antics below from the 2017 Family Fun Film Fest. 

Wide open spacing, roses on the tables, marble walls, a view of the river valley and fun at the ESFF Red Carpet Gala!

What can you expect at the Edmonton Short Film Festival’s Red Carpet Gala?

Expect to be entertained by a variety of projects … our adjudication team will review thousands of minutes of film and narrow these down to 90 minutes of laughter, screams, tears and amazement for you to enjoy at our Gala event on Saturday night.

You may see everything from a 30-second trailer to a 15-minute short film. We screen comedies, horrors, dramas, documentaries, web episodes, trailers, animation and experimental films and videos … we encourage filmmakers to dig out their previously screened and award-winning projects that they may want to show again.

Enjoy the paparazzi atmosphere as you get your complimentary photo taken in front of the ESFF’s custom backdrop.

What else is there for you besides watching some great short films? This is a red carpet, Hollywood-inspired event! Make sure to get your photo taken in front of the Festival banner … then follow our Facebook page to tag and download your photo. Post messages and photos on our Twitter Wall. Interact and be part of the excitement!

Included in your ticket price is free pre-movie popcorn, Drift Food Truck menu items and live music over the intermission. A cash bar is also available before the screening and during the intermission. Ticket sales are now open.

The 2017 Edmonton Short Film Festival Gala will be held on Saturday evening, October 14th. The FREE Family Fun Film Festival will be on Sunday afternoon, October 15th. Both events will be held  at the  Royal Alberta Museum Theatre 12845-102 Avenue, Edmonton, AB T5N 0M6.

A small taste from a few of the films screening at the 2017 Edmonton Short Film Festival.

Congrats to all the filmmakers that screened and the following special prize winners from Saturday evening:

Norm Rantdog Fassbender Flight of the Polar Bear- Animation 
Seth Williams The Hundy -Student
Bill LeBlanc Rellik – Mamas Song – Indigenous
Megan Strachan Dear Diary: Coming Out- Web Series 
Hans Grossmann Waiting – Music Video
Jason Kuchar Chicken Lover – Comedy
Sariah Thompson-Wood John and Pat: I Get Paid to Take My Clothes Off- Documentary
Melanee Murray-Hunt Race Anonymous-Drama
Katalin Szonyi The Princess and the Beer- Commercial
Shannon Hunt I Phub You- Female 
Adriel Rosenfeldt Yearning — 48 Hour Mobile Film Challenge
Stephen Robinson How to Learn Anything | Action Star- People’s Choice Winner

Sunday’s Special Winner for Best of The Fest powered by RAW rental house​ is Alexa Gilker​ for Chokecherry- Drama.

The fifth year of the Festival brings exciting new prizes, new movies and new judges. As we grow into a multi-day festival, the prizes include cash awards, event passes, electronics and more. The mix of movies is very diverse with films from all genres being screened at the Red Carpet Gala on October 14 and a special pre-show featuring music videos. The Family Fun Film Festival on October 15 has General Audience/ PG movies selected.  

2017 Red Carpet Gala Films

How to Learn Anything, Episode 4 | Action Star- Stephen Robinson
To try and become an 80’s action star, Stephen learns how to do the splits while taking a full size remote control jeep off a jump.

Flight of the Polar Bear– Norm Fassbender
A polar bear swims for its life as a camera crew in a helicopter debates the ethics of helping the ‘dumb animal’.

The Hundy– Seth Williams
A day in the life of a hundred dollar bill.

The Hour ( Mama’s Song) – Rellik
A powerful song and video pertaining to the loss of a parent, from the eyes and words of a young boy , very close to his mother.

Dear Diary: Coming Out– Ava Karvonen
Three brave individuals share their controversial and daring journey on coming out as gay, lesbian, and transgender.

Happy Birthday, Mango!– Eva Colmers
Almara tries to reach her son in the Philippines but everything goes wrong. A visually lush shortfilm about our struggles to connect in a busy world.

Waiting – Hans Grossman
When an age old rivalry and a tense game of bingo erupt into a full-fledged food fight, these retirement home occupants realize they haven’t felt this young and alive in years!

Chicken Lover – Jason Kuchar
A chicken delivery goes awry and crazy shenanigans ensue in this ludicrous music video by Electric Audrey 2.

Shawn Bernard -The Road Redemption – Ben Babchishin
Can the road to redemption take a detour around Karma?

Gerry Mouse– Charlotte Cooper
A child mouse facing homelessness and shelter life for the first time steps up to challenges from friends and foe.

John and Pat: I Get Paid to Take My Clothes Off – Sariah Thompson-Wood
During their interview, John and Patrick opened up about their life on the road, filming the Trailer Park Boys TV show, their beloved characters, and the love they receive from their audiences.

Race Anonymous – Melanee Murray-Hunt
Kyle Humphrey has hit bottom. A construction worker who is tired- tired of whiners, losers and folks wanting a free ride- a truly uncanny experience has him doubting his sanity, and his place in the world.

The Princess and the Beer – Katalin Szonyi
To stop a deadly curse, a Witch Princess—mislead by ancient tales about the power of a kiss—foolishly snogs a two-ton toad.

Where Do You Wander…? – Mohamad Mahfouz
A writer explores Edmonton’s hidden corners.

I Phub You – Shannon Hunt
After an incident that leaves the world around him silent, Kurtis discovers what it means to communicate in a technologically consumed society.

Family Fun Film Fest

A Trickster Tale– Julian Black Antelope
Bored with responsibility, an immortal shape-shifting being takes on a human form (Napi) in order to seek out adventure amongst the four races of man.

Ladybug, Come Fly with Me– Angel Berry
A young girl has a day of adventure with a Ladybug and learns about the value of Friendship.

Assassins’ Cupcake- Emily Marsden
Two death dealing assassins have a dramatic showdown over one coveted cupcake.

Did You Know by Sabrina – An Edmonton Oil Kings special-  Sabrina Anderson
The Edmonton Oil Kings Hockey Team welcomed Sabrina and gave her a behind the scenes opportunity.

Squeaks & Cheeks – The Case of the Horrible Smell- Rebecca Campbell
Squeaks and Cheeks visit their friend Bailey Bear. Upon arriving, they discover a horrible smell. With the help of Piggy Pad, and after some trial and error, they soon discover the where the smell is coming from.

Power of Kindness –Gia Zviadadze
A life of the homeless boy, and how can each person, with little act of kindness can change the poor’s life.

The Legend of the Bunny Phantom– Simon Chan
In a race against time to save his city from imminent destruction, the Bunny Phantom must face his greatest challenge.

Rain on Flowers – Catherine Dubois
When a young woman feels an inkling of sadness, flowers grow on her body. She bottles up these emotions and puts them on a shelf.

Tide of Whispers– Josh Emerson
A man goes to work for a stranger that holds a key to his past.

Chokecherry– Alexa Gilker
Over the course of one summer, a young girl in the gleeful midst of childhood freedom balances on the precipice of young adulthood, and she must choose to either remain with her sisters in a world of imagination and play or abandon herself to the inevitability of growing up.

The Intrepid Explorers: Bumpy Road– Trevor Talbott
Two British explorers, seemingly from another time, navigate the pitfalls that come with exploring a new country in their trusty Land Rover.

Companions- Kieran Jardine
A woman and her AI companion navigate through an emotional day, but the phone seems to care more.

When We Listen –  Amr Moustafa
Amal, the 20 years old Syrian female, needed someone to listen to her unspoken words to bring her trust back and give her hope in life again.

Simply Replaceable – Mackenzie McElligott
A lonely housewife and mother, ignored by her own family, slips into depression.

The Jacket – Kieran Jardine
When a man grows tired of sleeping in the bush he devises a crude plan to finally sleep in a bed.

Don’t Jump Yet-  Conor McDavid
A depressed man goes up to the roof of his apartment building to jump, when the owner of a sweatshop finds him, he tries to convince him to give up his belongings before he jumps.

Beautiful Animals- Michelle Tran
A self-conscious girl with strange and elephant-esque features gains the ability to achieve beauty- by stealing and mimicking the characteristics from her beautiful, more “human-looking” peer.

Join the Dance- David Kohl
Vincent takes the stage to relive memories of Mary, who departed abruptly three years ago. Tonight, however, Mary returns and, together, they rediscover their passion and explore the possibilities the future holds.

Love Bug- Sue Chandra
While strolling in the garden a bug meets his match. They fall in love and overcome challenges in getting together.

The Monotonous Adventures of Sir Reginald Esquire the Third– Demmi Dupri
A creaking of the door awakens Sir Reginald the Third Esquire from a deep sleep, as darkness pours into the study Sir Reginald sees his arch-nemesis has crept in thus realizing the wellbeing of the entire castle rests in his hands.

Gala Pre-Show

Colour My Love– Laura Combden
The rural Alberta jails of the 1920s housed not only the sheriff’s family, but also those arrested and imprisoned. This story is about two women with a shared feeling of hopelessness, meeting in this unlikely setting.

Could’ve Been Me – Barrett Klesko
Your choices create your destiny. Take a chance, roll the dice.

Die  Alone – Cameron Basler
Performance video of the band Basler playing the song Die Alone.

Fadeaway- Mohamad Mahfouz
Loosing and finding new love but realizing its the same love – the cycle of love. 

Legend and Love Song- Ali Bright
The song tells the story about the highs and lows of a couple’s relationship as well as how he feels about her even after their relationship has since ended.

Luckiest Guy – Cameron Basler
A video about being lucky to have found love, set to the theme of being lucky at the horse races.

Lyra Brown’s A Little Vulture Told Me– Simon Morgan
The film explores the idea of loss, and how it feels to watch someone you are close to self-destruct.

Pillowtalk- Mark Davies
Kena Leon ‘s Pillowtalk is an experimental music video collaboration with local filmmakers Six Six Films.

Too Many Too’s – Marlon Wilson
Still not over his fiancée, Soup tries to end things with his new girl before he falls deeper in love..

Den of Sadness- Fine Washables- James P. White
Creative zaniness in the laundry room.

GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!

The 2017 team of adjudicators features Edmonton born Hollywood actor Josh Emerson,  Producer Dianne Mahoney, Writer Naddine Madell-Morgan, TV Show host Kim Hayden and Director Ben Babchishin.

[Show slideshow]

Join us for Edmonton’s most NEW and EXCITING Film Challenge. All you need is your phone!

Presented with the generous support of TELUS and STORYHIVE, the Edmonton Short Film Festival (ESFF) has created
something unique that offers an incredible opportunity to aspiring filmmakers to make a short film on their
mobile device, win prizes and be screened!

HELP select the winning film(s) to be played at the Edmonton Short Film Festival. The top film will also receive a iPhone 6S lens kit, courtesy of TELUS. TO VOTE: CLICK ON THE FILM NAME and “like” the video on YouTube. You may vote for more than one! Voting closed at Midnight, September 23rd, 2016.

Congratulations to our winners Cuz in the City & Dropped Call that screened at the Red Carpet Gala.  As the Number #1 winner Cuz in the City also received an iPhone Lens Kit.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zLbAHkm8xQ&feature=youtu.be

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CoI8I9VlyU

TELUS, STORYHIVE and the Edmonton Short Film Festival are co- presenting the Free 48 Hour Mobile Film Challenge on September 17th, 2016.

STORYHIVE and TELUS are working with the Edmonton Short Film Festival to create the Innovative Free 48 Mobile Film Challenge.

Roger Sherman will be teaching the 2016 Mobile Device FilmMaker Master Class. His films have won an Emmy, a Peabody and two Academy Award nominations.

The Edmonton Short Film Festival with the support of TELUS Optik Local and STORYHIVE are pleased to announce Roger Sherman will lead our 2016 interactive, hands on workshop!

Roger Sherman is a producer, director, cinematographer, still photographer and the author of Ready, Steady Shoot- A Pro’s Guide to Smart Phone Video.

Smartphone film festivals are one of the latest “crazes”. This interactive workshop will give emerging and mid-career Alberta Indie filmmakers the opportunity to learn how to create quality projects using various mobile devices and will focus on the use of storytelling through the digital medium. Immediately following the Master Class, the Edmonton Short Film Festival’s Free 48 Hour Mobile Film Challenge begins.

The Filmmakers’ Master Class is a bonus offered to filmmakers who submit their projects to the festival and limited tickets are available to the general public.

This half-day event will include an interactive, hands on workshop with Mr. Sherman, networking, a meal and more.

This event was held on September 17, 2016 – doors opened at 10:00 AM (brunch was served at 10:30) and wrapped up with a time of networking until 2:00 PM. Registrations are closed.

Location: El Cortez, 8230 Gateway Blvd

The Mobile Device Filmmakers Master Class is presented by Telus.

The Edmonton Short Film Festival invites  families to share in the magic of Alberta Film on October 2.

NEW FOR 2016! The Edmonton Short Film Festival is proud to present the Family Fun Film Fest on October 2 at the Royal Alberta Museum from 2Pm to 5Pm.

This event is now free!!

Pre-Register for your complimentary tickets to be entered for a special prize (to be drawn at the event).

Complimentary admission includes popcorn, fun activities for children 2 to 12+ (Create your own Micro Short Video, Face Painting, Virtual Reality Demonstrations and more), PLUS enjoy a special screening of family rated short films.

This special event was created specifically for families to experience Alberta Independent Film. The Family Fun Film Fest is part of the celebrations occurring throughout the province during Alberta Culture Days 2016. Alberta Culture Days runs September 30 to October 2 and is the province’s largest celebration of our heritage, arts, community spirit and cultural diversity. To learn more, visit www.AlbertaCultureDays.ca.

This is a great way to take out the kids with a focus on value, savings and fun! Learn about local stories, be entertained  and  play with your children.

This event was held on October 2nd, 2016 with over 500 attendees.

Join us at the Edmonton Short Film Festival for a night of great movies, incredible food and live music, red carpet photos and much more.

What can You Expect at the Edmonton Short Film Festival’s Red Carpet Gala on October 1st, 2016?

Expect to be entertained by a variety of projects … our adjudication team will review thousands of minutes of film and narrow these down to 90 minutes of laughter, screams, tears and amazement for you to enjoy at our Gala event on Saturday night.

You may see everything from a 30-second trailer to a 15-minute short film. We screen comedies, horrors, dramas, documentaries, web episodes, trailers, animation and experimental films and videos … we encourage filmmakers to dig out their previously screened and award-winning projects that they may want to show again.

Enjoy the paparazzi atmosphere as you get your complimentary photo taken in front of the ESFF’s custom backdrop.

What else is there for you besides watching some great short films? This is a red carpet, Hollywood-inspired event! Make sure to get your photo taken in front of the Festival banner … then follow our Facebook page to tag and download your photo.

NEW THIS YEAR!!! Post messages and photos on our Twitter Wall. Be part of the excitement!

Included in your ticket price is free pre-movie popcorn, hors d’oeuvres over the intermission and live music. A cash bar is also available before the screening and during the intermission.

The 2016 Edmonton Short Film Festival Gala was held on Saturday evening, October 1 . The FREE Family Fun Film Festival was held on Sunday afternoon, October 2. Both events were held  at the  Royal Alberta Museum Theatre 12845-102 Avenue, Edmonton, AB T5N 0M6.

In 2016, the Edmonton Short Film Festival has new prizes for both filmmakers and film lovers.

2016 Edmonton Short Film Festival Films and Judges

The following films have been selected for the Red Carpet Gala on Oct.1st:

Jesse Foster’s “Anxiety #5” was voted People’s Choice Award at the 2016 Edmonton Short Film Festival.

Hernan Moreno, ADIOS
Jesse Foster, Anxiety #5 – Best Horror
Ben Babchishin, Breakout of the Masala Kid
Cody Southgate, Brewer’s Yeast
Doug Cook, Burning All The Past Away– Best Animation/Experimental 
Jamie McRae, Extra High Grade
John Osborne, Genesis
Chris Friesen, Hungry Hungry Hippos Trailer- Best Trailer
Adam Scorgie, Ice Guardians
Adriel Rosenfeldt, Microcosm
Tito Guillen, Nerdvana
Justin Brunelle, “One, One Thousand”
Aaron Talbot, PLIGHT: A Comic Book Rock Opera– Best Web Episode
Daniel Foreman, Raven Steals the Light
Brother Octopus, Rebels (Feat. A Gentleman’s Pact)
Kristen Anderson-Sauve, Remote Viewing
Sean McLennan, Rig Pigs
Jerry Tseng, SUMMER SKI JUMPING– Best Documentary
Michael Saby, Tegan and Fred
Vadim Bulitko, The Timelapse Etudes
Geraldine Carr, Voila!– Best Drama
Brandon Alexis, Cuz In the City– Best 48 Hour Mobile Device Challenge Film

The following films have been selected for the FAMILY FUN FILM FEST on Oct.2nd:

Tom Robinson, Change
Grace Chapman, Charge!
Todd Kipp, Consolation Prize
Miriam Anderson, Did You Know
John Osborne, Line Dance
Peter Kominek, Lone Wolf
Adriel Rosenfeldt, Microcosm
Keena Herman,Noonright
Rebecca Campbell, Squeaks & Cheeks
Darren Barnett, Super Galactic Victory Force: The Revenge of Ludwig Van
Desiree Bilon, Surf Anywhere
Rueben Tschetter, The Gopher Hole Museum
Justin Kueber, The Lobster Ep 103 – Bargaining
Morgan Ermter, The Society of Birdwatchers
Nolan Briggs, The Tea Party
Scott Lepp, This is what it sounds like falling out of love with you
Justin Brunelle, You Didn’t Make Me
,

The fourth year of the Festival brings exciting new prizes, new movies and new judges. As we grow into a multi-day festival, the prizes will include cash awards, event passes, electronics and more. The mix of movies is very diverse with films from all genres being screened at the Red Carpet Gala on October 1 and a special Family Fun Film Festival on October 2 with General Audience movies being selected. The 2016 team of adjudicators welcomes back Gilbert Allan and Zac Hogle from last year’s panel and introduces Brett LeMay and Justin Kueber.

[Show slideshow]

 On Saturday, September 26, 2015, the Filmmaker Skills Workshop was hosted by the award-winning Bryan Michael Stoller.  Alongside him was Little Bear, canine co-star of Stoller’s own First Dog and The Amazing Wizard of Paws.  Stoller is a professional director, writer, producer, and editor with a career spanning nearly 30 years.  His filmography includes such films as Undercover Angel, First Dog, and Miss Cast Away and the Island Girls.  He has rubbed shoulders with the likes of Michael Jackson, Steven Spielberg, and Nancy Reagan.  He also wrote Filmmaking for Dummies, with a foreward by Dan Ackroyd, stating, “I know of nobody more suitable than Bryan Michael Stoller to author a manual on how to get a film made”.

Filmmaking for Dummies was the basis for the Workshop.  Topics that were covered consisted of everything from writing and pitching a good story, to hiring a cast and crew, to having good production values, to the proper procedures of post-production and distribution.

The Workshop was held at the El Cortez Mexican restaurant and tequila bar from 11:30 am to 2 pm.  While the workshop was open to the general public, each contestant who submitted a film to the festival received a complimentary ticket to this once-in-a-lifetime event.  Each ticket holder also received a custom menu, signature drink specials, and a multi-media presentation.

Thank you to everyone who attended 2015’s Filmmaker Skills Workshop.

Located just off of Whyte Avenue, El Cortez is passionate about supporting the local arts community and Edmonton as a whole. The Edmonton Short Film Festival was proud to partner with this amazing venue for tthe Filmmaking Master Class with speaker  Bryan Michael Stoller.

View the 2015 gallery here: https://esff.ca/gallery/

2015 Edmonton Short Film Festival Winners

Edmonton Short Film Festival People’s Choice Award winner Jason Jeffrey for “Horace”.

Breaking the Bully Barrier: by YOUCAN….Best Animation Award
Straight to Video : The B movie Odyssey: by Cody Kennedy…. Best Comedy Award
Expressions of Love: by Myles Belland/Justin Currie…..Best Documentary  Award
The Shooting of Dan McGrew: by Braden Brickner…. Best Drama Award
Mending With Gold:  by Cassandra Paige….Best Experimental Award
Keep Left : by Harvey Li….Best Horror Award
Midnight : by Doug Cook…..Best Music Video Award
Invincible: Season 1 Episode #2 Disability and Employment : by Frederick Kroetsch…Best Web Episode Award
Horace: by Jason Jeffrey…..People’s Choice Award

FEATURING FOR 2015:

2.57k by Eva Colmers

Birthday by Richard Lukacs

Breaking the Bully Barrier by YOUCAN

Cannibal Café by Marc Chalifoux

EVERGLOW by Christina Ienna

Expressions of Love by Myles Belland

Horace by Jason Jeffery

Invincible: Disability and Employment by Frederick Kroetsch

Jealousy! by Andrew Paul

Johny5 Cartoon by Jonathan Holeton

Keep Left by Harvey Li

Mending With Gold by Cassandra Paige

Midnight by Doug Cook

Necessary Evil by Randy Brososky

Straight to Video : The B movie Odyssey by Cody Kennedy

Summer in Alberta by Vadim Bulitko

The Last Slice by Justin Kueber

The Shooting of Dan McGrew by Braden Brickner

Valour Canada’s Terry Taerum and the Dam Busters by Ken McWilliams

A Winter Jingle by Kelly Wolfert

Located in Edmonton, Alberta, Pixel Blue is a leading post-secondary institution with programs in Graphic Design, 2D Animation & Illustration, 3D Game Design and more….

Thanks to our sponsor, Pixel Blue College, we were able to offer generous awards to filmmakers whose projects were selected by our team of adjudicators. Individual films were pre-selected by our adjudication panel for special cash prizes. In 2013, awards were given in the categories of best Web Episode, Comedy, Dramatic Narrative, Documentary and Music Video. In 2014, awards were given for these categories as well as Experimental/Animation.

The awards that were pre-selected by the jury received a $150 cash prize. All of the films that screened were eligible for the Peoples’ Choice award, which is a $250 cash prize. This prize is voted for by the audience. Horace by Jason Jeffrey was the 2015 ESFF Peoples’ Choice award winner.

Our 2015 adjudication team was  Gilbert Allan, Zac Hogle, Sarah Hudson, and Stephanie Johnson!

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Our first filmmakers’ event included participation by several industry professionals and government organizations who provided information about funding and other support opportunities for Alberta filmmakers.  We enjoyed a luncheon, networking and had one-on-one access to these resources.  Our panel members consisted of Alberta Film, Alberta Foundation for the Arts, Edmonton Film, TELUS, Pixel Blue College, Digital Alberta, YEG Film, FAVA, AMPIA and the Edmonton Arts Council.

Click to view the gallery: https://esff.ca/film-lovers/previous-festivals/2014-2/gallery/

Selected and Winning Films:

Under the Acorn Tree (Justin Brunnelle) – WINNER – Best Dramatic Narrative;
WINNER – Peoples’ Choice Award

Falls (Doug Cook) WINNER – Best Experimental

Predict This! (Chris Cowden) – WINNER – Best Comedy

Against the Ropes (Ryan Northcott) – WINNER – Best Documentary

Awake: The Fronts (Randompath Media) – WINNER – Best Music Video

The People That Touch Your Food (Ryan Byrne) – WINNER – Best Web Episode

Click to view the gallery: https://esff.ca/about/history/2013-2/gallery/

2013 Selected Films

Immaculate Pompadours by Mark Remple
Leviticus by Daniel Foreman
Good Video by #yegfilm
Stapled by Scott MacDonald
Wine Tasting with Lyle and The Rhino by Andrew Paul
Language of Desire by Kath McLean
Family by Jason Jeffery
The Surprise Party by James Scott
Promenades Aquatiques by Colin Racicot
The Dookie Squad by Angela Palmer
Life’s a Candle (music video) by Marcel Fayant
The Lies We Tell by Samantha Slater
The Guru by Candace Creelman
Startups by Jeff Samsonow and Sally Poulsen
Arkham Rising by Tito Guillan
Nightwing – Prodigal Son by Brady Roberts
A Seduction Spell by Daniel Foreman