HollyShorts Film Festival 22nd Edition

HollyShorts Film Festival returns for its 22nd edition August 13th to 23rd continuing its legacy as one of the world’s premier showcases for short-form cinema. HollyShorts has become a launchpad for emerging & established filmmakers connecting visionary storytellers with leading studios, streamers, brands & industry executives. The Academy & BAFTA-qualifying HollyShorts Film Festival is headquartered at TCL Chinese Theatres & venues throughout Ovation Hollywood in California. The annual Awards Gala will be held on August 23rd. The festival will screen 430 short films selected from thousands of global submissions. Headline projects feature high-profile talent including Renée Zellweger’s directorial debut They, Martin Freeman in Little Bug & Michael Keaton directing & starring in Sweetwater. It also includes projects executive produced by Zoe Saldaña, Margot Robbie, Jordan Peele & Serena Williams. The 2026 jury features prominent industry names such as Alan Tudyk, Rita Ora, Kelly Marie Tran, Andrew Rannells, Alfre Woodard & Judy Greer. Alan Tudyk stated, “I am honored to participate in this year’s HollyShorts Film Fest. I have always been a fan of the short film format & the poetry it inspires.” Kelly Marie Tran concluded, “As a fan of independent film in every medium, I am honored to serve on the HollyShorts Jury this year. Shorts play an important role in every filmmaker’s journey & I’m excited to recognize this art form.” New initiatives this year include HollyShorts partnering with Filmio Studios to launch a fan-driven short film discovery initiative incorporating audience-demand signals directly into the festival evaluation process. Beyond the annual festival HollyShorts champions short films year-round through monthly screenings, industry panels, educational programming & networking events that foster creative discovery & collaboration across the global film community.

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