Dear Asian filmmakers, the AFI FEST (USA) is accepting short films until May 31, 2025.

About the festival:
Each fall, AFI FEST presents the year’s most significant films. Kicking off the awards season each year, AFI FEST offers a crucial avenue of exposure to the entertainment community. Featuring international work from emerging filmmakers, global showcases of films from the great masters, tributes and red-carpet gala premieres, AFI FEST brings the very best of world cinema to the city of Los Angeles, the film capital of the world. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recognizes AFI FEST as a qualifying festival for the Short Films category of the annual Academy Awards.

Eligibility:
– The festival only accepts short films under 40 minutes.
– Films must have been completed after October 1, 2024.
– There is no regional premiere requirement. Short films are eligible to apply regardless of television broadcast history and online availability.
– Previously declined submissions will not be accepted unless the project has undergone significant content changes (60% or more) and meets all other submission requirements.
– All films submitted must be free from any legal disputes and the filmmaker must have cleared all rights for music and exhibition.
– Rough cuts and works-in-progress are eligible for entry if the final cut will be available by May 31, 2025.
– If the submission is in a language other than English; the screener that is submitted must include English subtitles.
– Promotional, instructional or industrial films, and raw documentation of performances are not eligible.
– Submission Fees and Deadlines:

– Notification Date: September 25, 2025

We recommend filmmakers to read the full Rules and Regulations here: https://fest.afi.com/submit-your-film/

To submit to the festival please visit: https://filmfreeway.com/AFIFEST

We remind readers that the 39th AFI FEST will take place from October 22 – 26, 2025 in Los Angeles, CA, United States.

Looking for a festival distributor? Learn more about our services here

To see other Calls please follow the next link: “Call For Entries”.