Show Me Shorts Kicks Off 2026 Submissions
Show Me Shorts has officially kicked off another year of showcasing short films and the filmmakers behind them.
Submissions for the 2026 Show Me Shorts Film Festival open on 1 February.
The festival is calling for bold, boundary-pushing work that tells strong stories and showcases the power of short film in all its forms.
There’s also an important date coming up for emerging writers. Applications for the Short Film Lab close at 12 noon on 2 February, offering an opportunity to develop new ideas and sharpen craft with industry support.
Read on for key dates, submission details, and ways to get involved.
Short Film Lab: New $40k Production Funding
Entries for Show Me Shorts’ new Short Film Lab production funding scheme are closing soon. Designed to support emerging filmmakers with bold short film ideas and a clear creative vision, submissions close on 2 February 2026.
Eligibility has recently been broadened to include filmmakers who were shortlisted for Fresh Shorts but did not receive funding. Filmmakers who have received production funding through Fresh Shorts, or who have previously participated in any iteration of the Short Film Lab, remain ineligible.
