THE 24fps internationaL short film festival

Now in its 25th year, the 24fps International Short Film Festival continues to present challenging and progressive programs of short films by aspiring and established artists from around the world. The juried competition is open to any work made outside the major worldwide film studio system, and provides cash awards to the festival’s top films in six major categories.

Designed to showcase student and independent filmmakers, the competition is open to anyone, with no entry fee required. Thirty Official Jury Selection films are chosen from the entry field, and then screened publicly in competition over the course of three programs during the month of November. Submitted projects must have been completed after January 1, 2021. The film’s running time must not exceed 20 minutes.

24fps is not a traditional short film festival. The twenty-seven Official Selection films are screened only once for the public, as a part of three curated exhibition programs. These unique programs highlight the filmmaker as well as the film itself, and each project is introduced by a festival official. Filmmakers in attendance are given the opportunity to speak to the audience after their film’s screening.

Festival Director Barry Smoot, who also serves as the Paramount Artistic Associate, says 24fps “was created to encourage aspiring filmmakers and give them a unique, landmark theatrical setting to showcase their work. As a nationally recognized historic theatre, we are dedicated to preserving and celebrating the cinematic art form. It seems only fitting that we have a hand in encouraging its future as well.”

Entries are encouraged at every level of experience. Smoot said, “We charge the Official Jury to look at each film independently, and ask them to consider how it communicates to them individually. Method of production is less important. We ask them to consider how the artist has used whatever tools available to communicate their vision.”

THE 2023 JURY AWARD WINNERS

In 2023, over 4,200 submissions were received by the festival.  From this field of projects, thirty films were named Official Selections to be screened for the public.  The films also received private screenings for the Festival Jury, which then presented the competition field with a slate of cash and trophy awards. 

The Grand Jury Prize was presented to WILL YOU LOOK AT ME, Shuli Huang’s powerful personal documentary about his coming out to his mother.

The Silver Medal was presented to American director Tari Wariebi’s WE WERE MEAT TO, about a world in which black men have the ability to fly, but airspace has become politically restricted. The film was also presented the AUDIENCE AWARD.

The Bronze Medal was presented to BIG BANG, from Brazil and director Carols Segundo. The film is a study of a man disregarded and marginalized by a society that hates him, who eventually begins to resist.

THE 2024 FESTIVAL AND PUBLIC EXHIBITIONS

In 2024, the 24fps International Short Film Festival is celebrating its 25th year. Public exhibition will be held in November.