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Short films have always been the proving ground. Now they’re getting a dedicated spotlight.
From Nia DaCosta to Don Hertzfeldt, Matthew Cherry to Georgia Oakley, filmmakers across narrative, animation, and documentary have used Kickstarter to launch short-form work. In March 2026, Kickstarter will once again host Long Story Short — its annual celebration of bold short films and the creators behind them.
The structure is simple. The opportunity is not.
What Is Long Story Short?
Long Story Short is Kickstarter’s focused promotional window for short film campaigns. Projects that launch between March 1–31, 2026 and are categorized under “Shorts” receive platform-wide amplification — including newsletter features, social promotion, and curated discovery support.
For filmmakers, that visibility matters. Shorts often struggle not because of ambition or craft, but because of attention economics. A dedicated promotional window shifts that dynamic.
Who Should Consider Applying?
This isn’t limited to emerging directors. Established filmmakers have used Kickstarter for shorts to:
- Test proof-of-concept material for features
- Build audience ownership early
- Raise finishing funds
- Experiment formally outside studio constraints
If you’re developing:
- A narrative short
- An animated project
- A documentary short
- A proof-of-concept tied to a larger IP
— this is strategically timed exposure.
How to Participate
To qualify:
- Submit the short application form
- Create a Kickstarter project and select “Shorts” as your subcategory
- Launch between March 1 and March 31, 2026
- Register for the official webinar and review Kickstarter’s film campaign guide
Between now and March, Kickstarter will release educational resources tailored to short-form creators — meaning preparation begins well before launch.
