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The Reel Champions Shorts Fest (TRCSF) is a 2-day in-person showcase of films created by women and non-binary folks. This year TRCSF will take place in October. By creating a platform for creatives of marginalized genders to share their stories, TRCSF celebrates unique voices and strives for industry-wide change.
Do you want to share your work with a wide audience, win top tier prizes, and meet both creatives and industry professionals eager to champion your career?
We are just ONE MONTH away from the Regular Submission Deadline on Friday, April 17th.
For the first time ever, films do NOT need to be directed by a woman or non-binary person to be considered. Films just need a person of marginalized gender in at least one of these roles:
- Director
- Cinematographer
- Screenwriter
- Editor
- Production Designer
- Sound Designer
The Reel Champions Shorts Fest 2025
If selected, films will screen at a live event in Los Angeles California on either day of the festival's run – Saturday, October 17th or Sunday, October 18th. Filmmakers are encouraged to participate in a live Q&A following the screening, though there is an option to submit a pre-taped Q&A if unable to attend.
Official selections will be considered for a variety of awards, which will be selected by the Jury of NEXTgen Mentors. 2025 prizes included a $10,000 Keslow Camera Gear Certificate, a 5-day Hektor Lens Rental from Leitz, an annual license for Scriptation, and a one-year membership to Alliance of Women Directors.
The weekend will also include ample opportunities to learn useful skills and grow your network! Events will include educational panels, a Sponsor vendor fair, a cocktail party, a filmmaker breakfast, and a coffee with Community Partners. 2025 panels included From Freelance to Funded: A Film Finance Masterclass with First Entertainment Credit Union and Alternative Financing: Fiscal Sponsorship 101 with CFA Institute, sponsored by HDMI.
If your company or organization would be interested in becoming an official sponsor or community partner of The Reel Champions Shorts Fest, please reach out to contact@trcshortsfest.com for more information.
Still not convinced? Take it from last year’s incredible featured filmmakers.
“Amazing experience at TRC Shorts Fest 2025! They really care about their filmmakers, and I was super impressed with how organized everything was and the communication was great. We even took home the prize for Best Student Short. If you're thinking about submitting, run, don't walk.”
-Maritza Cruz, Director of Made in America
“Fantastic experience! The showcase was full of amazing filmmakers, the panels were super informative and The Reel Champions and Cinematography for Actors staff were incredibly kind and present. Loved every second of it! If you are a female or non-binary filmmaker, don’t hesitate: submit. Did I mention the prizes???”
- Daniella Kafshi, Director of LADYBUG
