2023 DC Shorts International Film Festival Sept 20-24!
DC SHORTS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL CELEBRATES 20 YEARS WITH MORE DIVERSITY THAN EVER
Five Days, 135 Short, 20 Countries, 55 Women Filmmakers, Panels, and Parties
Washington, D.C. – DC Shorts International Film Festival is celebrating its 20th year of screening short films. The DC Shorts mission is to champion short films and their filmmakers. Held every September in Washington, D.C. this year’s five-day film festival kicks off Wednesday, Sept. 20, and runs through Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023.
A total of 135 short films will screen in 16 showcases divided into themes (Youth, Music, LGBTQ, Relationships, DMV Local) and genres (Comedy, Documentary, Drama, Horror, Fantasy, Sci-Fi). Four days of screenings will be at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema DC, and one day of screenings at JxJ’s Cafritz Hall.
Filmmakers will be traveling from around the globe to attend, and DC Shorts offers an array of events includes multiple filmmaker panels and parties, including the Opening Night Reception on Wednesday, Sept 20., at Cafritz Hall, the Music Festival highlighting local musicians on Thursday, Sept. 21., at MetroBar, and the Awards Ceremony and Closing Night Party on Sunday, Sept., 24 at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema DC.
Each of the 16 showcases present films that are from two to 40 minutes in length, and presented in 90-minute to 120-minute programs, with many showcases followed by filmmaker Q&As. This year’s films were selected from more than 625 submissions, with the final official selections representing 20 countries from six continents, and a record breaking 19 “World Premieres.” This year, the festival includes 55 women filmmakers, a record-breaking number for DC Shorts.
As DC Shorts International Film Festival heads into our amazing 20th year, I am excited to be leading the charge forward. We’re adding some new traditions, including a music genre showcase and corresponding party, while at the same time pausing to reflect upon, and honor, our impactful history. When people think of filmmakers, most immediately focus on the writers, directors, and producers. This year, we will pay tribute to the hard working folks behind-the-scenes with critical roles such as grips, gaffers, DPs, and so many others. We’re inviting them to amplify their stories and share their industry experiences over the course of the festival with eight panel covering a wide range of topics. Please join us as we light up the District with incredible films, once again demonstrating the expanse of the filmmaking frontier.
Beau Canlas, DC Shorts Festival Director
DC Shorts General Admission for Showcases is $15 for Live showings. An All Access Pass is available for either Live or Online for $100, with an All Access Festival Pass available for $150. Purchase tickets and see showcase details at dcshorts.filmbot.com/2023/attend/.