Back in 2009, two movie lovers decided San Jose deserved a festival built entirely around short films. This October, the San Jose International Short Film Festival celebrates its 15th edition, and it’s shaping up to be one of our biggest yet. Here’s what to expect when the lights go down at CineArts at Santana Row, October 12–15, 2023.
More Than 110 Films from 18 Countries
Over four days, we’ll screen more than 110 short films from 18 countries across some 30 programs. Opening Night kicks things off on Thursday, October 12, and the weekend brings everything from documentary, animation and family blocks to comedy, sci-fi and two World Cinema showcases. A few program names to watch for on the schedule: It’s A Kind of Magic, Musically Inclined, A Hard DOC’s Life, The Human Experience and Make ’Em Laugh. Documentary fan? Warm up with five SJSFF documentaries you can stream now.
Festival Rewind: 15 Years of Favorites
To mark the anniversary, we’re bringing back some of the best shorts from our first 15 years in two special Festival Rewind programs. Festival Rewind – Comedy Edition gathers comedy favorites, and Festival Rewind – A Smattering of Excellence revisits World Cinema standouts from years past. If you’ve been coming since the beginning, expect a few old friends. If you’re new, consider it a crash course.
The Big-Screen Experience
Every film is projected in 4K from a DCP with up to 5.1 surround sound, in a cinema with stadium-style seating. Many programs include Q&As with visiting filmmakers, and audiences vote throughout the weekend for their favorites, which return for Audience Choice screenings on closing night.
Warm Up with Last Year’s Favorites
Can’t wait until October? Two shorts from our 2022 lineup are now streaming online.
Elevate
Directed by Dylan Boom · Best of Show, 2022
Tiffany works the graveyard shift as a security guard at a government building. Over one night on the job, a chance encounter forces her to face some unspoken realities. Writer-director Dylan Boom’s quiet, naturalistic drama about class and race took home our top prize last year.
Stills from Elevate.
The Diamond
Directed by Vedran Rupic · SJSFF 2022
When Stefan discovers a massive gemstone in the woods, the find pushes him into the unlikeliest of friendships. Vedran Rupic’s deadpan, absurdist comedy is one of those shorts that gets funnier the longer you think about it.
Stills from The Diamond.
See You in October
Check our schedule for the full lineup, grab your passes on our Tickets page and catch up on past winners on our Awards page. We can’t wait to celebrate 15 years with you.
