DC Shorts International Film Festival

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Arts & CultureWashington
DatesDates TBA · Usually SeptemberCheck locally before booking
DurationAutumnEstimate from available data
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forPerformance, exhibitionsDC Shorts distinguishes itself by focusing
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: USD
CategoryArts & CultureFestival type
The story

DC Shorts International Film Festival in Washington

The DC Shorts Film Festival is an annual short-film festival founded in 2003 by filmmaker Jon Gann and Gene Cowan, focused exclusively on short-format storytelling. Grown from a three-day event screening 33 films into a festival spanning more than ten days and over 120 films, it is presented by the DC Film Alliance and includes a screenplay competition alongside themed showcases such as LGBTQ, documentary, animation, comedy, and horror shorts.

In 2003, Washington-based filmmaker Jon Gann grew frustrated with attending festival after festival where the focus never seemed to land on the filmmakers whose work he loved most: short films.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

DC Shorts distinguishes itself by focusing entirely on short films at a time when most film festivals treat shorts as a secondary category attached to feature programming

02

The mystery stays covered

Founder Jon Gann created the festival specifically because he felt other festivals underserved short filmmakers, and that founding motivation still shapes the event's structure, including dedicated mentorship workshops for filmmakers and a screenplay competition with live table readings and a cash award, giving emerging writers direct festival exposure rather than a token category

03

The city starts moving

The festival also maintains an online film library of hundreds of past selections available for year-round viewing, extending its reach well beyond the festival week itself and giving Washington's short-filmmaking community a continuous home rather than an annual-only presence

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The festival continues the tradition

Water and renewal

Living ritual

distinct within the film festival world

The sacred route

Living ritual

of treating short films as a primary art form rather than a warm-up act for features

The local code

Living ritual

and it sustains a mentorship culture through its workshops that connects established and emerging filmmakers within Washington's filmmaking community

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually September

Getting around

For DC Shorts International Film Festival, plan transport around the exact Washington venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.

What to wear

Casual clothing is appropriate for standard screenings and workshops; there is no formal dress code, though some evening showcase events may draw a slightly dressier crowd of filmmakers and...

Safety

Keep valuables light, follow local instructions, and watch how residents use the space before joining in.

Where to stay

For DC Shorts International Film Festival, stay near the part of Washington you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

USD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map38.90 N, 77.04 WOpen in Google Maps

Washington, DC

Nearest airportDCA — Ronald Reagan Washington National
TransportFor DC Shorts International Film Festival, plan transport around the exact Washington venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.
Stay areaFor DC Shorts International Film Festival, stay near the part of Washington you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Washington via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Washington, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for September.Compare faresFestival gearCasual clothing is appropriate for standard screenings and workshops; there is no formal dress code, though some evening showcase events may draw a slightly dressier crowd of filmmakers and industry attendees.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for United States and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is DC Shorts International Film Festival?

DC Shorts International Film Festival is listed for September · Autumn. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does DC Shorts International Film Festival take place?

The festival is listed in Washington, United States. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

Autumn is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Washington, DC

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLdcshorts.com
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually September
Source statusOfficial source linked
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