Weird Short Films Challenge

Ever wanted to make a short film but didn’t know where to start? Or maybe you’ve been waiting for the right spark to kick your creativity into gear. The Weird Short Films Challenge is your invitation to dive in—whether you’re a seasoned filmmaker with a full crew or a DIY creator with just a smartphone. These challenges are open to everyone, and no budget is required—that part’s totally up to you.

Each challenge comes with its own unique twist and set of rules designed to push boundaries, spark creativity, and keep you moving forward.

When registration opens, you’ll receive the official guidelines and creative prompts. Then it’s go time—you’ll have just over a month to make your film. The earlier you register, the more time you’ll have.
(Bonus: early sign-ups get discounted fees and extra runtime.)

Every completed film that follows the rules will be reviewed. If selected, it will be featured on the Weird Short Films YouTube channel and the best of those will be invited for a screening in Brooklyn.

As for what the challenge will be? That’s a surprise—but we promise it’ll be strange in all the right ways.

Genres We Accept

  • Horror

  • B-Horror

  • Psychological Thrillers

  • Dark Comedies

  • Animation (especially horror-based, weird, or unsettling)

  • Music Videos (with a narrative, conceptual, or surreal twist)

  • And the delightfully strange

If it’s bold, bizarre, offbeat, or sometimes bloody, we want to see it.

🔥 Early Sign-Up Bonus

The first 72 hours of registration include:

  • A discounted registration fee

  • Extra runtime (10 minutes instead of 8)

Why Enter?

The Weird Short Films Challenge is a chance to:

  • Leverage your work for future projects

  • Collaborate under pressure

  • Grow your IMDb credits

  • Stay on people’s radar

  • Create something new

  • Build your reel

You’ll Be Eligible For:

If selected, your film may earn Weird Short Films laurels and custom thumbnail stickers in these categories:

  • Best Psychological Thriller

  • Best Use of Challenge

  • Best DIY Film

  • Best Script

  • Best WTF

  • Best Acting

  • Best Comedy

  • Best Horror

  • Best B-Horror

  • Best Kill

Submissions open soon!

Weird Short Films is a platform built by indie filmmakers, for indie filmmakers. We spotlight the best low to no-budget genre short films, helping creators gain exposure, grow their IMDb credits, and connect with a wider audience. From experimental horror to dark comedy, we celebrate bold, unique storytelling that pushes boundaries. Through our film challenges and curated showcases, we empower filmmakers and actors to create narrative-driven content using the tools they have—yes, even just a smartphone. If you're a creative looking to share your weird, wild, or wonderful short film, you’ve found your people.