Are you ready to put your weird creativity to the test? Our Film Challenges are designed to spark your imagination, even if you have no budget and only a smartphone. Each challenge gives you a specific prompt, your job is to make it strange, bold, and unforgettable.

The film challenge - must have:

A ‘game console’

A ‘rock’

These 2 elements must be showcased, featured, and/or used in your short film in some way. Get creative. Grow your IMDB. Build your reel.

Genres we accept:
horror, psychological thrillers, dark comedies, animations, music videos, and the delightfully strange. If it's bold, bizarre, or offbeat, we want to see it. Get featured on our YouTube channel and website

Why do a film challenge?

  1. Boost your IMDb credits

  2. Work within a clear creative framework with a deadline. Ideal for low- and no-budget filmmakers

  3. Be part of a growing community of strange, fearless creators

    • Genres: Horror, psychological thriller, dark comedy, found footage, animation, music videos

      Not Accepted: Straight dramas, rom-coms, or documentaries (unless weird or surreal in some way)

    • Must be between 2 and 10 minutes

    • Submit via a downloadable Vimeo link only

    • Film must include all required elements listed in the specific challenge

    • Must be in English or have English subtitles

    • Can be shot on a smartphone

    • Solo or team projects allowed

    • No AI-generated content

    • Must follow YouTub’s best practices

    • Must be a completed film (no rough cuts or early drafts)

    • You must own the rights including all video & music rights and all creative content

    • We do not provide feedback or accept scripts

    • You will be notified before your film goes live

    • No refunds after submission

    • If accepted, your film will be featured on:

    • You may request your film to be removed after 6 months

    • All submissions are final

    • You can have your film on any other platform except YouTube

    • Must be a premiere

  • Q: Can I submit a film I made years ago?
    A: No. This is a film challenge which means your film must be made within the timeframe of the challenge

    Q: Is this the same as a 24 hour movie challenge?
    A: We give you a longer timeframe to produce your film.

    Q: What if I don’t finish in time?
    A: We only accept films that are submitted by our due date.

    Q: Does my film have to be exclusive to Weird Short Films?
    A: If your film is accepted and is live on our YouTube channel, you can post your film on any other platform than YouTube

    Q: Can I submit more than one film?
    A: Yes, but each film must be submitted separately and meet all the requirements.

    Q: Can I use copyrighted music if I don’t own the rights or don’t have permission?
    A: No. You must own the rights to all music used in your film. That includes soundtracks and background audio. You of course can use a music library that gives rights to filmmakers.

    Q: What happens if my film violates YouTube’s rules?
    A: It won’t be accepted or taken down.

    Q: What if I don’t want my film to stay up forever?
    A: You can request removal after 6 months. Just send us a written request and we’ll remove it within a reasonable timeframe.

    Q: Will you promote my film individually?
    A: We promote the festival as a whole, including playlists, social media mentions, and newsletter updates. We can’t guarantee individual viral success, but we do our best to give every accepted film exposure.

    Q: Is each film challenge different each time?
    A: Yes. Each film challenge is unique and will have different elements.

    Q: What if I really like your film challenge but didn’t have time to make my film?

    Q: What if I really like your film challenge but didn’t have time to make my film?
    A: Wait for the next film challenge and give yourself enough time.