2025–2026 Annual Awards: Nominees Announced
72 films from 24 countries rise from nearly 4,000 finalists as this year’s most outstanding shorts compete at the 6th Indie Short Fest Annual Awards in Los Angeles.
UK Period Thriller “The Pearl Comb” Named Best Short of January at Indie Short Fest
Oscar-shortlisted for Live Action Short Film, “The Pearl Comb” turns a Victorian “miracle cure” into a chilling mystery. Gothic, tense, and exquisitely atmospheric, it’s a standout blend of folklore and resistance.
Other Standout Winners of January 2026 at Indie Short Fest
This edition’s Awards of Excellence recognize “Kukuk: A Romani Soul Unbroken,” “Max,” and “My Dearest Mother”: three films distinguished by bold tonal choices, disciplined storytelling, and a clear sense of cinematic purpose.
Short Script Competition of January 2026
The January 2026 Short Script Competition highlights five scripts recognized for tonal control, emotional intelligence, and a strong sense of cinematic purpose across comedy, drama, and historical storytelling.
Indie Short Fest Announces January 2026 Award Winners
We are pleased to unveil the award winners of January 2026 edition. The full list is presented below in two
Sensory Overload
An experimental short film about different shapes and media colliding with each other. Directed by Dustin James Lathrop (USA)
Paint.
Two human beings having a conflict at a moment in time. One is a narcissistic painter and the other is
Last One for the Road
Written by Anthony Gutierrez
Viscountess and Maidservant
The whimsically dreary peace of old Freevakia is shaken when a peasant mob attacks the viscount’s mansion seeking fiery vengeance.
Irreparable
A young American actress in Mexico City, attempts to save her dysfunctional relationship. Directed by Julien Barlan (Mexico)
The Intimacy Coordinator
When a heartbroken stoner unknowingly mistakes a job posting for a sexual opportunity, he’s hired by two unhinged theater directors
You Had A Bad Day
“You Had A Bad Day” television pilot is a drama comedy that follows the vulnerable tale of Arianna, a mid-20’s
War of the Weisses
Noah, a dutiful son, wants to leave a successful family business but must first wrestle with his own fear- and
Babyface
On a 20th birthday solo trip to Amsterdam, soft spoken Baindu is determined to have the best time when she