Short Films. Big Energy.
2026/2027 season registration opens June 1st, 2026!
What is North Star Film Festival?
We are a Minnesota-based film challenge designed to keep filmmaking fun, welcoming, and community-driven. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro, we’re here to help you get your work on the big screen.
The Challenge: Teams have eight months to create and submit a short film (between 4 and 8 minutes long). Season begins in June and ends in February.
The Premiere: Every film submitted gets a big-screen premiere at a Twin Cities theater in the spring.
The Awards Gala: Our season ends with a red carpet event to celebrate our regional talent. We hand out dozens of awards, from technical trophies and certificates to cash prizes.
Community First: We are 100% volunteer-run. Our goal is to build a space where local creators can connect and grow together.
2026 Sponsors and Donors
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Oxford Comma Film Cooperative -
Yellow Bird Productions, LLC -
Cutesy 3D -
Kari Layland Photography -
Movie Baters with The Farx Brothers -
Tii Cup -
HafAple Films -
Lake One Sound
Festival Supporters
North Star Film Festival is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Your donations help support screenings, filmmaker opportunities, and community film events.
Important Information
Registration for 2026/2027 season opens June 1st and ends February 20.
Film turn-in deadline for judging: March 6, 2027
Run time: 4 to 8 minutes for the film, plus up to 1 minute of credits (9 minutes total max)
General screening, Best of Fest and Awards Gala: Spring 2027 – Dates TBD
Early Bird Registration: $100 – June 1st through Sept 1
Regular Registration: $125 – Sept 2 through December 15
Late Registration: $150 – December 16 through January 30
Procrastinator Registration: $175 – Feb 1st through 28th
Trophies: Trophies are given for Top Ten and Genre Winners.
Certificates will be awarded for individual categories.
Cash prize: $600 1st place, $400 2nd place, $200 3rd place film
Trailer contest: $100 first place, $75 2nd place, $50 3rd place
2026/2027 Control Elements
Locket
Feather
Earbuds/Headphones
Sandal
Choose one or include them all. The control element does not need to be heavily featured. It simply has to be included in a frame of your film, NOT simply added in post. The control element exists to prove that your film was created for the festival within the time frame of the competition.
A film challenge for Minnesota creators, made possible by volunteers.
Want to help out?