Short Films. Big Energy.
2026/2027 season registration opens June 1st, 2026!
2026 Screening Program
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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Kari Layland Photography -
Movie Baters with The Farx Brothers -
Tii Cup -
HafAple Films -
Oxford Comma Film Cooperative -
Yellow Bird Productions, LLC -
Cutesy 3D
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 is closed for the 2025/2026 season.
Registration for 2026/2027 season opens June 1st.
Film turn-in deadline for judging: March 7
Run time: 4 to 8 minutes for the film, plus up to 1 minute of credits (9 minutes total max)
General screening: April 18 – 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, 8pm
Best of Fest: Top 15 films screening – May 1st, 2026 7pm.
Awards Gala date: May 2, 2026 – Plymouth Playhouse
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 Control Elements
Liquid water
This does not include snow, ice, steam, “future dry water”, kool-aid, coffee, soda or any other crazy stuff you can think of to twist the rules. Please just use liquid water…
This does include… lakes, rivers, puddles, rain, bottled water, glass of water, hose water, floods, sweat, etc.
A film challenge for Minnesota creators, made possible by volunteers.
Want to help out?