Short Films. Big Energy.
2026/2027 season registration is now open!
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, including trophies, certificates and 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
-
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 28.
- 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 April 3, 2027 (tentative), St Michael Theater
- Best of Fest (top 15 films) – May 14, 2027 (tentative), St Michael Theater
- Awards Gala: May 15, 2027 at Chanhassen Dinner Theater
- 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 awarded for most categories.
- Certificates will be awarded for audience choice and trailer contest.
- 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. If you have questions about control elements, email hello@northstarfestival.com for clarification.
A film challenge for Minnesota creators, made possible by volunteers.
Want to help out?