Runtime
4 to 8 minutes for the film, plus up to 1 minute of credits.
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
Local Business Sponsors
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Oxford Comma Film Cooperative -
Yellow Bird Productions, LLC
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Cutesy 3D
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Kari Layland Photography
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Movie Baters with The Farx Brothers
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Tii Cup
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HafAple Films
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Lake One Sound
Festival Supporters
Ryan GilmerFarx BrothersHenry NguyenVanessa PowersPaul BeesEllen EngelsonBreanna ThomasNia VoJoey PhamAbbey LowensteinMax Eric LembergerKari Layland Photography
North Star Film Festival is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Your donations help support screenings, filmmaker opportunities, and community film events.
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.
Important Information
2026/2027 Season Timeline
Everything teams need to know for this season, from registration to Gala night.
Jun 1Registration Opens
Sep 1Early Bird Ends
Dec 15Regular Registration Ends
Feb 28Registration Closes
Mar 6Film Turn In Deadline
Apr 3General Screening (Tentative)
May 14Best of Fest (Tentative)
May 15Awards Gala
Registration Pricing
Early Bird: $100
Regular: $125
Late: $150
Procrastinator: $175
Dates listed above
Awards & Recognition
Trophies awarded for most categories.
Certificates awarded for audience choice and trailer contest.
Cash Prizes
Film Prizes
$600 1st place · $400 2nd place · $200 3rd place
Trailer Contest Prizes
$100 1st place · $75 2nd · $50 3rd
✦ All dates are tentative and subject to change. Stay updated at NorthStarFestival.com
A film challenge for Minnesota creators, made possible by volunteers.
Want to help out?