indie Film Festival

June 11

Venue
Recess 247 U.S. 46 Parsippany, NJ, USA

SHORT CUTS is where short films go to earn respect — or get exposed. It’s keeper or sleeper, no in-between. This showcase is raw, loud, and brutally honest. Filmmakers screen their work, then face live, unfiltered feedback from a crowd that doesn’t pull punches. If you’re sick of fake applause and ready to grow, and your film can take a few hits, Short Cuts is your proving ground. Your film plays, We cut deep.

Films must be under 40 minutes
All genres welcome — make us feel something
Live Q&A after every screening — Don’t be shy

Hosted by award-winning cinematographer Salvatore Zeppi, with panel judge Michael Schoenberg and a rotating guest star every event, Short Cuts takes place in venues where you can grab a drink, talk shop, watch films, and get ripped apart or rise to glory. Think fast. Think loud. Think honest. This is where your story takes shape.

Rules & Terms

By submitting to Short Cuts, you agree to the following:

  1. Film must be under 40 minutes. Anything longer will not be considered, even if you’re “really proud of the ending.”

  2. You must own the rights to all footage, music, and content in your film. If we get sued, we’re sending them your way.

  3. All genres welcome — comedy, drama, documentary, animation, experimental — as long as it sparks a reaction.

  4. You must be present to screen. This is a live event with live critique. If you ghost, your film won't play.

  5. We offer feedback . Our audience is honest, our hosts are direct, and the commentary is real. If you're easily offended, this may not be your room. But if you're ready to grow — you're in the right place.

  6. Selected films will be screened in a public venue (usually a bar). You’re responsible for making sure your film is appropriate for a public setting.

  7. Submission fees are non-refundable. We keep things low-cost, but your fee secures our time, venue, and platform.

  8. If selected, you’ll be asked to provide:

    • A digital screener file (MP4 preferred)

    • A short logline or synopsis

    • A headshot or crew photo for promotional use

🏆 AWARDS & PRIZES

At Short Cuts, applause is earned — and so are the awards.

🎬 Keeper of the Night – Best overall film, voted by the audience

🎤 Mic Drop Moment – Most impactful scene or performance

🧠 Cut Deep Award – Film that took critique like a champ and came out stronger

🍻 Bar Favorite – Chosen by the venue staff (they know what hits)

🌟 Guest Judge Pick – Selected by our rotating special guest

🎁 Everyone Walks Away With Something

Because whether your film’s a keeper or a sleeper, you're still in the arena.

🛏️ Sleepers receive a Short Cuts “Next Shot” journal, stamped with the message:
"Sleep on it. Plot the comeback. Your next shot starts here."
No shame. Just fuel.

🔥 Keepers earn a custom digital laurel and a feature across our social media and mailing list —
because if it hit here, it’s ready for the world.