MANHATTAN SHORT Film Festival
MANHATTAN SHORT 2026...You Be the Judge!
Discover your inner film critic by casting your vote for Best Film and Best Actor in the 28th Annual MANHATTAN SHORT Film Festival screening Sept.24-Oct. 4, 2026. You'll join film lovers in over 500 venues across the globe gathering to see the Ten Finalist in this year's event. With past finalists garnering Oscar nominations and short films continuing to move into the Hollywood mainstream, come see this entertaining program featuring the best short films in the world today! Ballots supplied upon entry.
MANHATTAN SHORT 2026 screens a worldwide line-up of 10 short films that explore a wide range of topics relevant to everyone. Have a look at both dramatic and comical takes on migration, reconciliation, housing prices, parenthood and the price of silence, not to mention the trials and tribulations of growing into adulthood, especially when fantastical and dangerous griffins fly overhead and you have an OMG murderous mother. And what is it about golf anyway? Audiences will find it more difficult than ever to vote for Best Film and Best Actor; their picks will be announced at ManhattanShort.com on Monday, October 5th, 2026.
About MANHATTAN SHORT
The Manhattan Short Film Festival is back for its 29th edition in 2026, offering a unique cinematic experience that connects audiences from around the globe. Known as one of the world’s most audience-centric film events, this festival gives viewers the power to participate in the voting process, selecting their favorite films from the official selection of short films.
Taking place over a week in hundreds of venues across six continents, the 2026 festival promises to showcase a diverse range of short films, each under 20 minutes, spanning various genres and cultures. Filmmakers from all corners of the world compete for the prestigious title of Best Film and Best Actor, with winners decided entirely by the global audience.
The Manhattan Short Film Festival is more than just a screening; it’s a celebration of storytelling, creativity, and global collaboration, bringing people together through the universal language of film. Whether you’re a seasoned cinephile or a casual movie-goer, the festival offers an engaging and interactive way to experience the best in short filmmaking today.
We welcome you to watch the screening at The Bennington Theater.
Bennington Theater
Located in the heart of downtown Bennington, Vermont, Bennington Theater is your home for live entertainment. From professional plays and musicals to stand-up comedy, live music, and special events, the theater offers something for everyone in an intimate, welcoming space. With a 136-seat auditorium, state-of-the-art sound and lighting, and a focus on community engagement, Bennington Theater brings top touring acts and local talent together for unforgettable performances.
Bennington Theater is an accessible facility, committed to providing a comfortable and inclusive experience for all patrons. Please contact the theater directly for any specific accommodations or accessibility needs.
Whether you're a lifelong theatergoer or a first-time visitor, Bennington Theater invites you to experience the best of Vermont’s live arts scene—all just steps from Main Street.