The Theme

As part of this year’s Annapolis Film Festival theme, "The Heartbeat of Film" we invite storytellers to create and pitch short films that pulse with passion, purpose, and the rhythm of now. Annapolis has long been a harbor for fresh voices and compelling perspectives, and this theme celebrates that spirit. We’re looking for bold, heartfelt ideas that keep us connected—to each other, to our time, and to the stories that make cinema come alive. Whether it’s love, loss, laughter, or life’s quiet in-betweens, bring us what keeps your heart beating.

The Process

Fresh off being named by MovieMaker Magazine as one of the 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World, the Annapolis Film Festival is proud to continue championing bold new voices through this year’s competition.

A selected group of industry professionals, innovative global thinkers, our curators, and programming team WILL REVIEW ALL PROPOSALS AND SELECT FIVE FILM FINALIST PROJECTS for a live public pitch session during the 14th annual Annapolis Film Festival. Pitch materials will be due March 6, 2026. More information to come on materials needed upon selection.

The pitch session, which will be held in front of a festival audience, will give each filmmaker three minutes to pitch their stories and show short clips (if available, although not mandatory), of their concept to the audience and the industry judges on the stage. The judges will critique the pitch in front of the audience.

After all the pitches are completed the audience will vote. The result will account for one-quarter of the final decision. The judges will meet privately to select their choice and review the decision with the curators. The award will be announced at the Saturday Bash.

FILMMAKER PRIZE PACKAGE* PROVIDED TO WINNING FILM CONCEPT

1. A Camera Rental Package from RedStar Pictures
2. A Lighting Package from Serious Grip & Electric
3. Post Production SOUND DESIGN and AUDIO MIX from The Sound Department
4. Post Production Video & Color Grading from Henninger Media

The winning short film will be completed and will premiere at the following 2027 Annapolis Film Festival. AFF reserves the right to review the film as it is being made, and it will have to meet certain standards for final acceptance. Should the film be accepted to one of the top ten festivals before our festival occurs, AFF would, on a case-by-case basis, determine if that screening could happen first.

THE FIVE FINALISTS WILL BE GIVEN ONE ROUNDTRIP TICKET TO THE FESTIVAL/ANNAPOLIS, ONE HOTEL ROOM FOR UP TO FOUR NIGHTS, UP TO 2 INDUSTRY ALL ACCESS PASSES, AND A CHANCE TO WIN THE CAMERA, LIGHTING, POST PACKAGE for VIDEO, SOUND and COLOR.

THEY WILL ALSO GET LAURELS FOR WINNING THE SHORTS CHALLENGE.

* All finalists will be sent a more detailed agreement to sign prior to the film festival with parameters and prize details as stipulated by sponsors. The Filmmaker understands that they will have to raise some additional funds to support the film—these are not cash prizes.

What to Do

Please submit to programming@annapolisfilmfestival.com, the following by February 18, 2026, to be considered:

1. A synopsis of your short film concept that meets this theme. No more than one page is advised. Both narrative and documentary concepts are accepted but no animation.
2. A photo deck of prospective film characters or subjects and/or a written description of the main ones. Video clips are allowed, but not required.
3. A Short Preliminary Budget
4. A Personal Bio/Resume

We hope this theme inspires you. Tell us how you imagine the Heartbeat of Film—and what makes your story pulse with life.