SHORT CUTS 2026
Oct. 1 - Oct. 4, 2026

SHORT CUTS is an international short film festival produced by SHED Projects centering experimental, artist-made moving image works five minutes and under. The festival prioritizes formally adventurous, non-commercial work that often exists outside traditional film circuits, including experimental narrative, documentary, animation, moving-image art, and interdisciplinary practices. By focusing on brevity, SHORT CUTS creates an accessible entry point for audiences while offering filmmakers thoughtful contextualization and meaningful visibility.

• Thursday, October 1 · 7 PM
  Opening screening at the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque (East Side)

• Saturday, October 3 · 5-9 PM · SHORT CUTS at SHED Projects

The festival continues at SHED with a live performance by juror and artist Lilan Yang (7 PM), whose practice moves between performance, moving image, sound, and installation. Presented alongside Yang’s performance will be a showcase of moving-image work by past and current St. Edward High School Film Department students, bringing emerging filmmakers into direct conversation with the broader festival program.

• Sunday, October 4 · 4 PM
  Matinee screening at the Capitol Theatre (West Side)

And if you can’t join us in person, the complete SHORT CUTS program will be available online for one week following the Cleveland screenings.

SHORT CUTS 2026 jurors are Lilan Yang, Janelle VanderKelen, and Gabrielle Banzhaf.