On Labor Day, September 2, 2024, the Fine Arts Theatre in Beverly Hills was buzzing with the electric energy of creativity and passion. The 5th Annual Rock the Shorts Film Festival took center stage, bringing audiences a full day of storytelling packed into 40 minutes or less, all crafted by independent filmmakers from around the globe. From heartwarming comedies to gripping thrillers, the event celebrated what short films do best—deliver a powerful punch in a limited timeframe.
Festival founders Roxanne Marciniak and Josef Csongei are themselves filmmakers and avid fans of short films, and their dedication to celebrating this art form was clear. As Marciniak put it, “Shorts can pack an emotional punch and take us on a wonderful ride in 40 minutes or less.” The audience at the Fine Arts Theatre definitely got to experience this ride.
Rock the Shorts is not just about the films; it’s about recognizing the people behind them. Short films have always been a launching pad for aspiring actors, directors, and writers, and many established names in the industry got their start here. This year’s lineup featured talents like Dan Lauria from The Wonder Years, Donna Mills, Patricia Belcher, and many others—underscoring just how pivotal short films remain in advancing careers.
The festival featured entries from seven countries, with diverse storytelling that spanned continents, themes, and genres. Among them, a few particularly remarkable shorts stood out, earning accolades for their unique contributions to the festival.
And the Winners Are…
Best Animated Short: Le Charade
Written and directed by Erika Totoro, this animation charmed audiences with its vivid storytelling and took home the prize for Best Animated Short.
Best Comedy and Closing Film Block Audience Award: CAT.
Directed by Jessica Redish, CAT. delighted the audience with its wit and humor, securing both Best Comedy and the coveted Closing Film Block Audience Award.
Photo by Steve Escarcega
Opening Film Block Audience Award: Dion & Denver
Directed by Zack Hosseini and written by Danny DiTorrice and Tessa Leibowitz, Dion & Denver kicked off the festival with heart and style, earning the Opening Film Block Audience Award. Set in the 1960s, the film follows an aging Dion struggling to stay relevant in a rapidly changing industry. In the film, Dion meets an ambitious young John Denver, who helps reignite their passion for music and reminds them of their place in the cultural spotlight.
Best Drama: Noteworthy
Written by Johnny Fregosi and directed by Michele LaBrucherie, Noteworthy earned Best Drama for its powerful storytelling and impactful performances. Tim McKierman, who starred in the film, also won Best Actor for his role, proving that short films can deliver character depth on par with feature-length dramas. This grungy urban drama recalls an ex-heroin addict’s attempt to help an old friend who lost his way on his journey to recovery. One simple act of kindness leads them both back to the path of sobriety… for now.
Best Thriller: The Soul Trader
A gripping thriller written by Mike Underwood and directed by Susan Dynner, The Soul Trader kept viewers on the edge of their seats and secured the award for Best Thriller.
Best International Short: The Teacup
ZhiMin Hu’s The Teacup took home Best International Short, a beautiful piece that exemplified this year’s festival’s global reach. The story of the titular Teacup triggers protagonist MeiLi’s memory of her relationship with her abusive father.
Best Cast Ensemble: 47
This short, directed by J. Warren Fletcher, features Dan Lauria, Diane Robin, Iris Almario, and Laurel Harris. It won Best Cast Ensemble, a testament to the ensemble’s exceptional talent and the collaborative nature of great storytelling. 47 focuses on the often lonely anguish facing women with infertility issues; the complex social dilemma of what it means to be a woman and working professional over forty in America, struggling with the stigmas of motherhood.
Best Actress: Laura Coover in As Easy As Closing Your Eyes
Laura Coover took home Best Actress for her performance in As Easy As Closing Your Eyes, a poignant narrative written by Aaron Golden and its director Parker Croft.
This year’s Rock the Shorts Film Festival wasn’t just a collection of films but a celebration of the imagination and effort that go into short-format storytelling. From seasoned actors to emerging talent, each filmmaker’s work reminded us of the power of short films—how they can inspire, provoke thought, and entertain in unique and unexpected ways.
For more on the 5th Annual Rock the Shorts Film Festival, including the complete list of films and upcoming events, visit their website and follow us on Instagram @rocktheshortsfilmfest. Here’s to celebrating the magic of short films, and we can’t wait to see you at the 6th Annual Rock the Shorts!
Photos courtesy of Steve Escarcega
Such a shame, that Rock the Shorts – is a festival that betrays long-standing relationships with filmmakers. Too many of such kind this days. Wanted to submit to them, but after reading behind-the scene how they treat their submitters – definitely will not. Saw that tag getting popularity on the web – fit here. #notworthsubmitting
Very good Roxanne, It looks like a very successful year for you. God bless.
My husband and I attended both film blocks and we had a blast! These filmmakers are all so talented it was hard to choose which ones to vote for after seeing the films. Our favorites include 172 Push-Ups, Rebel Rebel, The Composer, Breakfast Salad, Noteworthy, and CAT. As cat owners, we were thrilled to see that CAT won the Best Comedy and the Closing Film Block Audience Award!
We really enjoyed attending Rock the Shorts this year in Beverly Hills. The films were as emotional as they were entertaining. We voted for “Dion & Denver” and “Cat” which both happened to win the audience award. Voting was not easy by the way. We were so impressed with the production quality and the performances by all. We also enjoyed getting some insight into the stories during the q&a’s with the directors. We hope to make it again next year.