Long Story Short 2025: Launch Your Short Film on Kickstarter

Whether you’re a seasoned filmmaker or just starting out, March is your moment to make an impact. Long Story Short, our annual celebration of short films, is back for 2025. This month-long open call invites creators of all backgrounds to launch short film projects on the platform and join a vibrant community of filmmakers pushing boundaries in narrative, animation, and documentary.

From Oscar-winning creators like Matthew Cherry (Hair Love) and Don Hertzfeldt (World of Tomorrow) to rising talents like Georgia Oakley and Molly Manning Walker, Kickstarter has been the launchpad for some of the most celebrated short films in recent years.

How to Participate in Long Story Short 2025

Joining is easy! Here’s your roadmap to becoming part of this year’s open call:

1. Create Your Project: Set up your short film project on Kickstarter and select “Shorts” as your subcategory.
2. Launch in March: Your campaign must go live between March 1 and March 31, 2025 to be part of Long Story Short.
3. Apply: This year, we've launched a new application. Don't worry, it's easy! Simply fill out this form to ensure your project is included.

Why Launch Your Short Film on Kickstarter?

Since its inception, Kickstarter has been home to over 15,000 short films, including Academy Award-winning projects:

• Hair Love (2020, Animated Short Film)

• Period. End of Sentence (2019, Short Documentary)

• Inocente (2013, Short Documentary)

What is Long Story Short?

Long Story Short is Kickstarter’s annual open call for short films. Every March, filmmakers from around the world are invited to bring their unique visions to life by launching their projects on the platform.

What’s in it for you?

• Visibility: Your project will be promoted across Kickstarter’s website, newsletters, and social media channels throughout the month.

• Community: Join a dynamic group of filmmakers showcasing their work during this special event.

• Support: Access Kickstarter’s resources and guides to ensure your campaign is set up for success.

Tips for a Winning Campaign

1. Start Early: Begin crafting your project page now—polish your pitch, develop visuals, and outline your rewards.

2. Share Your Journey: Use social media to document the creative process and build excitement for your launch.

3. Keep it Focused: Offer rewards that highlight the unique elements of your film, like signed scripts, behind-the-scenes footage, or early screenings.

4. Engage Your Audience: Personal stories and compelling visuals can help backers feel connected to your vision.

Check out our Long Story Short collection page to explore more success stories and ignite your creativity.