Founded in 2005, the yearly festival programmes feature an eclectic mixture of short films of various genres from around the world. The first, inaugural HollyShorts Film Festival took place at The Space Theatre in Hollywood during August 2005 and featured 23 short films from the U.S., Canada, Poland, the U.K., and Thailand. The 2nd annual 2006 HollyShorts Film Festival was held at Cinespace in Hollywood, California, and also featured 53 short films from all around the world, with over thirteen different countries being represented. The third annual 2007 HollyShorts Film Festival took place from August 10-12th in 2007, and awarded goodies. The 4th Annual HollyShorts Film Festival took place on August 7–10, 2008 in Hollywood with top honors of Best Short Film going to “Bloom” directed Lance Larson. Larson was awarded $2000 VFX package courtesy of Clifton Post for his next project. The Best Student Short honors went to David Jibladze, for his short film “Beholden.” Jibladze took home a 5-day HVX-200, HD Camera rental package courtesy of Martini Crew Booking. Over $25,000 in prizes were awarded. The 5th Annual HollyShorts Film Festival took place August 6–13 at the DGA and Laemmle’s Sunset 5 Theatre in Hollywood with top honors of Best Short Film going to La Petite Lilia, directed by Reda Mustafa. Mustafa took home a prize package from Clifton Production Services which included a RED ONE digital cinema package valued up to $5,000.00, while Johnny Gill took home a $10,000 cash prize for the HaydenfilmsOnline Film Festival contest for his short film “My Turtle’s Name is Dudley.” For more information, visit www.hollyshorts.com. The 6th Annual HollyShorts Film Festival® took place August 5–12, 2010 in Hollywood and featured a major opening night reception, week-long screenings of short films and feature films in Hollywood, high-level industry panels, keynotes, awards and receptions for the community and filmmakers. Grand prizes were awarded for Best Short and Best Director courtesy of Company 3 valued at $20,000. Openfilm also sponsored the festival and screened their top 5 finalists for their $250,000 Get It Made Competition, at the fest. James Caan attended the opening night ceremonies and named the finalists. The 7th Annual HSFF will take place on August 11-18th in Hollywood. HSFF will be unveiling many other important upcoming celebrity and sponsorship participation as the Festival approaches. HSFF Alumni include Josh Brolin, Darren Lew, David Arquette, Malcolm Barrett, Carter Smith, Jason Biggs, David Pryor, Jimmy Jean Louis, Paula Garces, Adrian Grenier, David Lynch, Bragi Schut, David Weinstein, William Olssen, Alex Ferrari, Larry Hankin, Lance Larson, John Thompson, Nick Carmen, Scott Porter, Joel David Moore, Mary Pat Bentel, Denis Hennelly, Richard Riehle, and great filmmakers and actors. The festival has screened 3D short films before, opening its 6th Annual festival with The Butler's in Love, and Sean Isroelit's The Caretaker 3D, which starred TV icon Dick Van Dyke. HollyShorts has also been recognized by MovieMaker magazine for one of the
Currently, the festival is run by Co-Founder and Co-Director Theo Dumont and Festival co-Founder and Co-Director Daniel Sol. The festival also holds a number of Monthly Screenings.
