presented in partnership by
The Shires 1-Minute Film Fest is back!
Presented in partnership by CAT-TV and GNAT-TV, filmmakers, students, first-time creators, and anyone with a story to tell are all invited to create an original film that’s 60 seconds or less.
That’s it. One minute.
Funny, heartfelt, weird, experimental, polished, messy, animated, impossible to categorize – we want all of it.
No fancy gear required. Phones and beginner editing tools are absolutely welcome, and equipment assistance is available through CAT-TV and GNAT-TV.
Learn more about GNAT-TV equipment access or rent gear here.
Selected films will screen publicly October 17th at the Bennington Theater as part of a community celebration of local filmmaking and creative experimentation.
Choose Your Category
Participants may submit a film to either of the following categories. You do not need to complete both.
“Growth”
Create a one-minute film inspired by the theme “Growth.”
Personal, emotional, physical, environmental, awkward, joyful, uncomfortable, literal, metaphorical. Interpret it however you want.
Prop & Dialogue Challenge
Create a one-minute film that includes:
- A mirror
- The line “Trust me” and/or “It’s done.”
The rest is entirely up to you!
How It Works
1. Make Your Film
Create an original short film that is 60 seconds or less.
Shoot on a phone, camera, tablet, or whatever you have access to.
Need help getting started? CAT-TV and GNAT-TV will host a filmmaking workshop August 1–3 focused on filming, editing, and storytelling.
(Need equipment? Learn more about gear access and rentals through GNAT-TV)
2. Submit Your Film
Upload your completed film through FilmFreeway before the submission deadline.
Submissions are free. Participants may submit up to two films.
3. See It On The Big Screen
Selected films will screen publicly this October 17th at the Bennington Theater.
Filmmakers, friends, families, and community members will come together for a night of short films, local creativity, and celebration.
Awards and recognitions will be presented during the event.
Who Can Enter?
- The Shires 1-Minute Film Fest is open to filmmakers ages 10 and older.
- To be eligible for awards and official placement, filmmakers must live within a 50-mile radius of Bennington, Vermont.
- Whether you’ve been making films for years or have never edited a video before, you’re encouraged to participate.
Shires 1-Minute Film Fest Workshop
Need help getting started? We’re also hosting a filmmaking workshop on August 1st for anyone interested in learning more about the filmmaking and editing process before submitting.
Open to ages 10 and up. Teens and adults welcome.
No equipment needed. Use a video camera, phone camera, iPad, or whatever works best for your creative process. You’re also welcome to bring your own equipment if you prefer.
Participants will begin the filmmaking process during the workshop, then finish their films independently at home or by reserving GNAT-TV’s edit suite for independent use.
Participation in the Shires 1-Minute Film Fest is not required to attend.
If this workshop time doesn’t work for you, one-on-one sessions can also be scheduled through the workshops page.
Workshop Details
Date: August 1
Time: 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Please arrive on time. The workshop will begin promptly at 1:00 PM and end promptly at 3:00 PM.
Rules & Terms
The Shires 1-Minute Film Fest is open to filmmakers ages 10 and older. Participants may submit up to two (2) films.
To be eligible for awards and official placement, filmmakers must live within a 50-mile radius of Bennington, Vermont.
Films created using AI, or containing AI-generated elements, must clearly disclose that information in the submission. Failure to disclose AI use may result in disqualification.
If your film contains mature themes or content that may not be appropriate for younger audiences, please notify the organizers when submitting.
The following content will not be accepted:
• Graphic violence or depictions of physical harm
• Explicit sexual content or exploitation
• Hate speech, discriminatory language, or targeted harassment
• Content centered on suicide, self-harm, abuse, or extreme trauma
Festival organizers reserve the right to determine whether submitted content aligns with the event’s guidelines and community standards.