Content warning: TBD A collection of narrative short films (in the Sci-Fi / Fantasy genre) in contention for official selection, nomination as Quarterfinalist for both genre and technical categories. One will win the Quarter Final and be named BEST SCI-FI / FANTASY SHORT FILM of the 1st Quarter of 2026! Audience Choice balloting is open. Your vote counts!

After a disastrous fashion runway walk, Maggie, a low-cost, Tenzing model mountain droid with serious artistic aspirations, embarks on her never-ending and sometimes perilous journey into creativity. This time, she’s guided by Robert, the brilliant mind behind the Tenzing project at CIT (Cupertino Institute of Technology), and Blu, a destructive Morpho peleides butterfly. Together, they explore the works of Goethe, Kafka, Beckett, Sant'Elia, Philip K. Dick, and more, delving into the joys and pitfalls of artistic creation, the absurdist way.Will Maggie overcome her AI limitations and achieve her artistic dreams? Find out in SWiM.

SWiM

A low-cost, Tenzing model mountain droid with serious artistic aspirations, embarks on her never-ending and sometimes perilous journey into creativity.

In a dimly lit android laboratory, a researcher (Male) encounters an experimental subject (Female) who has awakened ahead of schedule. The man attempts to force her into sleep mode, labeling her awakening a system error, but the woman detects his physiological changes—his rising heart rate and trembling lips. She perceives that he is treating her as more than just a machine. The moment the word "Love" is spoken, their relationship spirals in an uncontrollable direction.

English

Unauthorized

A researcher (Male) encounters an experimental subject (Female).

A young boy battles his grief by inventing a game: recover all the estate sale artifacts before they're gone.

A young boy battles his grief by inventing a game: recover all the estate sale artifacts before they're gone.

Gael, an unscrupulous young man, hacks into the minds of millionaires using high-tech glasses to transfer their money into his own account. During what seems like a routine hack, his glasses appear to have been hacked by someone else...

Mind Hackers

An unscrupulous man, hacks millionaires using high-tech glasses to transfer their money into his own account.

Sol Andrews drives from San Diego to Tijuana to purchase memories in a dystopic future.

Border Memories

Purchasing memories in a dystopic future.

Checkmate

SDSFF Narrative Short Films: Sci-Fi / Fantasy

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Celebrating the art of storytelling through short films, showcasing the work of talented filmmakers from around the world. From thought-provoking dramas to captivating animations, the festival presents a rich tapestry of storytelling, offering a platform for emerging and established filmmakers.

Here's what's coming up soon. Can't make it? No sweat. Many live streams will be available for on-demand viewing as well.