Healdsburg International Short Film Festival
Mark your calendars for HISFF 2026: September 25-27th!
The Traveling Filmmaker Housing Program is now open-sign up to host a filmmaker for this year’s festival!
The Healdsburg International Short Film Festival (HISFF) was founded by Kirk and Pamela Demorest, industry veterans who saw a need to support filmmakers by offering shorter works to an audience known for an interest in and appreciation for a variety of artforms. They found a home in Sonoma County at the iconic Raven Performing Arts Theater in Healdsburg, and have been producing the festival in collaboration with the Raven since 2021.
The HISFF showcases work from filmmakers of all ages and from all walks of life, with representative work from as many as 50 countries. Available genres vary each year, but always include narrative fiction, documentaries, and animation.
Traveling Filmmaker Housing Program: Travel costs often keep indie filmmakers from attending festivals. Our local host program bridges that gap, connecting visiting artists with community members who provide free lodging. Last year, we housed every traveling filmmaker, forging deep community connections and new friendships.
If you are interested in opening your doors to host a filmmaker this year, please fill out the form at the button, below.
Meet the 2026 HISFF Judges
Our panel of notable judges from the entertainment industry makes our festival an attraction for new and veteran filmmakers alike. Many judges are returning this year, including Ed Begley Jr. and Laraine Newman. Also joining us this year is director/screenwriter Billy Ray, who wrote the Oscar-nominated screenplay for Captain Phillips, for which he won the WGA award. He also wrote, directed, and executive-produced Showtime’s The Comey Rule, and co-wrote the first film in The Hunger Games series as well as the upcoming November release of The Hunger Games: Sunrise On the Reaping. Meet the rest of the 2026 panel (so far) by clicking on the images below. For more information about the festival, including complete bios for the judges, please visit the festival website at healdsburgfilm.com.
Student Mentor Program Fund
HISFF’s new Mentor Program supports emerging filmmakers at Santa Rosa Junior College. We’re seeking one $1,200 sponsor to fund student production budgets—100% tax-deductible and going directly to students. In return, our sponsor receives premier festival recognition, marketing visibility, and VIP perks. Contact us at info@healdsburgfilm.com.
