Healdsburg International Short Film Festival

Tickets now on sale for HISFF 2026: September 25-27th!

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.

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 are Iranian-born filmmaker Yasmin Rais and director/screenwriter Billy Ray, whose The Hunger Games: Sunrise On the Reaping will be released in November. 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.

Poster for HISFF 2026 showing the audience and large screen with the HISFF logo projected on it. A man stands in a spotlight just in front of the screen and part of the audience is visible. The text with dates and "Always the Last Weekend in September" are visible at the top.