Film festivals are an essential way to get short films noticed, and many of them have divisions for short films. Film festivals can span globally, covering a range of genres and audiences. Some of the most notable ones are the Sundance Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival, Tribeca Film Festival and the Film Independent Spirit Awards. Careers have been launched at film festivals, as they’re also a terrific place to network. A fully comprehensive list (and one that filters easily) can be found here.
Not only will checking out these festivals help you figure out which would be the best places for your own movie to play, they can also serve as endless inspiration by watching the films showcased to see what works and what doesn’t.