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If you’re one of the filmmakers who supplied some 5,600 submissions to the 2019 Palm Springs International Shortfest, the stakes were high. Not only because Shortfest offers the only short-film market in North America; or, because 369 of those films were selected for juried screenings to an audience of more than 700 over June 18-23.

Those functions matter, but as the world’s biggest short-film festival, Shortfest also draws talent agents, production executives, and producers who are keenly aware that, beyond identifying early talent, short-form content holds tremendous value in the current market. Yes, the Sundance Film Festival is still the best way to get films seen by Hollywood — but in a world that’s (re)discovering the virtues of short-form content, there’s something sexy about an event entirely devoted to its celebration.

While short films have always provided fodder for features, today they’re more likely to fuel web or TV series.

If you’re one of the filmmakers who supplied some 5,600 submissions to the 2019 Palm Springs International Shortfest, the stakes were high. Not only because Shortfest offers the only short-film market in North America; or, because 369 of those films were selected for juried screenings to an audience of more than 700 over June 18-23.

Those functions matter, but as the world’s biggest short-film festival, Shortfest also draws talent agents, production executives, and producers who are keenly aware that, beyond identifying early talent, short-form content holds tremendous value in the current market. Yes, the Sundance Film Festival is still the best way to get films seen by Hollywood — but in a world that’s (re)discovering the virtues of short-form content, there’s something sexy about an event entirely devoted to its celebration.

While short films have always provided fodder for features, today they’re more likely to fuel web or TV series.

(L-) Marisa Martin, Bronwyn Kidd and Geraldine Martin.

Nathan Mewett and Curtis Taylor’s Yulubidyi – Until the End was named best Australian short and Marisa Martin’s Della Mortika: Carousel of Shame best Australian animated short at the 28th annual Flickerfest International Short Film Festival.

Among the other honorees announced on Sunday night at the Bondi Pavilion, Renée Marie Petropoulos took the prize for best direction in an Australian short for Tangles and Knots and Calling writer-director Miley Tunnecliffe was feted as outstanding emerging female director in honour of Samantha Rebillet.

Produced by Glen Stasiuk, Yulubidyi – Until The End follows Jarman, a young Aboriginal who is tasked with protecting his younger disabled brother in a harsh remote community. His father Thunder wants him to become the leader of the tribe and mocks any weakness in him.

Martin’s short, which was written by her mother Geraldine Martin, delves into the fantastical world of Della Mortika,...

Keep up with the always-hopping film festival world with our weekly Film Festival Roundup column.

– Exclusive: The 6th Annual Lower East Side Film Festival and their 2016 panel of judges, including Ethan Hawke, Cindy Tolan, Steve Farneth and Raul Castillo have announced their winners. Check them out below.

Best Feature Film – “Americana” – By Zachary Shedd

Best Live Action Short Film – “Killer” – By Matt Kazman

Best Animated Short Film – “The Mega Plush: Episode I” – By Matt Burniston

Best Music Video – The Knocks’ “Collect My Love” – By Austin Peters, Music by The Knocks, featuring Alex Newell

Best Documentary Short Film – “Erosion” – By Brandon Bloch, Tim Sessler and Brandon Bray

The Advocacy Award Presented by Here TV – “Video” – By Randy Yang

The Lesff Neighborhood Award – “Streit’s: Matzo and the American Dream” – By Michael Levine

Best of Fest, The Lesff Prix D’Or – “Art of the Prank” – By Andrea Marini

Audience Award...