By Coral Gables Gazette staff
A diverse slate of international storytelling arrives in Coral Gables this weekend as the Shorts Miami International Film Festival 2026 brings three days of narrative, documentary, and student short films to the Bill Cosford Cinema.
Running from Friday, Feb. 6 through Sunday, Feb. 8, the festival showcases emerging and established filmmakers from around the world, pairing cinematic discovery with community gatherings, awards presentations, and industry conversations. The free public event highlights the power of short-form filmmaking to explore intimate human stories, pressing social issues, and creative experimentation — all within compact, powerful running times.
Held at the movie theater on the University of Miami campus, the festival has become a growing platform for global voices while also spotlighting South Florida talent.
A weekend dedicated to short films from around the world
The Shorts Miami International Film Festival focuses on both narrative and documentary short films, presenting carefully curated programs that reflect a wide range of cultures, perspectives, and cinematic styles.
Awards will be presented throughout the weekend, including:
- Best of the Festival ($1,000)
- Best Narrative Short ($500)
- Best Documentary Short ($500)
- Best Made in Miami Narrative Film ($500)
- Best Made in Miami Documentary ($500)
The competitive structure gives audiences a front-row seat to rising filmmakers while recognizing outstanding work across genres.
Each evening concludes with receptions and social gatherings at the Cosford Cinema patio, encouraging conversation between filmmakers, students, and festivalgoers.
Friday highlights narrative storytelling in competition
The festival opens Friday evening with the Narrative Shorts Competition, beginning with a 6 p.m. screening followed by awards announcements and an opening reception.
The narrative lineup spans continents and emotional terrain.
Among the films are stories of resilience, family bonds, romance, and moral courage, including a Canadian short about a teacher navigating a troubled classroom, a U.S.-based film following a Colombian immigrant mother chasing opportunity, and a Sri Lankan drama confronting harassment and justice on public transportation.
Other selections explore themes of aging, love, loss, and imagination, from a Peruvian portrait of a woman holding onto hope for family reunion to a French romantic countdown set on the streets of Lyon.
Together, the program reflects the festival’s emphasis on storytelling that feels both intimate and universal.
Saturday turns to documentary voices and social reflection
Saturday’s Documentary Shorts Competition begins at 6 p.m., followed by awards announcements and an after-party reception.
The documentary program delves into memory, activism, community, and the search for meaning.
Films include an intimate portrait of a 95-year-old man seeking to leave a legacy of sound and faith, a powerful exposé addressing child sexual abuse through survivor testimony and data-driven storytelling, and an experimental exploration of life inside therapeutic boarding schools.
Other documentaries focus on long-running Miami radio personality Ted Grossman and a young urban gardener in Mexico City creating a floating oasis inspired by spiritual philosophy.
The selection underscores how short documentaries can illuminate complex issues while maintaining emotional depth.
Sunday spotlights South Florida’s next generation of filmmakers
The festival concludes Sunday with a Miami Student Focus, celebrating young filmmakers from local schools, colleges, and universities.
The afternoon begins with an industry panel from 2 to 3:30 p.m., offering students insight into careers in film and media, followed by a screening block from 4 to 5:30 p.m.
The day closes with a reception at the rooftop of the Thesis Hotel Miami.
Student films range from coming-of-age stories and science-fiction satire to documentaries addressing maternal health and social challenges. Participating institutions include Miami Arts Charter School, Miami Dade College, Florida International University, the University of Miami, and regional film institutes.
The student showcase highlights the festival’s commitment to nurturing local creative talent alongside international voices.
Building community through cinema
Beyond screenings, the Shorts Miami International Film Festival emphasizes connection — between filmmakers and audiences, students and professionals, and cultures across borders.
By hosting receptions each evening and fostering dialogue through panels and discussions, the festival creates a welcoming space where storytelling becomes a shared experience rather than a passive one.
Organizers describe the event as both a celebration of artistic expression and an educational platform, encouraging exploration of how film can inform, inspire, and provoke conversation.
Event details
Shorts Miami International Film Festival 2026
Where: Bill Cosford Cinema, 5030 Brunson Dr., Coral Gables
When: Friday, Feb. 6 – Sunday, Feb. 8
Friday, Feb. 6 – Narrative Shorts Competition
• 6 p.m. screening
• 8 p.m. awards announcements
• 8:30–10:30 p.m. opening reception
Saturday, Feb. 7 – Documentary Shorts Competition
• 6 p.m. screening
• 8 p.m. awards announcements
• 8:30–10:30 p.m. after-party reception
Sunday, Feb. 8 – Miami Student Focus
• 2–3:30 p.m. industry panel
• 4–5:30 p.m. student screening
• 6–8:30 p.m. closing reception at Thesis Hotel rooftop
From intimate personal stories to urgent social documentaries and the creativity of Miami’s emerging filmmakers, the Shorts Miami International Film Festival offers audiences a rich cinematic journey packed into three dynamic days.
