National Short Film Day 2026
Monday 28 December 2026
Dates can vary from year to year, so check the organiser’s website for the latest details.
National Short Film Day is a US initiative marked on 28 December, which falls on a Monday in 2026. It encourages viewers to make time for short films and discover how much a filmmaker can convey within a compact running time.
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Dates and event details
Monday 28 December 2026. Held every year on 28 December.
| Date status | Date calculated from a fixed annual pattern |
|---|---|
| Date-check source | Original registrar proclamation naming Film Movement in 2019 |
| Where | United States |
About National Short Film Day
National Short Film Day is a US initiative marked on 28 December, which falls on a Monday in 2026. It encourages viewers to make time for short films and discover how much a filmmaker can convey within a compact running time.
National Day Calendar’s original proclamation identifies film distributor Film Movement as the founder in 2019. This guide follows that initiative’s December date; the name should not be taken to mean that every country or film organisation observes the same day.
Why watch short films?
A short viewing session can include very different approaches: an animated idea, a documentary observation or a fictional scene built around one decision. Choosing by running time alone can miss those differences, so look at the synopsis, credits and viewing information as well.
For a starting point, browse the National Film Board of Canada’s official Ultra-Short Films collection. It provides a curated route into brief films through their producer’s platform. Check each film’s availability where you live, language, captions and suitability for your audience.
Plan a small home viewing
- Choose two or three films and add up their running times, leaving room for a conversation between them.
- Read the descriptions first, especially if children will be watching or participants have asked for particular content to be avoided.
- Give each filmmaker credit. If sharing a recommendation afterwards, link to the authorised film page rather than uploading a copy.
- Compare one aspect of the storytelling: the opening image, the use of sound or how the ending changes your understanding.
An easy discussion prompt is to ask what stayed with each viewer after the film ended. People can notice different things without having to agree on a message or choose a winner.
Check permission for a group screening
Being able to watch a film online does not automatically give permission to show it at a club, school, workplace or public event. The NFB’s screening guidance distinguishes personal home viewing from organised screenings and explains how to arrange permission.
Before advertising an event, ask the rights holder or distributor about your venue, audience, admission arrangements, territory and proposed date. Check any fee and licence conditions in writing. Likewise, look for a current announcement before promising a National Short Film Day offer: the original 2019 launch does not establish a free programme for 2026.
