The Love Your Shorts Film Festival is an epic annual showcase in the heart of Sanford, Florida, where short films from all over Florida, the United States, and the world come to life!

Founded in 2010, this festival is all about embracing and appreciating the incredible art of the short film. From its humble beginnings at the Greater Sanford Regional Chamber of Commerce building known as Monroe Hall, the festival has soared to new heights and now finds its home at the iconic 1923 Ritz Theater, one of Florida’s few remaining historic theaters.

During this unforgettable event, film fanatics get to indulge in a kaleidoscope of captivating films, each lasting up to 30 minutes. With a wide array of categories to explore and inspiring film workshops to attend, there’s never a dull moment at Love Your Shorts.

But it’s not just about the films. Sanford, the vibrant cultural and county seat of Seminole County, paints a picture of artistic wonder. Nestled along the majestic St. Johns River, this enchanting city boasts a downtown cultural corridor, a plethora of art galleries, an annual art festival, lively community folk performances, and an array of active community theater troupes. It’s no wonder that Love Your Shorts Festival feels right at home here.

15th Love Your Shorts Film Festival in Sanford 

SANFORD – The Love Your Shorts Film Festival will screen Feb. 13-16 for its 15th annual event at the Ritz Theater in Sanford.

This year 76 films from 11 countries will be shown in the categories of Comedy, Drama, Animation, Documentary, Sci-Fi/Horror, International, Florida Flavor, and E for Everyone, which is family friendly. Also scheduled are a block showing a sampling of all the genres and a Best of the Fest competition of all the category winners on closing night.

“This festival reigns as a favorite for both filmmakers and those who enjoy independent short films,” said filmmaker Dale Metz of DeBary. “Having been to numerous independent film festivals, there are a few that stand out as real gems, and the Love Your Shorts Film Festival falls squarely into that category.”

Andrew and Jill Albach, who moved from Sanford to The Villages three years ago, return each year to the festival.

“For me, the LYSFF has always been the highlight of the year,” Andrew Albach said. “It truly is the best weekend in Sanford. I always make sure to come back for it. The energy and excitement are contagious.”

Films at the festival are a maximum of 30 minutes and are selected from filmmakers around Florida and around the globe. Past entrants have gone on to win Oscar and Emmy awards.

Kicking off the festival Feb. 13 is a free Education Day program for novice and veteran filmmakers. This year’s program is “Florida Film Works: How I Became a Filmmaker,” with panelists from the Organization of Independent Filmmakers, a Central Florida group that promotes the film industry in the state. The films shown in competition will be shown the next three days.

The Ritz Theater is part of the Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center and is one of a few historical theaters remaining in Florida. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2001. The theater, part of the Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center, last year installed a two-camera projection system and larger, 24-foot motorized screen.

For ticket options and schedule, check out the festival website at LoveYourShorts.com. And to stay up-to-date on the festival buzz, check out the Facebook page at facebook.com/LoveYourShorts, and LoveYourShorts on Instagram.

Major sponsors are Wayne Densch Inc., Professional Testing Inc., Wharton-Smith inc., DDSM Consulting, Seminole Cultural Arts Council and the City of Sanford.

FACT BOX

Who: 2025 Love Your Shorts Film Festival

What: 15th annual festival featuring 76 films from 11 countries hosted by a Sanford 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization

When: Feb. 13-16, 2025

Where: The Ritz Theater at the Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center, 201 S. Magnolia Ave., Sanford.

Tickets: $12 for individual blocks of films, (except $5 for the E for Everyone block), and $85 for a weekend pass to all films. Available through the LYS website LoveYourShorts.com

Facebook: facebook.com/LoveYourShorts

Instagram: LoveYourShorts

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Photos from films this year:

Edson’s Gravy 

(Animation) An ode to Russell Edson’s poem Gravy.

Gopher Games 

(Documentary) As much of Florida’s landscape is being squeezed by developers, protections for gopher tortoises are slowly being chipped away.

I’m Not a Robot 

(Sci-Fi / Horror) After failing Captcha tests, music producer Lara becomes obsessed with a disturbing question: Could she be a robot?