This document discusses short film festivals and their importance for aspiring directors. It begins by looking at major feature film festivals that have prominent short film sections, such as the BFI London Film Festival and Edinburgh International Film Festival. It notes that these festivals are highly competitive but can help directors get their work seen. Lesser-known festivals may be easier to screen at but offer less exposure. The document then covers how festivals promote themselves and who attends, before discussing how they are supported financially and looking at other national and international short film festivals. It concludes by examining the rise of online short film festivals as a new opportunity for filmmakers.