A Showcase of Short Films, Storytelling, and Creative Vision
The Short. Sweet. Film Fest. was founded by filmmakers for filmmakers. Unlike festivals that prioritize feature films, this event was created to give short films the professional showcase they deserve. Now in its 14th year, the festival continues to bring innovative and powerful short films to Atlas Cinemas Shaker Square in the heart of Cleveland’s arts scene.
From Monday, February 24 through Sunday, March 2, the festival will screen 275 films from 18 countries, including 90 films made in Northeast Ohio. This year’s festival features an exciting lineup of events, including a Fashion Fest, an acting competition, and Game Fest alongside a diverse selection of films spanning genres like horror, drama, documentary, and animation.
Whether you’re a student, an emerging artist, or a seasoned filmmaker, this festival is a chance to experience bold, creative storytelling on the big screen.
Festival Highlights & Schedule
- Monday, February 24 – Local Filmmaker’s Opening Night | Doors open at 6:00 PM, films 7:00-10:00 PM, followed by a filmmaker Q&A.
- Tuesday, February 25 – Student, Horror & Local Films | Doors open at 6:00 PM, films 7:00-10:00 PM, followed by a filmmaker Q&A.
- Wednesday, February 26 – Acting Competition + Student & International Films | Doors open at 6:00 PM, films 7:00-10:00 PM, followed by a filmmaker Q&A.
- Thursday, February 27 – Fashion Fest + Student & Local Films | Doors open at 6:00 PM, films 7:00-10:15 PM, followed by a filmmaker Q&A.
- Friday, February 28 – Animation & Music Videos + Comedy/Drama + Experimental & Documentary + Horror | Doors open at 6:00 PM, films 7:00-10:30 PM.
- Saturday, March 2 – Comedy, Animation, Music Videos, Family Films, Drama, Horror, LGBTQ, Student, Science Fiction, and Asian Cinema | Doors open at 10:30 AM, films 12:00-10:15 PM.
- Sunday, March 2 – Action/Thriller, Environmental, Documentary, Comedy/Drama, Student Films, Best of the Fest, and the Short. Sweet. Film Competition | Doors open at 10:30 AM, films 12:00-9:30 PM.
Meet the Festival Director: Mike Suglio
At the heart of the Short. Sweet. Film Fest. is Mike Suglio, a Cleveland native, filmmaker, and professor. As the Executive Director and Director of Programming, Mike brings a passion for storytelling and a deep commitment to supporting filmmakers at every stage of their careers.
A graduate of Case Western Reserve University, Mike has directed several documentaries and short films, including his most recent project, A Tribute to the Fallen, filmed on location in the Philippines. He is also a professor at Cleveland State University, Cuyahoga Community College, and Case Western Reserve University.
For Mike, this festival is more than just a celebration of film—it’s an opportunity to bring filmmakers and audiences together to experience the magic of storytelling.
Short. Sweet. Film Fest. on Fox 8 New Day Cleveland
David Moss: Okay, this is your warning here. Don't miss the 14th Short. Sweet. Film Festival, folks. It's your chance to see 275 films from 18 countries and to participate in the new Fashion Show and Game Fest. A lot going on. Mike Suglio is here to tell us how we can participate, right?
Mike Suglio: Yeah.
David Moss: We're talking about 275 movies. You don't show those all in one day?
Mike Suglio: Not all in one day. It's over the course of a whole week this year, February 24 through March 2. And we also have video games this year, as well as a fashion show from Kent State.
David Moss: A lot going on. So we're right there on Shaker Square, which is a beautiful theater. Talk about old-time stories and history, it’s great, isn’t it?
Mike Suglio: Yeah, actually the theater used to be Warner Brothers’ premiere theater almost a hundred years ago. Very historic.
David Moss: And since the pandemic, a lot of folks aren’t getting out to theaters as much. What’s a day or evening like at the festival?
Mike Suglio: All films are 40 minutes or less, and most are around 10 minutes. When you attend, you see about 10 short films per program, each grouped by genre.
David Moss: So there’s something for everyone?
Mike Suglio: Yes.
David Moss: How do people pick which films to see?
Mike Suglio: Go to shortsweetfilmfest.com for the full schedule of events. You can choose by genre—horror, comedy, documentary, whatever interests you.
David Moss: Can people make a whole day of it?
Mike Suglio: Yes, especially on weekends, where you can buy an all-day pass, see films in the afternoon, grab dinner in Shaker Square, and come back for more.
David Moss: What kind of filmmakers are submitting these shorts?
Mike Suglio: Some are creating proof-of-concept films in hopes of making a feature or a TV pilot. Others are students learning the craft.
David Moss: We hear about the big budgets of Hollywood. What about these?
Mike Suglio: Some of these films are made on no budget at all, aside from feeding the crew! But everyone starts somewhere.
David Moss: How do audiences learn about the backstory of these films?
Mike Suglio: Many of the filmmakers attend the festival, so you can ask them questions and even get advice if you're interested in making your own film.
David Moss: Filmmaking is more accessible now, with cameras in everyone’s pockets.
Mike Suglio: Yes, but learning how to use that camera effectively is key. Whether it’s at a film festival, university, or through experience, that’s what helps create meaningful stories.
David Moss: I love hearing how stories come to life. Your festival seems to focus on great storytelling rather than flashy effects.
Mike Suglio: Exactly. Our films are about heartfelt, powerful storytelling rather than CGI or big budgets.
David Moss: What’s your favorite genre?
Mike Suglio: I’m a documentary filmmaker, so I love documentaries—they create a deep human connection.
David Moss: That’s what makes a great documentary, right?
Mike Suglio: Yes, having a compelling central character makes all the difference.
David Moss: This festival took a lot of effort. How long did it take you to put it all together?
Mike Suglio: Most of my fall is spent watching short films! It takes about half a year to prepare.
David Moss: Sounds like an incredible event. Folks, don’t miss it!
Get Your Tickets Now
The Short. Sweet. Film Fest. is a must-see event for film lovers and aspiring filmmakers alike. Join us at Atlas Cinemas Shaker Square from February 24 to March 2.
Learn more & get tickets: shortsweetfilmfest.com
