Looking for fun winter events in Two Harbors, Minnesota?Don’t miss the 3rd annual Shorts in Winter Film Festival!
The 3rd Annual Shorts in Winter Film Festival will take place January 29–30, 2027, at the Two Harbors High School Auditorium, 1640 Hwy 2, Two Harbors, MN 55616.
Filmmakers are invited to submit short films of 20 minutes or less for the 2027 festival. Submissions opened April 1, 2026, with the regular deadline on October 31, 2026, and the extended final deadline on November 20, 2026.
Keep reading to learn about participating in and attending this unique Minnesota film festival in Two Harbors.
What is the Shorts in Winter Film Festival?
This Minnesota Film Festival celebrates the voices and stories of the North Shore and beyond. It is a community-driven film festival in Two Harbors, Minnesota, founded in 2024 by locals Matt Bachman and Jamie MacFarlane.
The festival showcases short films that reflect the region’s creativity, diversity, inclusivity, and spirit. And, it is quickly becoming one of the top winter events in Two Harbors!
This event offers a platform for filmmakers of all ages, perspectives, and styles to share their unique stories. The Shorts in Winter Film Festival brings something fresh to the North Shore—highlighting local talent and welcoming visitors with a powerful mix of storytelling and place-based inspiration.
Learn more about the 2024 film festival by clicking here.
Invitation to Submit Your Film to the Shorts in Winter Film Festival
Calling all creators and filmmakers! Submissions are open for the 2027 Shorts in Winter Film Festival in Two Harbors, Minnesota.
This year, the judges are looking for bold, creative short films—20 minutes or less—highlighting filmmakers’ talent and storytelling power across the North Shore and Minnesota.
Films must have been completed after January 1, 2024, and submitted as downloadable files (no external links). The extended final deadline for 2027 submissions is November 20, 2026.
All films must have proper clearances, and filmmakers grant the festival permission to screen accepted work and use clips or stills for promotional purposes. You may submit multiple films with separate entries. The selected winners will receive cash prizes!
Ready to share your voice through cinema? Submit today and help us celebrate the creativity and diversity of Minnesota’s vibrant film community.
Click here to learn everything you need to know about the submission guidelines, categories, and rules.
Categories for Short Film Submissions
- Shorts made by North Shore residents: Filmmakers who live on Minnesota’s North Shore of Lake Superior.
- Shorts made by North Shore students: Filmmakers who are currently enrolled in school (includes k-12 and all colleges & universities) AND whose primary residence is on the North Shore (Duluth – Grand Portage, Minnesota).
- Shorts filmed on the North Shore: Films that have been at least 50% filmed on the North Shore of Minnesota.
- Shorts filmed in Minnesota: Films that have been entirely filmed anywhere in Minnesota; the filmmaker does not have to live in Minnesota.
- Minnesota filmmakers: Films created by filmmakers who live in Minnesota but do not live on the North Shore.
Shorts in Winter Film Submission Deadlines
- Opening Day: April 1, 2026
- Early Bird Deadline: June 30, 2026
- Regular Deadline: October 31, 2026
- Extended Deadline: November 20, 2026
- Notification Date: December 15, 2026
Where to Get Your Tickets for the 2027 Shorts in Winter Film Festival
Tickets for the 2027 Shorts in Winter Film Festival are expected to go on sale in December 2026. Check the official festival website for ticket availability and updates.
2027 Event Details
3rd Annual Shorts in Winter Film Festival | January 29–30, 2027
Two Harbors High School Auditorium | Two Harbors, MN
1640 Hwy 2, Two Harbors, MN 55616
