The Competition.
Global Short Film Awards, established in 2015, recognizes excellence in short films under 15 minutes long in a variety of subjects. Filmmakers can submit their films in one or more subject category.
The competition is open to both amateur and professional filmmakers from around the world. Films, including titles and credits, must be in English or in any language with English subtitles. The competition is held annually and provides creative filmmakers with a platform to showcase their work thereby gaining exposure and recognition as well as connecting with decision makers in the industry for possible further business, distribution and purchase.
Competition Rules and Entry
The 11th Annual Awards Gala
May 16, 2026, Cannes, France
Click for Tickets
Andres Aquino, Founder & Director
Andres Aquino is a New York-based entrepreneur, award-winning fashion designer, writer, event producer, and global business consultant. He is the founder and director of the annual Global Short Film Awards, founded in 2015. This competition attracts exceptional films from 80+ countries, culminating with a red-carpet awards event in Cannes, France during the Cannes Film Festival. He is also the founder and producer of Couture Fashion Week New York, one of New York Fashion Week’s most prestigious events, for 43+ consecutive seasons.
Zhen Joy Lin 林贞, Member of the Jury of the Global Short Film Awards Cannes
New York-based Zhen Joy Lin 林贞 is recognized for her brilliant appearances at the United Nations. She was invited by the United Nations to perform Flower Rain Along Silk Road: Flying Dancer, which is a drama known as a milestone of Chinese dance theater, often called the Swan Lake of the East, and is a cultural ambassador for peace and friendship. Joy has also been invited by the United Nations to perform at a number of other special events including World Water Day, the International Day of Peace, World Children’s Day and International Women’s Day. Joy is the president of the World Water Rescue Foundation, and vice president of Good News Broadcasting, and she is also a Dame of St. John of Jerusalem of Malta. She studied physics at the University of California Berkeley and film at Columbia University in New York. She worked on casting with Oscar-winning American Filmmaker Wes Anderson for his movie The Royal Tannenbaums. Joy was invited to teach Tai Chi at a film studio in Manhattan where she taught actor, director, producer and screenwriter John Shea, who is well known for his role in the Palme d’Or winning film Missing at Cannes Film Festival.
Adrie Van De Nieuwenhof
Adrie Van De Nieuwenhof is a versatile Dutch artist, model, actor, and art curator. His career spans numerous fields, including painting, ceramics, photography, and acting. He is often known by his artistic alias, A3 van de Nieuwenhof, self-taught artist, he creates acrylic paintings, ceramics, and cartoons, and works as an art photographer. His artwork has been exhibited internationally since 2014 in countries such as Italy, Mexico, Belgium, and Argentina. He has served as a juror for the Global Short Film Awards for many seasons.
Christina Z. Chang
Christina Z. Chang is a Toronto-based cultural ambassador actively engaged in the global film and entertainment industry. Deeply rooted in her Asian heritage, she has cultivated and expressed her artistic talents across visual art, music, photography, and literature. She has served as juror for the Global Short Film Awards for a number of years. Her industry presence includes the opening of the 76th Cannes International Film Festival (2023), the 25th Shanghai International Film Festival (2023), the 81st Venice International Film Festival (2024), and FILMART in Hong Kong (2026). She also served as an overseas film consultant for the documentary Yifu Tianxia, honoring the legacy of Sir Run Run Shaw, a prominent figure in East Asian entertainment. In Canada, Ms. Chang has participated annually in the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival, while supporting emerging platforms such as the Mulan International Film Festival and the Gbeck Youth Future Film Festival. She also served as Director of the CCC Toronto International Music Festival from 2021 to 2024. Ms. Chang began her career as a journalist in Shanghai in the early 1990s, documenting social transformation through photography. Since the Russia–Ukraine War began in 2022, she has traveled extensively across Europe and exhibited her series Peace on Earth in London and Paris (2022–2023). In recognition of her cultural contributions, she was awarded the “Paris Honorary Citizen Gold Medal” in Paris and received a Certificate of Appreciation from the United Nations Communicator Group Inc. in New York in 2023 for promoting world peace.
Ayse Top
Ayse Top is an international figure known for her multifaceted contributions to the film industry, media, luxury branding, real estate, and cryptocurrency sectors. Holding a Master of Science degree, she has established herself as a respected professional whose work bridges creativity, leadership, and global influence. Ms. Top gained international recognition after being crowned Ms. Netherlands Universe, a title that reflects not only her presence and poise but also her commitment to using her platform for meaningful impact. She is also a successful model, singer and film producer. Her passion for cinema led her to become an active judge at various international film festivals, where she supports emerging talent and promotes artistic excellence in filmmaking.
