- Very Short Films: These are typically under 1 minute in length and are often referred to as "micro-shorts" or "shortshort" films. They are often made as exercises in filmmaking or as showcases for animation, visual effects, or other technical aspects.
- Short Films: Short films are typically 1 to 15 minutes in length. This range is most commonly associated with the term "short film" and allows for more substantial storytelling, character development, and plot.
- Long Short Films: These films can range from 15 to 40 minutes in length and sometimes may be referred to as "medium-length films" or "featurettes." They provide more time for filmmakers to explore complex stories and characters, but are still considered short compared to feature films.
It's important to note that these categories can be flexible, and some film festivals have specific criteria for the lengths of films that they accept. Generally, the length of a short film should be determined based on the intended message, tone, and impact of the story, rather than a strict adherence to a specific length range.