The Cleveland International Film Festival (CIFF) invites the public to its most popular fundraising event of the year, GET SHORTY 2025. On Friday, February 21, 2025, film fans will converge at Playhouse Square to screen a top-secret selection of new short films, individually cast their votes for which ones should play at CIFF49 and collectively support independent filmmaking. One of Cleveland’s best arts and culture experiences! For ticket information, visit .

What to expect at GET SHORTY 2025

From 6:00 – 7:00 p.m., mingle with fellow film lovers, enjoy gourmet snacks, sip on cocktails from the cash bar, snap a selfie behind red-ropes-and-stanchion, and shop our limited-edition pop-up store, while DJ Lily Jade sets the mood.

t 7:00 p.m., it's showtime! Grab a bag of popcorn and get ready for 60-90 minutes of debut short films, hot off the film festival circuit. At the conclusion of each one, guests will be prompted via text to vote from their smartphones. The film with the highest score will be guaranteed a prime spot at CIFF49 (March 27 – April 5, 2025).

DJ Lily Jade to provide music entertainment during the first hour of Get Shorty 2025

DJ Lily Jade, a dynamic 10-year-old sensation and Forbes 30 Under 30 Cleveland Honoree, will provide the music for this year's event. A trailblazing disc jockey, accomplished author, and influential media personality, DJ Lily Jade was named among a prestigious list of Cleveland Magazine’s Most Interesting People 2025 (coincidentally, CIFF’s Executive Director Hermione Malone was also on this year’s list). She ignites the scene with her vibrant Top 40, Old School Hip Hop, R&B, and TikTok hits.

CIFF’s Shorts Program Director, Paul Sloop, and the Shorts Program Screen Team will also be in attendance. Hear what they have to say about the film selection process, and how films make it to the top of their list for the audience's ultimate pick.

Doors Open at 6:00 pm; Program Begins at 7:00 pm

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