The LA Shorts International Film Festival, founded by Robert Arentz in 1997, is one of the world's largest and longest-running international short film festivals in Los Angeles, screening hundreds of films annually to thousands of attendees, including industry professionals and emerging independent filmmakers. It is an official qualifying event for the Academy Awards®, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) short film awards, and the Canadian Screen Awards. The festival is notable for having multiple award categories recognized by the Academy Awards®, and numerous alumni filmmakers have gone on to receive Academy Award® nominations and wins.