Silver Lake Shorts

Why You Should Donate to our Fundraiser

At a time in which massive tech conglomerates are taking over the entertainment industry, outsourcing is prominent and AI is an existential threat to the lifeblood of creative labor in Los Angeles, we utilize the non-profit system to champion, promote and support the independent filmmaking, comedy and animation scene through free monthly screenings and a filmmaker fellowship program.

We believe that the ground up, community approach to filmmaking and film screenings can empower and inspire the talented people who need validation now more than ever. We need the support of our amazing Silver Lake Shorts community to help us expand our operations.

Where Is The Money Going?

25K - Fellowship Films

In 2024, we were able to offer five filmmakers $5000 each to create a 1 -5 minute short that they retain full agency and ownership over. We are proud to offer that again in 2025. Our aim for 2026 is to fund 10 films, so this 25K brings us to our halfway point!

25K - Operations

Running Silver Lake Shorts is a full-time job. Despite being a full-time job, our directors are now only able to pay themselves small monthly stipends after three years of working on a volunteer basis. This 25K will allow us to continue to pay our directors' monthly stipends in 2026.

Future Plans for 2026

We intend to take this show on the road! We have had the privilege of hosting two NY screenings in 2024 and 2025, and we want to bring our curation to cities and college towns all across the country (and beyond).

We are in production on an official Silver Lake Shorts podcast highlighting creative voices throughout the Silver Lake Shorts community.

We are launching an official Silver Lake Shorts YouTube series serving as a virtual version of the live show. This series will feature a wide variety of Silver Lake Shorts live-action and animated films and will directly credit and promote the filmmakers.

We are launching a Discord server as a place for our community members to interact, connect, showcase their work, and collaborate.