Inspiring Conversations with Jillian Corsie of Salute Your Shorts Film Festival

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jillian Corsie

Hi Jillian, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Salute Your Shorts began as a passion project by filmmakers, for filmmakers. Having traveled the country attending film festivals, we were especially drawn to the regional festivals that had a “summer camp” vibe—those intimate, immersive experiences where you could escape to a small town, connect with fellow filmmakers, and be completely enveloped in the festival atmosphere. It was these experiences, far from the hustle and bustle of New York and LA, that left the biggest impression on us. We loved how those festivals fostered genuine connections and a sense of community, and we wanted to bring that same spirit to Los Angeles.

In 2017, we launched Salute Your Shorts with that exact vision in mind. While we’re still a relatively small festival, we’ve grown steadily every year, always staying true to our roots. From day one, we’ve prioritized creating a space where filmmakers can feel seen, heard, and celebrated—not just for their films, but for who they are as creators. We’re proud of the fact that our festival feels intimate, like a close-knit gathering of creatives who are passionate about storytelling.

What started as a small, grassroots festival has now evolved into a fixture of the LA festival circuit, with a growing reputation for its strong programming and community-centric approach. While we continue to expand, we remain dedicated to preserving that original “summer camp” vibe that inspired us in the first place. Salute Your Shorts is a place where filmmakers can not only showcase their work but also build lasting relationships and share in a collective creative energy.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Running a film festival in Los Angeles is an exciting challenge, but it certainly hasn’t been a smooth road. With LA being home to so many established festivals, it can be difficult to carve out a unique space and stand out from the crowd. Every aspect of the festival, from securing sponsorships to managing scheduling, feels like an uphill battle at times.

We’re a tight-knit, passionate team that has always punched above our weight. Right now, we’re in the midst of a critical growth phase, which brings its own set of challenges. We’re working hard to expand our team so we can delegate more efficiently and continue improving our internal organization. That way, we can not only keep up with the demand but also maintain the quality and personal touch that makes our festival special.

Our reputation has been steadily growing, which is incredibly rewarding, but it also means we’re seeing more film submissions and much more work on the backend. As filmmakers ourselves, it’s a top priority that we ensure every filmmaker who submits feels valued and supported. However, with a fully volunteer-run team, that dedication can sometimes stretch us thin. It’s a delicate balance, but we’re committed to keeping our festival as filmmaker-friendly as possible while we navigate these growing pains. Ultimately, the hard work is worth it when we see the impact our festival has on the filmmaking community and the connections we help foster.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Salute Your Shorts Film Festival, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional programming and cultivating a unique “summer camp” vibe that sets us apart from other festivals in Los Angeles. Unlike many LA festivals that stretch over multiple weeks with overlapping events, we pack everything into one weekend, on one screen. This approach makes it possible for attendees to fully immerse themselves in the experience—they can watch every single film, attend every panel, and join every party without the fear of missing out.

While many festivals showcase hundreds of films, we intentionally program around 50 carefully curated selections each year. This forces us to be incredibly selective about the stories we bring to the screen, ensuring that every film has a chance to shine. We also keep our film blocks to around 75 minutes, giving filmmakers and audiences ample time between screenings to connect, network, and truly connect with one another. It’s more than just a film festival—it’s a space where relationships are built and creativity is fostered.

One of the things we’re most proud of is how accessible and community-driven our festival is. We provide food throughout the day, so attendees can comfortably stay for the entire weekend without needing to leave the venue. Filmmakers don’t just screen their films; they become part of a larger festival family. In fact, many of our alumni return year after year to catch a block of films, join a panel, or just soak in the atmosphere.

Our festival is also known for its standout events. In 2023, we were thrilled to host the VFX team from Oscar-winning Everything, Everywhere, All at Once, with a special panel moderated by Daniel Scheinert. The session highlighted how a group of friends created visual effects in a backyard studio, embodying the kind of resourcefulness and creative passion that resonates with our community.

At the heart of Salute Your Shorts is a deep commitment to the filmmakers and the stories we share. Whether you’re an alumni returning or a first-time attendee, you’ll find that our festival is about more than just screenings—it’s about building lasting connections and celebrating the art of filmmaking together.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to us at Salute Your Shorts is building a strong, vibrant community. Our festival is more than just a place to showcase films; it’s a space where filmmakers, storytellers, and audiences can connect on a personal level. We’ve worked hard to cultivate a supportive and welcoming atmosphere that encourages collaboration and friendships within our growing alumni network.

We believe that festivals should be about more than just the films you watch—they should also be about the people you meet and the connections you forge. Salute Your Shorts is a place where filmmakers and attendees alike can find a sense of belonging. We encourage everyone to get to know each other, whether it’s through casual conversations between film blocks, panel discussions, or our lively after-parties.

Our programming mantra is “films with aftertaste.” However, our festival tagline could easily be, “Come for the movies, stay for the friendships.” Either way, we’re particularly interested in building something that lasts beyond the weekend. We’ve even seen how relationships formed here go on to fuel creative collaborations and long-lasting partnerships. That sense of community, both among filmmakers and between the audience and the creators, is what makes our festival truly special. It’s the heartbeat of everything we do, and it’s what keeps people coming back year after year.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.saluteyourshortsfest.com/
• Instagram: @salute_shorts
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saluteshorts
• Other: Tiktok: @salute_your_shorts

Image Credits
Photo Credit: Emily Sandifer @emilysandiferphoto