The Californer - HollyShorts Film Festival Celebrates 21 Years and selects '12 HOURS' For 2025 line-up

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HOLLYWOOD, Calif. - Californer -- The Oscar® and BAFTA qualifying HollyShorts Film Festival returns this summer for its 21st edition, continuing its legacy as one of the world's premier showcases for short-form cinema. Taking place from August 7–17, 2025, at the iconic TCL Chinese Theatres in Los Angeles—and streaming globally via Bitpix—this milestone year will feature a star-powered and diverse lineup, chosen from a record 7000 submissions worldwide.

Leading films for the 21st edition include 12 HOURS, directed and written by Kelly Stanphill and starring Leonora Pitts (ROOM 104, FOR ALL MANKIND), Malia Baker (DISNEY'S DESCENDENTS: THE RISE OF RED) and Melanie Mahanna (THE EQUALIZER). The short film tells the story of Lena (Pitts), a desperate single mother who, over the course of twelve harrowing hours, searches for her missing teenage son who battles substance use disorder ("SUD") fueled by fentanyl. 12 HOURS highlights the collateral damage left in the wake of those suffering with substance use disorder: their families, loved ones and friends. It illuminates pressing social issues of SUD, homelessness, trauma and the foster care system, all wrapped in a suspenseful thriller.

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Inspired by Kelly Stanphill's true story, 12 HOURS is a raw and urgent portrait of a mother's love amid a national crisis. The film was shot in Los Angeles and was produced by Cronin Cullen for Old Rogues.

12 HOURS recently premiered at the Nevada City Film Festival. The feature film version is currently in development. To further raise awareness about substance use disorder and provide resources, 12 HOURS has partnered with Shatterproof (https://www.shatterproof.org/) , a national nonprofit working to reverse the addiction crisis in the United States.

This year's program includes high-profile entries from acclaimed talents whose work adds to the festival's unique blend of Hollywood prestige and independent storytelling. Known for spotlighting rising filmmakers and innovative voices, HollyShorts continues to serve as a launchpad for the next wave of cinematic talent.

To view the full list of official selections visit:

👉 Please see the official lineup of HollyShorts 2025 films here:

https://www.hollyshorts.com/news/announcing-the-2025-hollyshorts-official-selections

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HollyShorts screenings will take place from August 7-16 at TLC Chinese Theatres, 6801 Hollywood Blvd. 3rd Level, Hollywood, CA, 90028, followed by the annual awards gala on August 17.

For additional information and tickets visit: www.hollyshorts.com

To purchase an All Access pass visit: https://hollyshorts2025.eventive.org/passes/buy

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PR Contact

Kelly Stanphill

310.279.8980

kelly@12hoursfilm.com