There are many reasons why you might want to make a short film. Most of the time you choose to make a short film in order to develop your skills as film maker, and in order to gain recognition for your work for the purpose of career development. Sometimes you might want to make a short film for yourself or for a family member. There may be some sentimental, emotional or personal reasons for doing it. Alternatively, you may want to create a short for non-profit reasons or for charity or even in order to raise social awareness for an issue important to you. In all cases, if you have made a decent job of it, you should enter your work in short film festivals.
Every year thousands of film-makers submit their films to one or more of the scores of short film festivals that exist. There are film festivals now for every genre of film that you can think of. There are also film festivals highlighting the work of particular minority groups such as gays, lesbians and indigenous individuals. With the advent of online media there are now also film festivals in recognition of films distributed and made available to view online.
I know that the chances of getting your work selected is small. Actually lets be honest, the chances are actually miniscule.BUT don’t be discouraged by the sheer numbers. If you are lucky enough (and good enough, lets not forget) to be selected, the rewards can be many.