The Iranian Short Film Association (ISFA), founded in 2003, is a trade, non-profit, and non-governmental organization operating under the Iranian Alliance of Motion Picture Guilds (House of Cinema). Its members include directors, producers, writers, editors, directors of photography (D.O.Ps), and sound professionals, with the current membership numbering over 400 individuals. ISFA is governed by a Board elected periodically by its members and is recognized as one of the most active guilds within the Iranian Alliance of Motion Picture Guilds, particularly due to its large number of young filmmakers. The association organizes the ISFA Academy, which annually selects the best short films at the ISFA Awards, and provides a central platform for communication among the main stakeholders in Iranian short filmmaking. Since its establishment, ISFA has supported the growth of short filmmaking in Iran, facilitated connections with international institutions, and contributed to the professional development of filmmakers whose works have been successful at both domestic and international levels.

The Iranian Short Film Association (ISFA) organizes the annual ISFA Awards to recognize excellence in Iranian short films. Eligible films are submitted through the ISFA’s official submission process. Films are evaluated by the ISFA Academy through a multi-stage selection process. Each year, one of the Academy members is appointed as the Awards Secretary by the Board of Directors. Awards are given in categories including Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Sound, Best Actor/Actress, Best Production Design/Costume, and Best Original Music. Nominees receive certificates, while winners receive a diploma or trophy depending on the category. Technical specifications and submission guidelines are provided on the ISFA website. Shortlisted films are screened for ISFA audiences, and the final ceremony is held annually to announce the winners.