What Counts as a Short Feature?
| Category | Typical running time |
|---|---|
| Short film | Up to about 40 minutes (definitions vary) |
| Mid-length / featurette | Roughly 40–60 minutes |
| Feature film | Over about 40–60 minutes, depending on the body |
Festivals and awards bodies set their own thresholds, so always check rules.
Why Make One?
- Story needs more room than a short
- Budget can't stretch to a full feature
- Good for TV hour slots and anthologies
- Serves as a calling card for features
Distribution Challenges
Festival fit
Some festivals have few mid-length slots.
Programming
Too long for shorts blocks.
Platforms
Streaming and anthologies are options.
Our earlier short film duration guide covers lengths. For branded short stories, see branded micro-films, and for a short that grew into a feature, the Short Term 12 case study.
Producing Mid-Length Films
A mid-length film production house in India budgets realistically. An anthology series agency in India packages films together. A lean feature crew shoots efficiently. In Karnataka, a Bengaluru featurette crew can help, and filmmakers may partner with one of the most resourceful indie producers in India.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a short feature film?
A mid-length film, often around 40–60 minutes, between short films and features.
What is a featurette?
Another term for a mid-length film, though it also refers to short behind-the-scenes films.
Why make a mid-length film?
When a story needs more room than a short but the budget can't support a feature.
Where can mid-length films be shown?
Some festivals, TV slots, anthologies, and streaming platforms.
Find the Right Length
Short feature films fill the space between shorts and features. Plan distribution early. For a mid-length production, discuss your mid-length film.
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