Orlando Florida, September 24, 2025
News Summary
The Melrose Film Festival will showcase 39 original short films across multiple categories at the Melrose Center. Attendees can participate in a filmmaker Q&A panel. The festival aims to highlight diverse creative works, providing insights into filmmaking processes. The event will run from 11:30 a.m. to 5:20 p.m., allowing attendees to explore various short films, including animated and documentary genres.
Orlando — The 6th annual Melrose Film Festival is scheduled for Saturday, September 27, 2025, and will feature a full day of short films, a filmmaker panel and opportunities to view work produced with the Melrose Center’s production facilities.
Key details
- The 6th annual Melrose Film Festival will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025.
- The event will run from 11:30 a.m. to 5:20 p.m.
- The festival will take place in the Melrose Center at the Orlando Public Library.
- A total of 39 original short films will be featured at the festival.
- The festival will include a filmmaker question-and-answer panel.
- Film categories at the festival include: Artificial Intelligence Shorts, Animated Shorts, Documentaries, Micro Short Films, Short Films.
What to expect at the festival
The event will present screenings of 39 original short films across five categories that aim to showcase a variety of formats and creative approaches. Screening blocks are scheduled throughout the day between 11:30 a.m. and 5:20 p.m., with time set aside for a filmmaker question-and-answer panel where attendees can learn about creative choices, technical methods and production challenges.
Film categories
Film categories at the festival include: Artificial Intelligence Shorts, Animated Shorts, Documentaries, Micro Short Films, Short Films. These categories reflect a mix of experimental and traditional short-form work, including pieces that engage with emerging technology, animation techniques, nonfiction storytelling and very brief micro-shorts.
The venue and resources
The festival will take place in the Melrose Center at the Orlando Public Library. The Melrose Center is part of the Orange County Library System (OCLS) and offers technology-focused spaces and services aimed at media creation and informal learning.
- The Melrose Center is part of the Orange County Library System (OCLS).
- The center is equipped with state-of-the-art spaces, software, and equipment for technology education and informal learning.
- Key services at the Melrose Center include video, audio and production studios, as well as classes and workshops led by subject matter experts.
- The Melrose Center is named after Dorothy Lumley Melrose, a former teacher and library supporter.
- The Melrose Center was established through a $1 million donation from Melrose’s son in 2012, which was matched by the library.
- The center spans 26,000 square feet on the second floor of the library.
- Access to some areas of the Melrose Center requires participants to take an introductory course on equipment use.
- Members of OCLS can use the studios, equipment, and labs for free.
- Some classes are expected to resume in person by September of the same year.
Logistics and access
Attendees should plan to arrive ahead of scheduled screenings. The Melrose Center occupies the second floor of the Orlando Public Library and includes production studios that may require an introductory course to use. Membership in the Orange County Library System provides free access to studios, equipment and labs, while some classes and workshops may carry separate registration requirements. Organizers have indicated that some classes are expected to resume in person by September of the same year.
Admission and participation
The festival program focuses on short-form works and includes a filmmaker question-and-answer panel to give context and insight into the films. The event is presented in the Melrose Center’s dedicated screening and production spaces, which are designed to support media education and hands-on production work.
Background
The Melrose Center was created as a technology and media hub within the Orange County Library System. It is named after Dorothy Lumley Melrose, a former teacher and library supporter, and was established through a $1 million donation from Melrose’s son in 2012, which was matched by the library. The center spans 26,000 square feet on the second floor of the library and offers studios, equipment and instructional programming.
FAQ
When will the festival be held?
The 6th annual Melrose Film Festival will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025.
What are the event hours?
The event will run from 11:30 a.m. to 5:20 p.m.
Where is the festival taking place?
The festival will take place in the Melrose Center at the Orlando Public Library.
How many films will be featured?
A total of 39 original short films will be featured at the festival.
Will there be a Q&A or panel?
The festival will include a filmmaker question-and-answer panel.
What film categories are included?
Film categories at the festival include: Artificial Intelligence Shorts, Animated Shorts, Documentaries, Micro Short Films, Short Films.
What is the Melrose Center?
The Melrose Center is part of the Orange County Library System (OCLS).
What facilities and services does the Melrose Center offer?
The center is equipped with state-of-the-art spaces, software, and equipment for technology education and informal learning.
What key services are available at the Melrose Center?
Key services at the Melrose Center include video, audio and production studios, as well as classes and workshops led by subject matter experts.
Who is the Melrose Center named after?
The Melrose Center is named after Dorothy Lumley Melrose, a former teacher and library supporter.
How was the Melrose Center established?
The Melrose Center was established through a $1 million donation from Melrose’s son in 2012, which was matched by the library.
How large is the center?
The center spans 26,000 square feet on the second floor of the library.
Are there any access requirements?
Access to some areas of the Melrose Center requires participants to take an introductory course on equipment use.
Is there a cost for members to use studios and equipment?
Members of OCLS can use the studios, equipment, and labs for free.
Will in-person classes resume?
Some classes are expected to resume in person by September of the same year.
Simple chart: Key features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, September 27, 2025 |
| Time | 11:30 a.m. to 5:20 p.m. |
| Location | Melrose Center at the Orlando Public Library |
| Number of films | 39 original short films |
| Categories | Artificial Intelligence Shorts; Animated Shorts; Documentaries; Micro Short Films; Short Films |
| Center size | 26,000 square feet on the second floor of the library |
| Founding donation | $1 million donation from Melrose’s son in 2012, matched by the library |
| Access note | Access to some areas requires an introductory course on equipment use |
| Member benefits | Members of OCLS can use the studios, equipment, and labs for free |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Orlando Unveils Arts and Cultural Festivals for Spring
Central Florida September Events to Explore
Explore Orlando’s Vibrant Art and Culture Scene
Upcoming Events in Orlando This Summer
Melrose Center Marks 10 Years of Creativity in Orlando
Additional Resources
- WESH: Melrose Film Festival Showcase
- Wikipedia: Melrose Center
- Orlando Sentinel: Things to Do in Orange County
- Google Search: Melrose Film Festival
- Daily Dead: Horror Highlights
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Film
- Click Orlando: Melrose Center Offers Free Access
- Google News: Melrose Center
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
