It screens a selection of short films from New Zealand and around the world in cinemas nationwide each spring.
The programme covers a diverse range of themes and subjects including documentary, sci-fi, horror, drama, animation and comedy.
The following year the festival expanded to a full week in Auckland, plus screenings in Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin.
In 2013 Show Me Shorts gained Academy Awards-accreditation for their Best New Zealand Film Award, allowing the festival to provide a pathway to the Oscars for filmmakers.
In 2016 the festival additionally acquired Academy Awards-accreditation for their Best International Film Award.