The Canadian Film Centre’s Worldwide Short Film Festival is going digital for 2012.

Festival films will be projected in digital format, meaning there will be no need for videotape, and the cost of shipping for filmmakers will be decreased.

The shift to digital is trending upward, and recent industry hires reflect an increase in digital filmmaking and development.

Last June, Cineplex Entertainment and Empire Theatres raised $115 million to convert 1600 screens nationwide to digital projection, as part of their Canadian Digital Cinema partnership, with the new projectors expected to roll out over the next year. Cinemas Guzzo is also on the digital upgrade track.

The 2012 CFC Worldwide Short Film Festival will happen June 5th to June 10th in Toronto, and submissions are being accepted until Feb. 3.

In its 18th year, the festival exhibits and promotes short film in North America.

At last year’s fest, Martin Thibaudeau took the prize for best Canadian short for his five-minute film Cold Blood (Sang Froid).

Photo: 12 Years / 2011 Worldwide Short Film Fest