#ScreenOpps
FILM FESTIVALS
Mix NYC Queer Experimental Film Festival
MIX NYC (est. 1987) is a nonprofit organization that promotes, produces, and preserves experimental media that speaks to the lives, politics, and experiences of LGBTQIA2S+ individuals. Born from the need for a home for queer experimental films, we are committed to providing opportunities for filmmakers to showcase their work to a community that deeply values it. Our work challenges mainstream notions of gender and sexuality while redefining traditional categories of form and content.
o When/Where: November 20-22
o Deadline: June 1 (Early Bird Deadline), July 1 (Regular Deadline), August 1 (Final Deadline)
o Application Fee: $15-$45
o Eligibility: We're always searching for bold, original, and powerful stories that reflect the diverse perspectives of the LGBTQIA2S+ community. Our festival offers a platform for filmmakers, artists, and creators to showcase their work, connect with audiences, and participate in meaningful cultural dialogue. In light of our mandate, we only consider submissions that:
Are created by queer filmmakers and/or involve queer concepts, subjects, or themes.
Challenge conventional filmmaking practices.
o Categories: Experimental Film
Los Angeles Women in Film Festival
The LA Women in Film Festival champions female identifying filmmakers and female driven storytelling. We will be accepting submissions from FEMALE IDENTIFYING DIRECTORS, WRITERS, MAJORITY FEMALE CREW (at least 50%) and/or FEMALE DRIVEN STORIES of ANY GENRE. We are an affiliate festival of the LA FILM FESTIVALS organization that has the dual emphasis of discovering great talent with the purpose of promoting their work to both the LA public and the entertainment industry, as well as showcasing the work of seasoned professionals and well known stars. LA Film Festivals began with the biannual LA Comedy Festival in 2001, adding the biannual LA Indie Film Fest in 2007. The LA Film Festival family has since expanded to 12 independent film festivals, including LA Horror Film Fest, LA Action Film Fest, LA Sci-Fi Film Fest, LA Animation Film Fest, LA Black Film Fest, LA Asian Film Fest, LA Latinx Film Fest, LA Queer Film Fest, LA Women in Film Fest and LA Student Film Fest. Over the years, LA Film Festivals have attracted thousands of filmmakers from around the world. Each festival features live screenings in our own Let Live Theater in the heart of Los Angeles. Our 80-seat theater, in the heart of Hollywood, is outfitted with a Christie DLP projector and seven JBL speakers throughout the venue, delivering top notch quality in an intimate screening environment. Filmmakers whose work is accepted into our festival will receive free passes to screenings, invitations to networking events and are eligible for awards consideration.
o When/Where: November 13-16
o Deadline: June 13 (Regular Deadline), July 4 (Late Deadline), July 25 (Fashionably Late Deadline), August 15 (Final Deadline), September 5 (11th Hour Deadline), September 26 (Last Chance Deadline)
o Application Fee: $25-$90
o Eligibility: All Films must feature work produced by female identifying filmmakers and female driven storytelling. We will be accepting submissions from FEMALE IDENTIFYING DIRECTORS, WRITERS, MAJORITY FEMALE CREW (at least 50%) and/or FEMALE DRIVEN STORIES of ANY GENRE.
o Categories: Feature, Short, Document, Web-series, TV Pilot, Animation, Music Video
o Contact: https://www.lafilmfestivals.com/la-women-in-film-fest
Big Apple Film Festival
Big Apple Film Festival is currently accepting film and screenplay submissions for our fall festival. Big Apple Film Festival (Fall Edition) takes place November 18-21 in the heart of NYC. In addition to film screenings, the festival includes a Screenplay Competition, Agents and Managers Conference, Agents and Managers Networking Lab, Film Distribution Summit, Industry Networking Panels, Awards Presentation and Reception.
o When/Where: November 10-13
o Deadline: June 10 (Film Freeway Discount Deadline), June 30 (BAFF Discount Deadline), July 22 (Final Discount Deadline), August 12 (Film Freeway Early Deadline), September 3 (BAFF Early Deadline), September 23 (Official Entry Deadline, October 10 (Final Entry Deadline)
o Application Fee: $60-$90
o Eligibility: Big Apple Film Festival accepts submissions for feature films, short films, feature documentaries, short documentaries, animation, web series, music videos, student films, feature length screenplays, short screenplays, scripts for television/web series pilots and virtual reality.
o Categories: (Narrative Feature, Documentary Feature, Environmental Outdoor Feature, Indigenous Feature, Narrative Short, Documentary Short, Outdoor Short, Animated Short)
Twisted Arts Film Festival
Founded in Tulsa, OK, Twisted Arts was created to highlight local, national, and international LGBTQ+ artists through year-round programs which include an annual fall film festival, monthly film screenings & performances, a LGBTQ+ youth filmmaking Summer camp, members-only sneak peeks, access to year-round short films, special events, and private screenings with directors, actors, and other queer media icons. Tulsa's newest LGBTQ+ film festival, Twisted Arts Film Festival, was created to screen first-run LGBTQ-themed full-length films and 20 to 30 short films of all genres. It is our mission to highlight works made by Oklahoma filmmakers and the best queer cinema from around the world. We strongly encourage submissions from women, people of color, transgender people, intersex people, asexual people, non-binary people, disabled people, and other underrepresented people and communities
o When/Where: September 24-27
o Deadline: July 14 (Regular Deadline)
o Application Fee: $11.25-$20
o Eligibility: Twisted Arts Film Festival accepts short films of length less than 20 min from any genre about LGBTQ+ people and their communities.
o Categories: Shorts
New York Film Week
We are an international film festival taking place in October each year. The 6th edition runs from October 23 — 27 2024 in NY, a city that breathes film in every possible way. Our goal is to raise awareness and promote the various aspects of international cinema in all its forms. Previous Premieres include movies from Laura Poitras, Armando Iannucci, Noah Baumbach, Wash Westmoreland, Martin Scorsese, Takashi Miike, Céline Sciamma, Yolande Zauberman, Lee Chang-dong, Kelly Reichardt, Andrea Arnold, Christophe Honoré and many more. First-time and established filmmakers are being selected and every film genre is considered. The festival only shows bold and iconic content, something to remember. We look forward to reviewing your entry.
o When/Where: October 29 - November 2
o Deadline: June 23 (Regular Deadline), September 8 (Late Deadline), September 29 (Extended Deadline)
o Application Fee: $35-$70
o Eligibility: New York Film Week is being held from October 23rd to October 27th, 2024. The Festival takes place annually in the second half of October. The aim of the Festival is to raise awareness and promote the various aspects of international cinema in all its forms: as art, entertainment, and as an industry, in a spirit of freedom and dialogue. In addition to the sections mentioned in the following paragraphs, the Festival also organizes special events such as film workshops and industry days.
o Categories: Feature, Short, Animated, Documentary
NewFest: The New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival
Founded in 1988, The New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival is one of the world's largest and most respected annual celebrations of the year's best queer films from the U.S. and abroad--featuring over 150 films from more than 30 countries, as well as special events that bring together filmmakers, celebrities, movie lovers, industry professionals, and the LGBTQ+ community. NewFest will celebrate its 36th annual edition of The New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival in October 2024--throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn, and virtually nationwide--with nearly two weeks of premieres, panels, and parties. NewFest's collection of narratives, documentaries, shorts programs, and special events showcases the best in LGBTQ+ film and media. NewFest is distinctive among LGBTQ+ film festivals for its high-quality programming, outstanding press coverage, community engagement, savvy audiences, and sensational parties. The festival's impact in terms of propelling the work and careers of emerging filmmakers is historic and global, and uniquely channels the collaborative creative energy of New York City to celebrate queer films. The New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival is produced annually by NewFest, New York's leading LGBTQ+ film and media organization. NewFest gives voice and visibility to the full spectrum of LGBTQ+ experiences by championing films, supporting storytellers, and engaging audiences in order to inspire dialogue, shift cultural bias and empower our community.
. o When/Where: October 10-22
o Deadline: June 12 (Late Deadline), July 28 (Extended Deadline)
o Application Fee: $40-$100
o Eligibility: BFilms should be of interest to, and inclusive of, the LGBTQ+ community. We are seeking narrative, documentary, experimental, and animated films (both features and shorts) in 35mm, 16mm, or DCP (upon acceptance, NewFest will provide projection options for the specific venue in which the film will screen—IF THE FILMMAKER CANNOT PROVIDE THE CORRECT PROJECTION FORMAT, THE FILM WILL NOT BE SCREENED). Rough cuts and works-in-progress are eligible for submission if the completed film will be ready for QC by September 1st, 2022. Please label the screener "Rough Cut" and specify what is missing (i.e. temp sound, needs color correction, etc). By submitting your work to NewFest, you grant to NewFest a non-exclusive license to use an excerpt of your submission of up to two minutes in length, for promotional purposes only. Still photos from your work are requested with your submission and are required for all films selected for the festival. Good stills make a difference in film placement and press coverage, particularly for short films. Even the shortest short can get press coverage or festival prominence with a captivating still. Stills must be in TIFF or JPEG format and 300dpi (dots per inch). You are also encouraged to enclose a synopsis, production credits, press information, and other collateral regarding your film.
o Categories: Feature Film, Documentary, Short Film, Documentary Shorts
Lady Filmmakers Festival
Lady Filmmakers Festival is a trend-setting and forward-thinking film festival known by veteran Hollywood insiders and rising indie filmmakers alike for screening outstanding films from around the world and having top notch speakers and networking events. Lady Filmmakers is dedicated to creating a fun and fulfilling festival experience. All festival events take place in the world-famous Beverly Hills, California. In 2021, we hosted in-person screenings in Beverly Hills as well as virtual screenings available worldwide. We also launched the Lady Filmmakers Channel in Spring 2021 accessible online and through devices such as Apple TV, Roku, and more will be added to maximize availability to showcase alumni films from prior festivals. 2020 included virtual screenings and events as well as a Myrtle Beach, South Carolina drive-in. Lady Filmmakers celebrates women in leadership roles and the men that hire, work with, and work for these talented female storytellers. The week long festival includes film screenings, script readings, musical performances, art exhibitions, industry panels, networking events and of course hosted parties with live entertainment! Online festival will take place over a minimum of 1 week with virtual events leading up to the festival and during. Lady Filmmakers looks for great storytelling in any genre and length! At least one woman must fill the role of Writer, Director, Producer, Cinematographer, Production Designer and/or Editor to qualify to screen at our festival. Our main programming themes are: *Ladies Illuminate- documentaries, social awareness, or family issue films *Ladies Kick Butt- action, comedies, or experimental films *Dance- music videos and dance films *Family Friendly- films appropriate for families with children *Halloween Teasers- horror, thrillers, scary, creepy, and/or freaky films Short Screenplay finalists will get a staged reading in front of a live audience at the festival. One or more shorts may be optioned to participate in the Script 2 Screen Program. Feature Screenplay finalists will be offered a taped table read of their script. The festival will provide the space and refreshments for the table read along with assisting the writer with finding a director for the reading and helping with casting. Musician finalists are invited to perform at one of the parties during the festival. Art finalists are invited to exhibit art during one of the festival events.Long after the festival is complete we continue to promote our "Alumni" filmmakers, cast, and crew throughout the year!
.o When/Where: September 25-30
o Deadline: July 23 (Final Deadline), August 14 (Oops I forgot Deadline)
o Application Fee: $67.50-$140
o Eligibility: FILM SUBMISSIONS- At least one woman must be credited in one of the following positions in each selected film: Writer, Director, Producer, Cinematographer, Production Designer, and/or Editor.
o Categories: Feature Film, Documentary, Short Film, Documentary Shorts
GRRL HAUS CINEMA
GRRL HAUS CINEMA is a 𝗻𝗼𝗻𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗶𝘁 𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗺 𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹, 𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 dedicated to showcasing the short film works by 𝘄𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻, 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀, 𝗻𝗼𝗻-𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗾𝘂𝗲𝗲𝗿 filmmakers in experimental, low-budget-, and underground cinema. By promoting creativity and diverse expression through film, we provide a platform for emerging filmmakers and those without easy access to funding, creating a space for underrepresented voices in cinema. GRRL HAUS is dedicated to inclusivity and celebrates 𝗗𝗜𝗬 𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲, because we think it's important to share works by diverse filmmakers across various audiences, from international museums to underground clubs.
o When/Where: February 18-20
o Deadline: May 31 (May), June 30 (June), July 31 (August), August 31 (August), September 30 (September), October 31 (October)
o Application Fee: $15-$50
o Categories: Short
Lady Filmmakers Film Festival
NOW ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS to the 17th Annual Festival Celebration! A 5 star rated film festival and consistently ranked in the Top 100 on FilmFreeway. Lady Filmmakers Festival elevates the festival experience and is a trend-setting and forward-thinking film festival known by veteran Hollywood insiders and rising indie filmmakers alike for screening outstanding films from around the world. It's screenplay scene workshop, top notch speakers and upscale networking events makes it a must attend event each year. Lady Filmmakers is dedicated to creating a classy, fun and fulfilling festival experience dedicated to enhancing personal, professional and creative growth while promoting women, diversity, equity and inclusion. All festival screenings and parties take place IN PERSON in the world-famous Beverly Hills, California. We screen at the beautiful and historic 400 seat Fine Arts Theater with the highest quality sound and projection. We are a great platform for successful filmmakers and actors as well as a springboard for undiscovered talent like first-time directors with a truly wonderful artistic, cinematic vision and voice. The festival directors are filmmakers too & understand what it's like on both sides of a festival and try to provide as many wonderful experiences and opportunities to our Official Selection Attendees and Cinephiles alike. Lady Filmmakers celebrates diverse women in leadership roles and the men that hire, work with, and work for these talented female storytellers. The week long festival includes film screenings, script readings, musical performances, art exhibitions, industry panels, networking events and of course hosted parties with live entertainment!
o When/Where: September 25-30
o Deadline: July 23 (Final Deadline), August 14 (Oops I forgot Deadline)
o Application Fee: $67.50-$140
o Eligibility: FILM SUBMISSIONS- At least one woman must be credited in one of the following positions in each selected film: Writer, Director, Producer, Cinematographer, Production Designer, and/or Editor.
o Categories: Feature Film, Documentary, Short Film, Documentary Shorts
San Francisco Transgender Film Deadline
Founded in 1997, the San Francisco Transgender Film Festival (SFTFF) builds a strong and diverse community through the power of transgender cinema. SFTFF is the world's first and longest-running Transgender Film Festival, and co-presents year-round screenings in collaboration with other LGBT film festivals. Our programs strengthen awareness of transgender identity, history and culture, support emerging and established independent filmmakers working with transgender themes and provide a dynamic and inclusive forum for dialogue about local and global transgender issues.
o When/Where: November 13-24
o Deadline: June 4 (Regular Deadline), June 25 (Extended Deadline)
o Application Fee: $15-20
o Eligibility: The San Francisco Transgender Film Festival (SFTFF) seeks entries for our 2025 Festival (November 13-23, 2025). This year we are PRIORITIZING Films 20 Minutes or less. SFTFF accepts narrative, documentary, experimental, animated films and music videos. All work should be created by transgender/genderqueer people. We prioritize short films, but accept all screening lengths. The San Francisco Transgender Film Festival was founded in 1997 as North America's first transgender film festival. We exhibit groundbreaking, provocative, outrageous, courageous, moving and innovative works that show the complexity of lives lived on the transgender spectrum.
o Categories: Feature, Short, Documentary
B!tchFest Film Festival & Screenplay Contest
B!tchFest is more than just a festival — it's a community! One that extends far beyond the event itself. We are invested in the success of your films and screenplays, offering a space for support, connection, and collaboration for all of our past and present submitters. In an industry where women hold just 26% of key film production roles and only 16% of major studio films feature LGBTQIA+ characters, we're on a mission to build a supportive network to unite and empower minority creator. B!tchFest is an INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S & LGBTQIA+ FILM FESTIVAL & SCREENPLAY CONTEST with a groundbreaking in-person event for both filmmakers and screenwriters in the heart of Los Angeles. At B!tchFest we're not just breaking glass ceilings; we're shattering them into a million pieces by unleashing the POWER of FEMALE and LGBTQIA+ VOICES in film and television! By providing a platform for RECOGNITION, AWARDS, PROMOTION, and DEVELOPING NEW CONNECTIONS we aim to break barriers and pave the way for a more inclusive entertainment industry.
o When/Where: February 28
o Deadline: May 20 (Early Deadline), July 1 (Regular Deadline), August 12 (Late Deadline), September 23 (Last Minute Deadline), November 4 (Extended Deadline), December 16 (Final Deadline)
o Application Fee: $36-$70
o Eligibility: All writers and filmmakers must be at least 18 years old for their project to be eligible. All genres of films and screenplays are accepted.
There is no limit to the number of projects you may submit and multiple entries from the same submitter are accepted. You are allowed to submit the same project to multiple categories.
The entry fee applies to each category. Submitting to Best Feature Film, Best Short Film, Best Documentary Film, Best Female Directed Film, Best Student Film, Best LGBTQIA+ Film, Best TV Pilot, Best Web Series, Best Short Social Content Video, and Best Music Video qualifies your project for festival consideration. Additionally, it makes your Cast & Crew eligible for free consideration for Secondary Award Categories like Best Actress, Best Director, Best Cinematography, etc.
For consideration, film projects must feature at least one woman or a member of the LGBTQIA+ community in a key production role, such as Director, Writer, Producer, Cinematographer, Lead Actress/Actor, etc. Or the film should address women's or LGBTQIA+ issues and themes to be eligible.
For screenplay submissions, we prefer scripts written by women and/or members of the LGBTQIA+ community. While screenplays written by men and non-LGBTQIA+ individuals are welcome, they must either focus on female or LGBTQIA+ characters or address women's or LGBTQIA+ issues and themes to be eligible.
Writers and filmmakers who reside in countries other than the United States are welcome to enter the contest; however, all scripts must be submitted in English, and all foreign language films must contain English subtitles or be dubbed in English.
Judges, sponsors, administrators, employees and independent contractors who currently or have previously worked with or for the B!tchFest Film Festival and Screenplay Contest are not eligible to enter the festival, nor are their spouses or immediate family members.
Entry fees are as listed on the FilmFreeway site checkout form. All entry fees are non-refundable. No coupon or discount is applicable on a previously submitted entry. Entries must be received on or before the listed deadline dates by 11:59PM Pacific Time, and submission fee payment must be paid in full at time of the submission.
Our in-person festival will feature screenings for the winners of each applicable category, trophy award presentations, red carpet photos, live-recorded Q&A panels with film and screenwriting winners, and an industry meet-and-greet event.
B!tchFest Film Festival and Screenplay Contest reserves the right to make essential changes, postponements, reschedules, or cancellations to competition dates, deadlines, announcement dates, awards, categories, and/or the festival venue at our discretion without contestant consent. The organizers may modify or opt not to award any listed prizes. B!tchFest reserves the right to amend our rules, terms, release agreements, and conditions at any time.
The decisions of the judges are final and cannot be contested in any manner. There is no score on a scorecard that guarantees advancement to the festival as advancement will be based on the total competition scores as a whole.
By submitting to B!tchFest Film Festival and Screenplay Contest you agree to our terms and conditions and to receive marketing newsletters, film festival discounts, and updates relative to this contest and any affiliated sources in the Whoever submits a project shall hold harmless B!tchFest Film Festival and Screenplay Contest and its judges and associates from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney's fees, and costs of the court) which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, credits, publicity, trademark, screening, and loss of or damage to any materials submitted to our festival.
Notification of Winners and Official Selections will be sent by email and posted on our website BitchFestLA.com. It is the entrant(s) responsibility to provide us with current contact information for notification purposes and to keep the submission service updated. B!tchFest Film Festival and Screenplay Contest has no responsibility for correspondence that is misdirected as a result of the entrant(s) failure to provide us with current and correct contact information or that is sent to spam or junk mail folders.
Should an entrant win an award at B!tchFest Film Festival and Screenplay Contest, they will receive the award in-person at the Festival Awards Ceremony in Los Angeles. If not present, it is up to the recipient to arrange for a representative to receive the award on the submitters behalf. If a representative of the project is not at the festival in-person, no award will be presented. The festival is not required to ship awards to recipients who do not have a representative of the project present at the festival. However, shipping can be arranged on a case by case basis at the festival's discretion.
B!tchFest Film Festival and Screenplay Contest and the employees and judges thereof, claims no ownership nor option on your work. All ownership and rights to screenplays and film projects submitted to this festival remains with the original rights holders.
All entrants understand and agree that there are a diverse amount of story contexts and ideas, and in no way is B!tchFest Film Festival and Screenplay Contest responsible, not now or in the future, for borrowing or stealing from an idea, copy written concept, or storyline from any film or screenplay entry.
Entrants grant B!tchFest Film Festival and Screenplay Contest permission to use their name, likeness, contact information provided, submitted work's title, logline, trailer, poster, and Grand Jury Results for publicity and promotional purposes. Contest participation signifies entrants' consent for B!tchFest Film Festival and Screenplay Contest, its agents, and contest sponsors to use their information for promotional purposes in any media, globally, without payment or consideration. All use of entrants' information is in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
B!tchFest Film Festival & Screenplay Contest employs a panel of esteemed judges, consisting of industry professionals, to evaluate the submissions. Please understand that due to industry demands and schedules, the composition of our judging panel may evolve throughout the contest and evaluation process. B!tchFest Film Festival and Screenplay Contest reserves the right to add, change, or remove any members of the judging panel at anytime, while still ensuring the contest's high-quality evaluation standards are consistently upheld.
By entering this contest, you authorize us to use any trusted third-party, online and cloud-based services and databases for hosting, organizing, tracking, managing, reviewing, and/or transmitting your submission file(s). B!tchFest Film Festival and Screenplay Contest cannot be held liable or financially responsible for any breaches in security with third-party, online and cloud-based services and databases used for managing this festival and its submissions, including but in no means limited to BitchfestLA.com and FilmFreeway services. By submitting to our festival, you are authorizing us to handle your film and/or screenplay using secure third party softwares.
Official Selections and Winners are responsible for their own personal travel and accommodation expenses to attend the festival. Award Winners will receive two complimentary tickets to the festival. All other cast and crew members must purchase event tickets in order to attend.
If a film or screenplay category winner does not respond to their status notification with requested materials and/or confirmation of participation by the requested response date, B!tchFest reserves the right to award a category finalist or runner-up in the winners place. We will still screen projects from submitters who are not able to attend the festival in person, but screeners must be delivered by the requested date in order to participate.
o Categories: Feature, Short, Music Video, TV Pilot Screenplay
Planet Female Global StoryFest
Planet Female Media embraces the female weavers of story from page to performance, screenplay to cinematic vision. This second year of the Planet Female Global StoryFest, Planet Female Media invites you, our dear sisters, to join our movement in a celebration of our Yin creativity, the divine tales and truths within us, and of our kindreds, all of which we access through living life, time and experience. She has something to say. We hear her. We have created a space for visual storytelling crafted by Women for Women and by those who identify as such. We are ethically mining the inexhaustible vault of feminine fable and fact to be shared, inspired by, and learned from. We believe strongly in fostering a platform for creativity, free speech and unity. Year One was a kaleidoscopic refection of our vision and we will continue to carefully review submissions and award the best in several categories. Having partnered with Westport MOCA - Museum of Contemporary Art, and Housatonic Community College, PFG StoryFest has expanded to two days, Friday, November 21, 2025 and Saturday November 22, 2025. Story Blocks will be showcased in spaces at each location culminating with an awards ceremony at Westport MoCA Saturday evening. With this expansion we are able to add 3 new categories - Short Feature Films (16-40 Minutes), Live Spoken Word, and Live Narrative Storytelling (Moth-style)
o When/Where: November 21-22
o Deadline: May 30 (Early Bird Deadline), June 30 (Regular Deadline), August 30 (Just Under the Wire Deadline)
o Application Fee: $20-$60
o Eligibility: To be considered by PFGSF for any of the Best of Festival Awards, at least one female or female identifying individual must be involved in creative leadership as screenwriter or director. If a female or female identifying individual is not in a creative leadership role, (screenwriter or director) the film's plot, subject, or main theme must be female centered. To be considered in a specific category other than best film or performance awards, there must be a female or female-identifying individual in the role. For Best Director, a female or female-identifying individual must be the film's Director.
o Categories: Short, Documentary Short, Animated Short
Imagine This Women's International Film Festival (ITWIFF)
Imagine This Women's International Film Festival (ITWIFF) is dedicated to empowering and showcasing the remarkable talent of independent and emerging women and non-binary filmmakers worldwide. Our core mission is to create a dynamic platform that amplifies their voices and celebrates their creative expressions. Prepare to be captivated by the 10th Edition of the Imagine This Women's Film Festival, where you'll be treated to an extraordinary lineup of fierce, daring, and original films crafted by exceptionally talented women and non-binary filmmakers and storytellers. This event promises not only a feast for your cinematic senses but also engaging Q&A sessions, enlightening educational panels, and thrilling special events, making it an exuberant celebration of creativity and empowerment. The primary goal of the Imagine This Women's Film Festival is to champion women by sharing their work with the public, advocating for equal opportunities for BIPOC women and the LGBTQIA+ community, offering avenues for educational and professional development, and serving as an invaluable resource and information network. ITWIFF enthusiastically invites submissions from women and non-binary filmmakers and storytellers who hold pivotal leadership positions. To be eligible for consideration, at least one woman must occupy key roles such as director, producer, screenwriter, cinematographer, editor, or lead actor, among others. Furthermore, ITWIFF embraces and actively encourages submissions from BIPOC women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, student filmmakers, and storytellers from diverse backgrounds. Our festival is committed to celebrating a wide spectrum of voices and perspectives, with the aim of showcasing the richness of talent from all walks of life. Join us in this exciting cinematic journey of empowerment and diversity at ITWIFF.
o When/Where: September 25-28
o Deadline: May 26 (Late Deadline), June 16 (Extended Deadline), July 7 (Final Deadline)
o Application Fee: $45-$90
o Eligibility: PLEASE ONLY SUBMIT TO ONE CATEGORY, THERE IS NO NEED TO SUBMIT TO MORE THAN ONE**
Please read this agreement carefully before you submit your film. By submitting your film, you expressly acknowledge and agree that you shall be bound by the terms of this agreement.
Screening Fees: Imagine This Women's Film Festival is a non-profit organization and DOES NOT PAY SCREENING FEES FOR UNSOLICITED FILMS.*
Submission Details: Filmmakers need to provide accurate information about their film, including a brief synopsis, credits, production stills, promotional items, and any additional required materials. Please review to ensure all the information submitted is correct.
Promotional Materials: If available, please provide stills from the film, press materials, headshots, and filmography of the director, as well as black & white and/or color video trailer links from Vimeo and YouTube, and social media handles to help promote your selection. Please submit them with your application.
Copyright and Rights Clearance: Films must be free from any legal disputes, and the filmmaker should have obtained all necessary rights for music and exhibition.
Films that are publicly available online (free to screen) may be considered for exhibition during the Festival. Online private screenings through a festival's online program do not count as publicly available online.
o Categories: Feature, Documentary, Short, TV Pilot
Reel Pride LGBTQ+ Film Festival
From grassroots beginnings in a Fresno State classroom, Fresno Reel Pride has evolved into the sixth oldest, and one of the largest, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) film festivals in the United States. Fresno Reel Pride is a celebration of LGBTQ+ cinema and is a premier cultural event in Central California attracting thousands of attendees, filmmakers and stars to its multi- day festival of international feature films, documentaries, and shorts. Fresno Reel Pride is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizatio
o When/Where: September 19-25
o Deadline: June 29 (Regular Deadline), July 27 (Late Deadline)
o Application Fee: $7-$20
o Categories: Feature, Short Films
Image Out Rochester LGBTQ Film Festival
ImageOut is a premier LGBTQ+ film festival in Rochester, NY. We present LGBTQ+ arts and cultural experiences showcasing films, other creative works and artists to promote awareness, foster dialogue and build community. ImageOut is recognized and respected as a major arts and cultural organization in New York State, celebrating and bringing visibility to LGBTQ+ artists and themed work. This year, we are hosting our 33rd annual Fall Film Festival on October 9-19, 2025. We are also hosting our 5th annual First Cut Film Festival on April 24-29, 2025. ImageOut is an Iris Prize partner and is one of the few select LGBTQ+ film festivals from around the world who can outrightly nominate a film for the Iris Prize Shorts Film Competition in Cardiff, Wales. It is one of the richest shorts film competition in the world.
o When/Where: October 9-19
o Deadline: July 25 (Regular Deadline), August 15 (Extended Deadline) September 5 (Late Deadline)
o Application Fee: $7.50-$30
o Eligibility: All films submitted with LGBTQ+ content will be considered for the film lineup selection. Submission fees are non-refundable. Rochester is home to a large hard-of-hearing and deaf community. We encourage filmmakers to provide closed captioning for their films. If your film includes captions (as opposed to subtitles), please contact us for a fee waiver code. Films selected for the lineup are all eligible for the Jury and Audience awards. Submissions should ideally be film works from the last couple of years. Please contact us if your title is older than two years.
o Categories: Feature, Short
San Diego Asian Film Festival
Since 2000, the San Diego Asian Film Festival has been one of the premier platforms for Asian American cinema and has grown into the largest showcase of Asian and Pacific Islander cinema in the western United States. The festival is borne out of the love for independent film and the desire to showcase the diverse Pan Asian experience through film and other arts. SDAFF supports both Asian and non-Asian artists by giving them a venue to showcase their work, and it gives the community access to quality films that otherwise would never show in San Diego.
o When/Where: November 6-15
o Deadline: April 21 (Regular Deadline), June 2 (Late Deadline), June 23 (Extended Deadline: Shorts), July 14 (Extended Deadline: Features)
o Application Fee: $40-$60
o Eligibility: Films/videos entered into competition must be directed or principally acted by an artist of Asian or Pacific Islander descent, or contain subject matter relating to Asian or Pacific Islander cultures or communities. Clarify questions of eligibility prior to submission of entry.
Entries must have been completed after August 1, 2022. For feature-length films, the date of first public premiere (if any) must be after October 1, 2022.
Feature length entries cannot have been previously exhibited in San Diego at another film festival or commercial venue, or be available for broadcast, home video, or online for American audiences, before Nov. 20, 2023.
Each project entered into competition must pay an entry fee. There is no limit to the number of qualifying entries by any entrant so long as an entry form and fee accompanies each entry.
Non-English dialogue must be subtitled in English.
Films/videos cannot be re-entered into competition if previously rejected by the San Diego Asian Film Festival.
Entrants shall obtain all licenses, royalties, and permits necessary to present their work. Entry will assume all costs arising from the use of patented, trademarked, franchised, or copyrighted music, materials, devices, processes, or dramatic rights used in production of work.
Short films previously exhibited on the Internet are eligible for entry.
o Categories: Feature, Short, Documentary, Documentary Short
Women's Comedy Film Festival in Atlanta
The Women's Comedy Film Festival in Atlanta is a theatrical screening event in Atlanta for independent films featuring female filmmakers, actors, directors, writers and producers from all over the world. This is an amazing opportunity to showcase the talent of female directors, writers, actors, and everything in between right here in one of the world's fastest growing film communities. The Women's Comedy Film Festival also recognizes exceptional filmmaking and screenwriting with awards and nominations by our judging panel. Submit your film if you meet AT LEAST ONE of the following requirements:
o When/Where: March 15, 2025
o Deadline: April 30 (April Early Deadline), May 31 (Spring Early Deadline), July 31 (Summer Early Deadline), August 31 (Labor Day Deadline), September 30 (Fall Early Deadline), November 30 (Regular Deadline), December 31 (Late Deadline), January 31 (Final Deadline)
o Application Fee: $22.50-$50
o Eligibility: Script writers, in addition to submitting your script to the festival we also provide optional script coverage. Script coverage with our festival includes the price of your submission fee. Your work will be analyzed by a Cinema Life filmmaker who's produced award-winning films, has extensive writing experience, and also understands the indie way of filmmaking.
o Categories: Feature, Animated, Documentary, Comedy Short
SF Queer Film Festival
Our festival is looking for ground-breaking indie films by under-represented Queer storytellers. Unlike the older LGBTQIA+ film festivals, we do not adhere to the status quo and offer an alternate platform for out-of-the-box thinkers and content creators. We do not disqualify films based on premiere status or date of completion. We select films on merit and not based on the names attached to the project. This festival is created by filmmakers for filmmakers.
o When/Where: August 22-24
o Deadline: May 30 (Regular Deadline), June 21 (Late Deadline)
o Application Fee: $20-$55
o Eligibility: Film must be directed by LGBTQI+ individual(s).
Subject matter should be related to the LGBTQI+ community.
Films streaming on VOD platforms and Youtube/Vimeo are NOT eligible.
o Categories: Feature, Short, Documentary, Music Video
Peach Theatre and Film Festival
The PEACH Theatre and Film Intl. Festival is a unique and rare experience that merge two beautiful genres of arts and entertainment. Both theatre and film, showcasing a series of short films and selected plays, in one of the world's most famous cities, internationally known for being the home of entertainment. Los Angeles, California. Our mission is to select films and plays based on content, quality, and merit. It is also our volition to honor the creatives selected, with integrity and respect for their hard work, discipline and sacrifice to get their productions completed and ready for display. As playwrights, filmmakers and entertainment professionals ourselves, we understand what it takes, and for that reason, we salute you! Continue history with us!
o When/Where: November 12
o Deadline: April 5 (Early Bird Deadline), June 10 (Regular Deadline), September 25 (Late Deadline)
o Application Fee: $35-$55
o Eligibility: Trailers must be included in your FilmFreeway submission, to be considered for official selection.
We do not accept student films or "Works in progress."
Films must have been released, no earlier than January '2020
Those who submit films, must own the rights to the film, own the rights or have proper clearance for the original or selected music featured in the film, and footage.
All Non English films submitted, must include English captions.
This festival reserves the right to make amendments/revisions to the event itinerary, or postpone due to possible/forthcoming COVID-19 restrictions.
By submitting: You consent for our festival to use still shots and/or footage from your play or film, for promotional purposes.
We do not pay screening fees to films selected to screen in our festival.
o Categories: Short Film
The Women's Independent Film Festival
The Women's Independent Film Festival is a chance to share and celebrate greatness in the world of female filmmaking. Our incredible community ranges from directors, to producers, to screenwriters, to actors, to content creators! Whatever the medium: We build this festival to shed light, deliver opportunity and celebrate the achievements of women in the world of filmmaking, storytelling and beyond! We're going into our 3rd year celebrating the Women's Independent Film Festival and we're so excited for this year's work, partnerships, competitions and more. Whether a finalist or not, all officially selected filmmakers will be invited to join us at the Women's Independent Film Festival for screenings, networking, resources, collaboration, learning, partnerships and for our official premieres and awards ceremony blocks. The Women's Independent Film Festival was created to encourage female content creators with unique backgrounds to share their stories/ The festival will promote the work of women filmmakers and recognize them globally for their achievements in film. Women have to be involved in the creation of ALL submitted films! That can be either as directors, producers, writers, performers, etc. Just as long as they were involved in the creation of the submitted work.
o When/Where: October 9-12
o Deadline: March 31 (March Deadline), April 30 (April Deadline), May 31 (May Deadline), June 30 (June Deadline), July 31 (Regular Deadline), September 1 (Final Deadline)
o Application Fee: $10-$60
o Eligibility: All entries should be sent via FilmFreeway with a secure online screener. Each accepted film must be submitted in the .mp4 or .mov format, preferably. By submitting to the festival you confirm that you own the rights of the film, including the rights to the music in the film. By submitting to the festival you give consent to the festival programming staff to screen your work in front of the private audience of the Women's Independent Film Festival community. There is no minimum running time. Films must have been completed on or after Jan 1st, 2019. All genres are welcome Filmmakers may submit multiple entries as long as each film is submitted with its own Entry Form, online screener and paid Entry Fee.
o Categories: Shorts, Feature Film, Documentary, Animated
Chelsea Film Festival
The Chelsea Film Festival (CFF) has been selected in the "TOP 10 BEST FILM FESTIVAL IN NORTH AMERICA" (#6) by USA Today in 2019 among 19 other film festivals in the USA.CFF is an organization dedicated to supporting films and the artists who create them by providing a creative forum for exchange and discovery with the public. The Festival attracts filmmakers, artists and audience members from across North America and around the globe. It premieres independent feature-length, documentaries and short films with a Global Focus. Chelsea Film Festival aims to raise an awareness about foreign independent films and discover upcoming talents. The Chelsea Film Festival is an international film platform for world lovers.
o When/Where: October 15-29
o Deadline: March 31 (Official Deadline), May 31 (Late Deadline), July 6 (Extended Deadline)
o Application Fee: $9-$100
o Eligibility: Entries must be New York City premieres and have been completed in 2021 or 2022. Films shown in other festivals or public screenings in New York are not eligible for consideration. Contact us directly at info@chelseafilm.org if your film is a WORLD PREMIERE.
o Categories: Feature, Short, Documentary, Documentary Short, Animation
Los Angeles Asian Film Festival
Los Angeles Asian Film Awards, originally called Las Vegas Asian Film Awards (LVAFA), was an independent festival that resides beneath the umbrella of AOF MegaFest, which is in its 19th year, is the largest film event of its kind in the world. Held in Las Vegas at the Premiere Theaters and Locations, the show regularly exceeds 20,000 guests and attendees. After a first successful annual event in Las Vegas with the legendary AOF MegaFest in summer 2021, it moved to Los Angeles, the center of the world film industry. Opportunities at Los Angeles Asian Film Awards are literally like no other in the world; Los Angeles Asian Film Awards can put more resources together and offer a wide variety of industry guests, seminar speakers, and panelists. We invite you to join festival director, Award-Winning Filmmaker and Writer Lureen Wu and honorable judge, director Roger Christiansen ("Friends," "Hannah Montana," "Tango Down") as they bring you a selection of pure Asian Cinema for Screenings and Awards. The situation surrounding COVID-19 has caused much pain in the film and entertainment industries, and no group has been affected more than Asian Filmmakers, Writers, and Creators. The Los Angeles Asian Film Awards is a hub and platform for Asian filmmakers to have their works seen and voices heard. Festival Director Lureen Wu was born and raised in Shanghai, China. She worked as a TV director in Shanghai for years, including TV documentaries, TV commercials, celebrity talk shows, and music videos. Early in her career in Shanghai, Lureen worked with the Emmy Award-winning television interviewer, Nancy Merrill, in the English talk show "Nancy Merrill: Minds of Millionaires" on the international channel of Shanghai TV Station(SMG) and CCTV NEWS. After moving to the United States, Lureen continued pursuing her career in film. She worked with filmmakers who are part of some best-known movies and TV shows such as Friends, Les Misérables（2012), The Big Bang Theory, Saw, Sex and The City, Iron Man 2, Grey's Anatomy, The Princess Diaries, Stranger Things, Game of Thrones......Our Festival is open to ALL Asian filmmakers, talents, and writers of all genres and lengths.
o When/Where: December 13
o Deadline: March 31 (Early Bird Deadline), May 31 (Regular Early Deadline), June 30 (Regular Deadline), July 31 (Regular Late Deadline), August 31 (Late Deadline), September 30 (Extended Deadline) November 15 (Final Deadline)
o Application Fee: $40-$55
o Eligibility: We are Accepting submissions for feature Narrative and Documentary, short Narrative and Documentary, Music Videos, TV Commercials, short/feature scripts. All genres are welcome. The festival programming staff will place your film in the appropriate category. To Enter for Competition your film or Project must have a writer, producer, talent or director of Asian descent in order to be eligible for awards.
o Categories: Feature, Short, Documentary, Documentary Short, Animation
New York Lift-Off Film Festival
For over ten years Lift-Off has been screening in the city of New York. It stands tall as the central hub of creative ambition. Bursting from its emergence out of the 20th Century as one of the worlds most recognizable and iconic cities. It is an undeniable powerhouse of independent art - a city of massive cultural, and business relevance to the entire film industry. Lift-Off invites filmmakers to this exceptional showcase location, that aims to deliver more opportunities for ambitious creatives to build their professional lives. From talent agencies, sales agents, distributors, and the press - New York Lift-Off is the destination for filmmakers looking to build their career, and have the right eyes on their work. The audience feedback in NYC will give filmmakers a unique, quantifiable and intelligent breakdown as to how their work communicates.
o When/Where: July 1-31
o Deadline: March 4 (March), April 2 (Regular), May 5 (Late), June 3 (Final)
o Application Fee: $18-$100
o Eligibility: If you pay a submission fee, we will screen your work. Our programme's are separated into categories based on your content's level of storytelling, production value, message and acting. During the festival we have two voting committees - our professional jury and the general public. IMPORTANT NOTE: Our online festivals are NOT a pay for vote platform. If you invite your friends and family to watch either the physical or online screenings it is encouraged that they engage with as much of the content as possible and vote accordingly. This is why two votes are always counted from each audience member with both votes resulting in 1 point for each film. We are doing our best to invite new and exciting audiences to genuine indie film content - if you can encourage your audiences to do the same we will build a wonderful network of opportunity for all, no matter where you are starting out. Proudly, we have no other restrictions for your work. This includes your work's premier status, it's age and/or whether your work has been made available online
o Categories: Feature, Short, Animated, Documentary
Manhattan Short Film Festival
During one week of the year over 100,000 film-lovers gather in over 500 Cinemas across 6 Continents to view and vote on the Finalists Films' in the 25th Annual MANHATTAN SHORT Film Festival - MANHATTAN SHORT is more than just one of the largest short film festivals in the world....it's the World's First Global Film Festival. If making short films is about getting your work out there, nothing compares to MANHATTAN SHORT.
o When/Where: September 25 - October 5
o Deadline: July 31 (Regular Deadline)
o Application Fee: $30-$50
o Eligibility: Films Must Be 20 Minutes and Under in Length.
o Categories: Short Film, Screenplay, Music Video
East Village Queer Film Festival
East Village Queer Film Festival (EVQ) celebrates queer film in all it's glorious diversity. We welcome filmmakers who entertain, explore and promote queer-themed issues and as well as the downtown avant garde. EVQ's further goal is community building through queer cinema. EVQ promotes the work of queer film and fosters a highly inclusive environment for all artists. You don't have to be LGBTQ+ to submit your film but you do have to be Queer!
o When/Where: August 20-24
o Deadline: February 14 (Early Bird Deadline), April 1 (Regular Deadline), May 5 (Late Deadline), June 9 (Extended Deadline)
o Application Fee: $30-50
o Eligibility:You don't have to be LGBTQ+ to submit your film but you do have to be Queer!
o Categories: Feature, Short, Music Video
WRPN Women's International Film Festival
Welcome to the WRPN Women's International Film Festival, where distribution and feedback opportunities abound for films made by women or films that carry subjects relating to concerns about women's issues. WWIFF is a sister festival to the Depth of Field International Film Festival, a FilmFreeway "Top 100 Reviewed" festival alumni. Distribution: over the years, our sister festivals have sent hundreds of films and screenplays to 3 established Distribution companies who have already signed contracts with dozens of our filmmakers. WWIFF now operates with that same advantage! These distributors do not take unsolicited submissions; your top award-winning with WWIFF gets you into our private distributor review group. This is a Free Service provided exclusively to our top winners. Don't forget Feedback: The one element most festivals ignore.
o When/Where: May 9, 2026
o Deadline: January 31 (Regular Deadline), March 31 (Late Deadline), May 31 (Extended Deadline), August 31 (Last Chance Deadline)
o Application Fee: $36-$80
o Eligibility: While WWIFF is a female-focused film festival, we will also accept films produced and/or directed by men if one or more self-identifying top production members are female (including but not limited to cinematographers, producers, writers, editors, or films featuring a strong female presence on screen). We will not exclude films directed by men if the topic is significant to women and women's issues. WWIFF is granted the right to use an excerpt from any film submitted and accepted for competition at the festival for promotional purposes. A clip of winning entries may also be streamed on the WWIFF.COM website and WRPN.TV.
o Categories: Feature, Short, Documentary, Screenplay
The Her Vision International Film Festival
We welcome filmmakers and screenwriters from around the world! We accept feature films and shorts as well as feature-length and short scripts. Our main goal is equality and empowerment in the cinematic arts. The Her Vision International Film Festival is here to highlight the achievements of women and female-identifying directors, writers, editors and producers. In addition to our mission of equality, we also underscore the importance of unity. For example, our first year's Feature Film Winner was a female producer/writer with a male director. We also welcome and encourage LGBTQ creatives. You may submit a screenplay or a film if you are a male or male-identifying director or writer if your story shows a female with some agency or shows the plight of being a female or a member of the LGBTQ community. We are here to encourage and empower creatives regardless of gender. If you have questions as to whether you or your project qualifies, feel free to reach out; Caterinacampagna26@gmail.com. What also makes our festival stand out is that we have a Rewrite and Re-edit section. Screenwriters know that writing is rewriting and filmmakers know that shooting the ending that you really want is sometimes only possible after a deadline. To that end, we offer you a chance to resubmit your work with a half-off your original submission fee discount. Thank you for bringing your passion to the table!
o When/Where: June 20
o Deadline: January 22 (Regular Deadline), February 28 (Spring Into Gear), March 20 (Halfway Home), April 20 (Lights), May 15 (Camera), June 8 (Action)
o Application Fee: $8-55
o Eligibility: your screenplay is written in Italian or Spanish they will be accepted.
All screenplays must be submitted as a pdf.
The writer of the project or an authorized party is the only person who can submit a project.
For the Her Vision International Film Festival, 50 pages and above is considered a feature-length screenplay. Of course, under 50 pages is a short screenplay.
Stage plays will be accepted at this festival.
SHORT and FEATURE LENGTH scripts get COVERAGE WITH 1 Page of NOTES
The runtime for a short film is 49 minutes or less.
Music Videos will be considered short films.
Commercials will also be considered short films.
If you have a half-hour TV pilot, that will fit into the shorts category. Half-hour Web Series are also eligible for short film consideration.
If your project is in a language other than English, Italian or Spanish, please make sure that it is subtitled in English.
If your project is chosen to be screened it must be sent in as a DVD.Projects over 50 minutes are considered feature-length films. Fiction and documentaries are welcome. *43-48 minute TV pilots will be eligible for this category.* If your project is in a language other than English, Italian or Spanish, please make sure that it is subtitled in English. If your project is chosen to be screened at the live event it must be sent in as a DVD.
o Categories: Short Film, Feature Film
The Women's Independent Film & Television Festival
The Women's Independent Film & Television Festival is a chance to share and celebrate greatness in the world of female filmmaking. Our incredible community ranges from directors, to producers, to screenwriters, to actors, to content creators! Whatever the medium: We build this festival to shed light, deliver opportunity and celebrate the achievements of women in the world of filmmaking, storytelling and beyond! We're going into our 3rd year celebrating The Women's Independent Film & Television Festival and we're so excited for this year's work, partnerships, competitions and more. Whether a finalist or not, all officially selected filmmakers will be invited to join us at the Women's Independent Film Awards for screenings, networking, resources, collaboration, learning, partnerships and for our official premieres and awards ceremony blocks. The Women's Independent Film & Television Festival was created to encourage female content creators with unique backgrounds to share their stories/ The festival will promote the work of women filmmakers and recognize them globally for their achievements in film. Women have to be involved in the creation of ALL submitted films! That can be either as directors, producers, writers, performers, etc. Just as long as they were involved in the creation of the submitted work.
o When/Where: October 9-12
o Deadline: November 30 (November Deadline), January 31 (January Deadline), March 1 (February Deadline), March 31 (March Deadline), April 30 (April Deadline), May 31 (May Deadline), June 30 (Regular Deadline), July 31 (Regular Deadline), September 1 (Final Deadline)
o Application Fee: $10-52
o Eligibility: All entries should be sent via FilmFreeway with a secure online screener.
Each accepted film must be submitted in the .mp4 or .mov format, preferably.
By submitting to the festival you confirm that you own the rights of the film, including the rights to the music in the film.
By submitting to the festival you give consent to the festival programming staff to screen your work in front of the private audience of the Women's Independent Film Festival community.
There is no minimum running time.
Submission fees are non-refundable
Films must have been completed on or after Jan 1st, 2019.
All genres are welcome
Filmmakers may submit multiple entries as long as each film is submitted with its own Entry Form, online screener and paid Entry Fee.
o Categories: Short Film, Feature Film, Documentary, Experimental
Atlanta Women's Film Festival
The Atlanta Women's Film Festival is a live screening of short films and table read events that takes place in Atlanta, GA. This event is an amazing opportunity to promote female filmmakers, directors, writers, producers, actors, and female-centered storylines to our incredibly supportive film community. There will be live screening blocks of films with Q&As with the filmmakers, table reads for the screenplays in our competition, live panels with influential women in the film industry, and networking events for anyone that would like to attend. Script writers, in addition to submitting your script to the festival we also provide optional script coverage. Script coverage with our festival includes the price of your submission fee. Your work will be analyzed by a Cinema Life filmmaker who's produced award-winning films, has extensive writing experience, and also understands the indie way of filmmaking.
o When/Where: October 12
o Deadline: November 30 (Early Bird Deadline), December 31 (Holiday Deadline), January 31 (New Year Deadline), February 28 (Regular Deadline), March 31 (Spring Deadline), April 30 (Late Deadline), May 31 (Extended Late Deadline), July 31 (Final Deadline)
o Application Fee: $15-60
o Eligibility: Please fully fill out your submission profile to avoid hold-ups in the judging process. Points may be taken off of overall scores for incomplete profiles.
o Categories: Short Film, Feature Film, Documentary, Animated, Music Video, Podcast
The Women's Independent Film Festival
The Women's Independent Film Festival is a chance to share and celebrate greatness in the world of female filmmaking. Our incredible community ranges from directors, to producers, to screenwriters, to actors, to content creators! Whatever the medium: We build this festival to shed light, deliver opportunity and celebrate the achievements of women in the world of filmmaking, storytelling and beyond! We're going into our 3rd year celebrating the Women's Independent Film Festival and we're so excited for this year's work, partnerships, competitions and more. Whether a finalist or not, all officially selected filmmakers will be invited to join us at the Women's Independent Film Festival for screenings, networking, resources, collaboration, learning, partnerships and for our official premieres and awards ceremony blocks. The Women's Independent Film Festival was created to encourage female content creators with unique backgrounds to share their stories/ The festival will promote the work of women filmmakers and recognize them globally for their achievements in film. Women have to be involved in the creation of ALL submitted films! That can be either as directors, producers, writers, performers, etc. Just as long as they were involved in the creation of the submitted work.
o When/Where: October 9-12 2025
o Deadline: October 30 (October Deadline), November 30 (November Deadline), January 31 (January Deadline), March 1 (February Deadline), March 31 (March Deadline), April 30 (April Deadline), May 31 (May Deadline), June 30 (June Deadline), July 31 (Regular Deadline), September 1 (Final Deadline)
o Application Fee: $10-$60
o Eligibility: All entries should be sent via FilmFreeway with a secure online screener. Each accepted film must be submitted in the .mp4 or .mov format, preferably. By submitting to the festival you confirm that you own the rights of the film, including the rights to the music in the film. By submitting to the festival you give consent to the festival programming staff to screen your work in front of the private audience of the Women's Independent Film Festival community. There is no minimum running time. Films must have been completed on or after Jan 1st, 2019. All genres are welcome Filmmakers may submit multiple entries as long as each film is submitted with its own Entry Form, online screener and paid Entry Fee.
o Categories: Shorts, Feature Film, Documentary, Animated
ONSCREEN
'Progeny,' Lead & Supporting Roles - Nationwide Casting
Casting the two lead roles and six actors (who can work in Chicago locally) for big supporting roles for "Progeny," a sci-fi thriller/body horror feature film. Note: Damian Bao Casting.
o Roles: Various
o Rate: $$436 / day (no duration provided) - $6,056 (est. 4 weeks of work)
OFFSCREEN
The Women Talking to Women About Anything Other than a Man Screenplay Contest
Film is frustratingly still focused on men talking or talking about men. The Women Talking to Women About Anything Other than a Man Screenplay Contest is simple: write a short screenplay of 15 pages or less in which the female/gender diverse characters talk about something that's not a man. Genre, subject matter, themes, and all the creative choices are up to you! Open to writers of all experience levels, this contest gives writers of every gender the opportunity to share their creativity through inclusive storytelling. In a film industry where such perspectives are often overlooked, this contest provides an important platform for diverse storytelling, encouraging fresh narratives and challenging traditional norms in filmmaking.
o When/Where: September 2
o Deadline: June 6 (Regular Deadline), July 27 (Late Deadline)
o Application Fee: $15-$25
o Eligibility: Format: All submissions must be in standard screenplay format, using a 12-point Courier font, with proper industry-standard page layout and margins.
File Type: Submit your screenplay as a PDF document only.
Page Count: Screenplays should be no more than 15 pages, not including the title page.
Standard title pages should be included: listing the script title, name of author(s), telephone number, and email address. Applicants will not be disqualified if it is not included.
Under no circumstances should the writer include name or contact information within the body of the script.
Content Requirements:
Originality: All submitted scripts must be original works, not previously produced or published in any form, and not adapted from another writer's work (regardless of whether or not they have the underlying rights to said work), and not containing any content generated by AI.
Genre: While all genres are accepted, in order to conform with the rules of this contest, you must have:
Dialogue: At least two characters who are women (who identify as women or gender diverse), talk to each other in at least one scene, about something OTHER than a man, or men.
Scripts that have been sold, produced for a profit, or are currently under option are not eligible.
Adaptations of works in the public domain are permissible.
Writers retain the rights to their screenplay. If the writer so desires to protect their work, it is their sole responsibility to register material to be submitted with the U.S. Copyright Office and/or with the Writer's Guild of America or the appropriate agency in their country.
There are no refunds for any reason after submission. The writer understands and accepts without reservation that they are an independent contractor, and that Administrators are not responsible for withholding any taxes or payments to any government agency, at any level, be it state, local or federal.
To submit your materials and be considered you must agree to the Rules.
o Categories: Short Narrative Script
New York Script Awards
𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐘𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐒𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐩𝐭 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 is an 𝐈𝐌𝐃𝐛-𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 that presents the best screenwriters in the world. As one of the few screenwriting competitions, it organizes the LIVE TABLE READING category, where the best screenplay will be read by professional actors and director Ronika Merl, with the participation of the winning screenwriter.
o When/Where: August 4-6
o Deadline: June 5 (Late Deadline), July 17 (Final Deadline)
o Application Fee: $54-99
o Eligibility: All scripts must be in English.
Multiple entries from the same submitter are accepted.
The decision of the festival selection committee will be final.
Scripts that are submitted must be the entrant's original work and shall not infringe on any copyrights or any other rights of any third parties.
The organizers reserve the right not to award any or all of the prizes.
Organizers have the right to use film posters or your photos on public social networks to promote your project and our festival.
By submitting your project, you agree to receive marketing emails from our partner festivals.
o Categories: Feature, Short, TV Pilot, Screenplay, Treatment
Script Awards Los Angeles
Since 2016, we awarded 167 authors and selected an additional 563 authors. We reward ideas, talent, and narrative structure. The script is the core of any project. We want to enlighten the unique talent of writing and the original skill of storytelling, regardless of the genre and style. The Script Awards Los Angeles is an International script and authors competition. The contest was previously named the Script Showcase.
o When/Where: July 30
o Deadline: June 4 (Deadline 5), June 25 (Deadline 6), July 22 (Deadline 7)
o Application Fee: $5-80
o Eligibility: Every submission MUST come with: at least a logline or best: a 10 lines synopsis (in "overview"), an author biography, City / State. THESE ELEMENTS ARE MANDATORY Cherry on top: a writer's note or short letter of intent is greatly appreciated by the judges.
o Categories: Feature, Short
The Ryan Hudak LGBTQ+ Dramatic Writing Award
The Ryan Hudak LGBTQ+ Dramatic Writing Award is open to New York State playwrights and screenwriters, including those who live within the five boroughs of New York City.
o Deadline: June 17
o Application Fee: None
o Eligibility: Applicants must meet the following criteria:
Must be a working playwright or screenwriter. Acceptable forms of playwriting or screenwriting include stageplays, screenplays, teleplays, libretti, radio plays, and audio dramas. No audio is accepted.
Must self-identify as LGBTQ+.
Must be a current full-time resident of New York State for a minimum of 12 months at the time applications close.
Must be at least 25 years of age at the time the application closes.
Cannot be enrolled in a degree-seeking program of any kind.
Can be past recipients of any NYFA grant or fellowship programs, except past recipients of the The Ryan Hudak LGBTQ+ Dramatic Writing Award.
Cannot be a NYFA employee, members of the NYFA Board of Trustees or Artists' Advisory Committee, and/or an immediate family member of any of the above.
o Contact: apply@nyfa.org
LA Independent Women in Film Awards
LA Independent Women Film Awards focuses on international and U.S. film and script projects of all genres. Every season, the IMDb qualifying fest recognizes projects with a female producer, director, lead actress, writer, cinematographer, editor, composer, etc. All topics related to women's thoughts, women's fate, life conditions, women's views and so on are welcome to participate. All the winners will be promoted through various online magazines in California and can request to receive certificates and laurels. All the winners can request for screening through our festival. Our mission is designed to help create a platform for our filmmakers to be seen, but more importantly, get them the industry exposure to help sustain their craft for many years to come.The members of our jury will be award winning artists working in media from all over the world. All the award winners can request to be a jury member of a new edition of the festival in order to vote for one of the categories. LA Independent Women Film Awards is an outstanding event for promoting female artists working in media from all over the world.
o When/Where: July 20
o Deadline: March 30 (Regular Deadline), June 30 (Final Deadline)
o Application Fee: $30-$60
Swordfish Productions Pictures
Swordfish Productions Pictures is interviewing for the following Crew positions for an $80,000 Live-Action Short in New York.
o Roles: DP/Lighting, Picture Editor/Color, Sound Recorder/Mixer/Editor, Script Sup/Production Designer, 1stAD, Wardrobe/Hair/Makeup, Crafty, 2 PAs.
o Submission Guidelines: Please email 1-2 page Current Resume with 2 Biz Refs all contact info to SPECIALFILM@gmail.com.
New York Screenwriting Awards
New York Screenwriting Awards, is an international screenplay competition based in New York. Screenwriters who would need recognition to be able to contact agents and producers can submit their screenplays. New York Screenwriting Awards has four editions per year. Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter editions. Winners will be announced on the NewY work Screenwriting Awards website, via emails, and FilmFreeway. Winners of each category will receive a prestigious digital certificate and the official laurel. New York Screenwriting Awards has been run by MAE Media House, one of the most prestigious creative writing consultancies in New York, since 2015.
o When/Where: June 20
o Application Fee: $28-80
o Deadline: April 5 (Early Bird Deadline), May 5 (Regular Deadline), June 15 (Extended Deadline)
o Eligibility: All entries must be uploaded in PDF format. (www.freepdfconvert.com)
All entries must be submitted in English, formatted in 12-point courier font.
You may submit your entry via FilmFreeway. No preference will be given to either method of submission.
Entries must be received by the applicable Entry Deadline.
NEW YORK SCREENWRITING AWARDS will not share your screenplay with anyone except the official judges of the competition.
By entering the NEW YORK SCREENWRITING AWARDS you represent that your entry is your original work, and does not infringe on the copyright or other rights of other people.
Entry fees are non-refundable.
We do not accept hardcopy submissions by mail.
The decisions of the judges are final.
NEW YORK SCREENWRITING AWARDS reserves the right to make any necessary changes, postponements, or cancellations to event scheduling at our discretion.
To enter the NEW YORK SCREENWRITING AWARDS, you must agree to its Terms and Conditions.
o Categories: Feature Script, Short Script
Hollywood Storytellers Script Competition
The Hollywood Storytellers Script Competition (formerly The LA International Script Competition) is an annual event where outstanding Feature, Short, and TV Pilot Scripts are evaluated and placed in our all-inclusive genre contest. One writer from each genre and medium will be awarded the genre winner of their respective category. One feature screenplay writer, one short screenplay writer, and one TV pilot script writer will advance and receive the overall "grand prize winner" title. Call for entries open in January and close in November with announcements and subsequent information to follow. If you have a produced script, we'd be delighted to invite you to submit to our sister competition: The Hollywood Storytellers Film Festival
o When/Where: March 21-22
o Application Fee: $28-80
o Deadline: May 31 (Regular Deadline), July 31 (Extended Deadline), September 30 (Last Call Deadline), November 2 (Final Deadline)
o Categories: Feature Script, Short Script
Hollywood Cineverse Screenplay Competition
What's your story? THE HOLLYWOOD CINEVERSE SCREENPLAY COMPETITION would like to know! Our competition welcomes emerging writers, celebrates diversity, and upholds the collective experience of enjoying cinema. We're a small-scale, indie screenplay competition that meets for annual gatherings in the heart of Hollywood, Los Angeles. Part of an alliance of indie festivals around the world, this is a great opportunity to get your work seen both in the U.S. and globally. Official selections of our festival are screened each year at trendy venues in Los Angeles. Writers are encouraged to join us at these events for Q&As, an awards presentation, and an opportunity to mingle with an enthusiastic audience. Selected works have the opportunity to win a variety of awards, accolades, distribution opportunities, and prizes (see below). Our awards are IMDb certified! We welcome scripts from all over the world, and of all genres. We accept short, feature, and pilot scripts up to 120 pages long. Come, grab a drink with friends, and check out the latest scripts from L.A. and across the globe. We pride ourselves on a diverse and open community who loves indie cinema of all kinds. When you submit to our festival you enter into a local filmmaking and film loving community. Join CINEVERSE, submit your script, and get your work seen! It all starts here
o When/Where: September 19
o Deadline: January 31 (New Season Deadline), February 28 (Early Bird Deadline), March 31 (End of Winter Deadline), April 30 (Late Submission Deadline), May 31 (Extended Deadline), June 30 (Final Call, Final Decisions)
o Application Fee: $30-50
o Categories: Feature Script, Short Script
Torch Literary Arts
Torch Literary Arts welcomes submissions of original creative work by Black women writers. We are interested in work that challenges and disrupts preconceived notions of what contemporary writing by Black women should be. Your stories and poems are valuable and necessary. Write freely and submit what you are excited to share with the world. Submissions are accepted for Friday Features only. We accept submissions on a rolling basis. Simultaneous submissions to other journals are welcome as long as they are identified as such and we are notified immediately upon acceptance elsewhere.
o Deadline: Rolling Basis
o Application Fee: No Fee
o Eligibility: Include a one (1) page cover letter noting the title(s) of the work(s) submitted.
Upload your text submission as a Word (DOC, DOCX) or portable document format/PDF (PDF).
Typed, double-spaced (poetry may be single-spaced) pages.
Numbered pages.
Margins should be set at no less than 1" and no greater than 1.5".
Poetry: submit up to five (5) poems totaling no more than eight (8) pages.
Fiction, Hybrid genre: 12-point font. No more than ten (10) pages or 2500 words (whichever is achieved first). Excerpts of longer works are welcome if self-contained.
Drama/Screenwriting: submit one act or a collection of short scenes no longer than ten (10) pages. Excerpts of longer works are welcome if self-contained. Indicate if a performance video or dramatic audio reading will be available with the text submission if selected.
Restrictions: We do not reprint previously published work for TORCH Friday Features.
o Categories: Scripts
A24
Based in NY and LA, A24 is the Academy Award-winning film and TV studio behind feature films such as Minari, Midsommar, Moonlight, Ex Machina, Uncut Gems, and this summer's Zola and The Green Knight. A24 TV productions include the Emmy-winning series Euphoria for HBO starring Zendaya, Hulu series Ramy from Golden Globe-winner Ramy Youssef, the eponymous variety series from viral comedy sensation Ziwe for Showtime, the forthcoming Joseph Gordon-Levitt Apple series Mr. Corman, and the Netflix anthology series Beef starring Oscar nominee Steven Yeun and Ali Wong.
o Seeking: Various Roles
o Location: Los Angeles, CA & New York, NY
o Website: https://a24films.com/jobs
The Kate Spade New York Foundation
o To honor Kate Spade's legacy of empowering and inspiring women and girls, the National Council for Behavioral Health is excited to provide complimentary Mental Health First Aid training to communities throughout the five boroughs of New York City and New Jersey and in partnership with organizations that specifically support these populations.
What is Mental Health First Aid?
Just as CPR helps you assist an individual having a heart attack, Mental Health First Aid helps you assist someone experiencing a mental health or substance use-related crisis. In the Mental Health First Aid course, you learn risk factors and warning signs for mental health and addiction concerns, strategies for how to help someone in both crisis and non-crisis situations, and where to turn for help.
The National Council for Behavioral Health shares Kate Spade New York Foundation's belief in "the power of women to transform their communities" through empowerment. In support of this mission, we are offering through a competitive application process, select Mental Health First Aid and Youth Mental Health First Aid training, fully funded!
o Location: New York, NY
o Website
FUNDING
Roy W. Dean Grants
Now entering its fourth decade, the Roy W. Dean Film Grants fund independent feature films, documentaries, web series, and short films with budgets of $500,000 or less that are unique and make a contribution to society that, without its help, might otherwise never get made.
o Deadline: April 29 (Short Film Grant), June 30th (Roy W Grant - Summer), October 31 (Roy W Grant - Fall), November 30 (Carole Dorothy Joyce Grant)
o Application Fee: None
o Eligibility:we want a one page synopsis (or outline) of the film and the first 10 pages of your script. Please be sure also include the following:
Style, format and approach to the material, including any distinct visual or technical elements.
What are your plans for distribution?
Are you the producer, director, what?
How is this project unique and how does this project benefit society?
What is your relationship to the material?
List name and position of proposed key production personnel (producer, director, cinematographer, editor, etc.) List their relevant experience or credits.
o Contact: artistdevelopment@filmindependent.org
Artslink International Fellowship
The ArtsLink International Fellowship program prioritizes applicants whose social practices seek to actively engage communities on issues related to the current climate emergency and human rights. We will actively encourage artists and arts leaders whose work is making a vital contribution to furthering people's awareness, understanding, and active participation in environmental and/or social justice issues. Additionally, we will prioritize artists recently displaced from or still working in Afghanistan and Ukraine.
o Deadline: Letter of Inquiry deadline will be announced in January 2025 Fellowships take place in 2026: online research in May and in person residencies in the US in October-November
o Application Fee: None
o Eligibility: CEC ArtsLink welcomes applications from contemporary artists, curators, and arts leaders whose work is shaped by community engagement and social practice strategies, and informed by our most urgent local and global issues. We welcome applications from artists of any generation and invite those with both traditional and non-traditional artistic backgrounds. Applicants must be citizens of one of our network countries. If you are living outside the region, please indicate where you are currently based. Please note that an ability to communicate both verbally and in written English will be essential to success in the program. Undergraduate students and research scholars are not eligible. Arts leaders/curators must be affiliated with an arts organization in the non-commercial sector or work as individual independent arts professionals. Artists seeking placement in commercial firms are ineligible. ArtsLink International Fellows from prior years are not eligible to reapply.
Sloan Distribution Grant
The Sloan Distribution Grant is a $50,000 grant awarded by Film Independent to a film that is entering its distribution phase. Eligible films must depict themes, stories and ase.
o Contact: artistdevelopment@filmindependent.org
Panavision New Filmmaker Program
Panavision believes in helping students and beginning filmmakers achieve their dreams. More than 25 years ago, Panavision launched the New Filmmaker Program, an ongoing grant program that loans camera packages to film schools, training programs, and independent filmmakers – at little or no charge. Panavision's commitment to the industry's future provides student and beginning filmmakers the opportunity to work with professional grade equipment early in their careers.
o Deadline: Rolling
o Application Fee: Free
o Eligibility: Submit your proposals at least two months before you plan to shoot. Due to the high demand for Panavision cameras and equipment, it is essential that you plan ahead and contact us early.
Proposal materials will not be returned.
The New Filmmaker Program does not discriminate as to the nature of the project that can receive equipment grants. Any form, from experimental to documentary to musical to traditional narrative, is welcome.
Camera grants are available only for productions in the United States. Customs laws make transportation of cameras out of the US prohibitive. No exceptions.
The New Filmmaker Program will not allow cameras to be used on projects that perpetuate racial or sexual stereotypes and prejudices. Pornography is absolutely unacceptable.
Grant recipients must obtain insurance from an outside insurance agent. Students can generally have the school issue the necessary policies. Plan ahead! This can take several weeks to implement. The process varies from school to school, so check with your film department. Productcharacters grounded in real science, technology or economics.
o Contact: nfp@panavision.com
Catapult Film Fund
Catapult Film Fund provides development funding to documentary filmmakers who have a compelling story to tell, have secured access to their story, and are ready to shoot and edit a piece for production fundraising purposes. Our mission is to enable filmmakers to develop their films to the next level at a moment where funding is hard to find.
o Deadline: Rolling
o Application Fee: Free
o Eligibility: Applicants must be 18 years of age or older. Catapult does not fund student films.
Documentaries must be 28 minutes or longer in length. We do not fund series.
Animation is okay. Documentary/narrative hybrids will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Development funds must specifically be used for the process of completing a fundraising piece, which may include writing, shooting and editing once story and characters are in place.
Applicants must own the copyright of their production, and have artistic, budgetary and editorial control over their project.
Applicants should preferably have previous film or television production experience in a principal role (director, co-director, producer, co-producer) as demonstrated by submitting a previously completed work sample.
Applicants who have not yet produced or directed their own feature length documentary should demonstrate that they will be working with an experienced filmmaker in a principal role.
Catapult only makes grants to 501(c)(3) organizations. In most cases, this will mean getting a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor for the project. A film production company or individual, including applicants from outside the US, may submit an application without a fiscal sponsor in place. Please see the FAQ section for more details.
o Contact: info@catapultfilmfund.org
RESIDENCIES
18th Street Arts Center
18th Street Arts Center values art making as an essential component of a vibrant, just, and healthy society. Its mission is "to provoke public dialogue through contemporary art making." Founded in 1988, 18th Street Arts Center has fostered and supported the work of many of Los Angeles' most engaging artists, and has built bridges to artist communities around the globe.
o Deadline: Ongoing
o Application Fee: Yes
o When: Ongoing
o Eligibility: The Visiting Artist Residency Program accepts applications from working, professional artists who demonstrate a deep commitment to their practices. The program is open to artists of all generations, nationalities, and disciplines. Applicants are required to cover studio rental costs themselves. Although we primarily support visual artists, 18th Street Arts Center will consider applications from performing artists, writers, and filmmakers as well.
o Address: 1639 18th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90404
o Contact: 310-453-3711
OTHER RESOURCES
NOTE: For more resources, visit our pages of Resources - Funding, Submissions, and more.
NYFA SOURCE - The New York Foundation for the Arts maintains the most comprehensive national directory of awards, services and publications for artists in the NYFA Source section of their website.
backHer- Women specific grants for all fields
https://www.backher.com/toolbox/women-specific-grants
FILMFREEWAY - Film/Video artists can check FilmFreeway at:
No comments:
Post a Comment