CATEGORY DETAILS
Explaining The Criteria
FILM CATEGORIES and Action, Comedy, Drama, Horror, Suspense/Thriller subcategories
All applicable submissions from the United States are submitted into one of five genres. You will select the genre of your entry on your submission form, if applicable. Each genre in each category will have its own finalists and winner.
International submissions (short films, mini-features, and features) are not divided into genres.
Film categories include: Short Films (20 mins or less), Mini-Features (21-60 mins), Features (61 mins or more), Documentaries (120 mins or less), Episodic Series (1-2 eps; 60 mins or less per Ep), Sizzle Reels (3 to 5 mins), Trailers (1:30 to 3 mins), Teasers (1:30 or less), International Short Films (60 mins or less), International Features (61 or more).
Actor Monologues
Actors in each age category may submit a recorded monologue of at least two (2) minutes but no longer than five (5) minutes using any source material they so desire. At the beginning of your monologue, you must state where the material is derived from (which film, TV show, original work, etc.). On your submission form, there will be a link for your monologue - your recorded video can be hosted publicly or privately (please do not submit Facebook links).
Our judging criteria will be based on relatability, knowledge of the material, originality, expressed talent, and range. You can record a new monologue for entry or submit a link to an older one (remember, it must have been completed on or after January 1st, 2018).
Actor monologue categories are based on age: 10 and under, 11 to 17, 18 to 26, 27 to 40, 41 to 60, and 61+. You will be able to select the appropriate category on the submission form.
Director, Actor, and Performer Awards
We will select the best Director, Lead Performer, Supporting Performer, and the "Most Memorable" Featured Performer from among each of the short films, mini-features, and features submitted; one from each category.
Other Submission Categories
This Festival is designed to include creative works from a wide variety of sources and is not limited solely to the film world. See below for a description of the other categories you can submit for:
Recorded Stage Play (any length): Any stage play or theater performance, so long as it was recorded on video.
Director Reel: A highlight reel of a film director's work. Any reel between two (2) and five (5) minutes in length will be considered.
Cinematography Reel: A highlight reel of a film cinematographer or Director of Photography's work. Any reel between two (2) and five (5) minutes in length will be considered. You MUST include signed permission from the owner of the footage on your submission form to be considered.
Photography Reel: A highlight reel of a photographer's work from any genre or field. Any reel between two (2) and five (5) minutes in length will be considered.
Sound Design: A highlight reel of a film's Sound Editor or on-set film Sound Designer's work. Any reel between two (2) and five (5) minutes in length will be considered. You MUST include signed permission from the owner of the footage on your submission form to be considered.
Composed Soundtrack: Submission can be a highlight reel, a 'cut' of a film composer's work, OR a soundtrack from a completed film. The highlight reel or 'cut' of a composer's work must be between two (2) and five (5) minutes in length to be considered. A soundtrack from a completed film must be at least two (2) minutes but no more than ten (10) minutes in length to be considered.
Designed Film Poster: Poster can be from any genre or type of film, series, documentary, or international film. Size must be at least 1600x2500 pixels (roughly 11x17 at 150 resolution). You MUST include signed permission from the owner of the project on your submission form to be considered.
Emerging Artwork: A portfolio of at least three (3) original works of art but no more than ten (10). The portfolio must be digitized and submitted with your entry. Any art category is acceptable.
Engaging Social Media: Facebook or Instagram pages with at least 500 followers may submit. Engagement stats/insights must be included (screenshots) with your submission. Must show growth of your page, increasing or retaining engagement on your posts, and organic reach.
All entries, no matter what the category, are eligible for the Grand Prize and Runner-Up awards.
