George R. Brown Convention Center | May 30 - June 1, 2025
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Exhibitor Applications are Closed.

Film Fest Overview

Welcome to the Film Fest presented by King Vader and Dream Con! We are excited to invite filmmakers from around the globe to showcase their creativity, storytelling, and cinematic skills. Our festival celebrates diverse voices and visions, offering a platform for emerging and established filmmakers to present their short films to a broad audience. Please read the following submission guidelines and rules carefully before submitting your film.

Submission Guidelines

Submissions Close

May 30, 2024 at 11:59 PM CST

Eligibility:
  • The film fest is open to filmmakers of all levels: amateur, student, and professional.
  • Films must be the original work of the submitter.
  • Any genre is welcome: drama, comedy, horror, documentary, animation, experimental, etc.
  • Films must not exceed 15 minutes in length, including credits.
  • Submissions must be suitable for a general audience: no nudity, explicit sexual content, or excessive cursing.
  • Films must be hosted on YouTube. Ensure the video is set to either Public or Unlisted.
Prize:
  • $1,500 in Prizes, Winning Film Screened at Dream Con, & More!

Award Categories:
  • Best Actor/Actress
  • Best Cinematography
  • Best World-Building
  • Best Directing
  • Best Film
Submission Process:
  • Fill out the submission form. The form will require basic information about the filmmaker, a brief synopsis of the film, and the YouTube link to the film.
  • Multiple submissions are allowed, but a separate submission form must be completed for each film.
  • There is no submission fee.
  • Deadline: May 30, 2024 at 11:59 PM CST. Late submissions will not be considered.

Selection Process

  • Films will be reviewed by a panel of judges to be announced at a later date.
  • Selection criteria will include creativity, originality, storytelling, visual & audio quality, and adherence to the submission guidelines.
  • Selected films will be notified via email and will be featured during the Dream Con

Rules & Regulations

1. Content Restrictions: Films must adhere to content guidelines prohibiting nudity, explicit sexual content, and excessive cursing. Films failing to meet these criteria will be disqualified.

2. Copyright: Filmmakers must own the rights to the content, music, and any other intellectual property included in their film. It is the filmmaker's responsibility to obtain necessary permissions for any copyrighted material not owned by them.

3. Film Length: Films must not exceed 15 minutes in length, including credits.

4. Film Hosting: Films must be available for viewing on YouTube. Please provide a direct link to the film when submitting.

5. Publicity: Selected films may be used for promotional purposes by the festival, including but not limited to trailers, posters, and social media marketing.

6. Awards & Recognition: Complete details about awards and recognitions will be announced at a later date but we can confirm that there will be both cash and non-cash prizes.

7. Amendments: Dream Con reserves the right to make changes to the submission guidelines and rules as necessary. Filmmakers will be notified of any significant changes.

8. Attending Screening: You will need a ticket in order to attend the screening if you are selected as a winner.

We look forward to seeing your work and celebrating the power of film together. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us at events@dreamconvention.com.

Thank you for your interest in the Film Festival presented by King Vader and Dream Con. Happy filmmaking!

Submit an Exhibitor Application Today!