The Deep Focus Film Festival aims to foster an environment in which independent filmmakers can better understand the audience’s reactions to their work. Our goal is to give each film selected a thoughtful response from a professional filmmaker and peer.

We understand that each of you have invested your time and creative efforts turning your ideas into reality, and we would like to reward that effort with the respect it deserves.

**See Our Reviews Below for a Filmmakers Perspective...

visit www.deepfocusfilmfestival.com for more info

Films not in English must have English subtitles.

Films CAN BE available publicly online or through streaming services.

We are accepting all genres of films from all over the planet.

Must be in attendance to claim any prizes offered.

Venue is subject to change without notice.

JUDGING STATUS DEADLINES
In order for us to properly judge each film, it may take some time for the submissions to be decided. This means that the judgment status on your film usually won't be updated until two weeks after the final submission deadline closes. Although this may seem like a long wait, rest assured it's because we are taking our time and are carefully judging each and every eligible submission.

FEATURE
-Films must be 40 minutes or more (including credits, max 180 min).
-Films must be made within 36 months prior to the date the project is submitted.
-Films must be submitted with a private link (Self Hosted, VIMEO, youtube or a
-FilmFreeway screening file.) other formats are currently not accepted.
-CAN be publicly available to audiences either online or on any other platform.
-Any submissions with non-English dialogue or text must be submitted with English subtitles.
-Quality standards must be met. below 720p resolution, poor audio quality, and/ or extensively sub-par production quality will not be considered.
-Films that have already won or been nominated for an award through our festival cannot be entered again.

SHORT
-Films must be 40 minutes or less (including credits).
-Films must be made within 36 months prior to the date the project is submitted.
-Films must be submitted with a private link (Self Hosted, VIMEO, youtube or a FilmFreeway screening file.) other formats are currently not accepted.
-CAN be publicly available to audiences either online or on any other platform.
-Any submissions with non-English dialogue or text must be submitted with English subtitles.
-Quality standards must be met. below 720p resolution, poor audio quality, and/ or extensively sub-par production quality will not be considered.
-Films that have already won or been nominated for an award through our festival cannot be entered again.

MUSIC VIDEO
-Music videos must be 10 minutes or less (total runtime).
-Music videos must be made within 36 months prior to the date the project is submitted.
content must be submitted with a private link (Self Hosted, VIMEO, youtube or a FilmFreeway screening file.) other formats are currently not accepted.
-CAN be publicly available to audiences either online or on any other platform.
-Quality standards must be met. below 720p resolution, poor audio quality, and/ or extensively sub-par production quality will not be considered.
-Music videos that have already won or been nominated for an award through our festival cannot be entered again.

OTHER
-TV/web pilots must be 45 minutes or less (including credits). Experimental works must be 40 minutes or less (including credits).
-Content must be made within 36 months prior to the date the project is submitted.
-Content must be submitted with a private link (Self Hosted, VIMEO, youtube or a FilmFreeway screening file.) other formats are currently not accepted.
-Any submissions with non-English dialogue or text must be submitted with English subtitles.
-CAN be publicly available to audiences either online or on any other platform.
-Quality standards must be met. below 720p resolution, poor audio quality, and/ or extensively sub-par production quality will not be considered.
-Content that has already won or been nominated for an award through our festival cannot be entered again.

GENERAL RULES
- The filmmaker has read and understood the rules and regulations and to the best of their knowledge, all statements are true. The filmmaker is duly authorized to submit this film to the Deep Focus Film Festival.

- DFFF reserves the right to disqualify any submission.

- All accepted films may be screened more than once, and are scheduled at the discretion of the Deep Focus Film Festival staff.

- Films produced or financed by a major motion picture studio are eligible for festival screenings but are not eligible for competitive awards.

- Upon submission, the filmmaker consents to allow their screener material to be shared in its entirety with appropriate DFFF staff, including programming staff, volunteer screeners, and other festival staff; shared with press outlets in efforts to secure press for the film; with final jury members; and with select individuals representing community partners who may be interested in supporting the film’s screening or taking part in a panel or Q&A associated with the film.

-The festival is hereby also granted the right to utilize image(s)/video and/or biographical information of the film/filmmakers for promotional purposes, including but not limited to social media promotions, event advertisements, and documentary footage of the event and programming process.

-The festival is hereby also granted the right to utilize image(s)/video and/or biographical information of the film/filmmakers for promotional purposes through all DFFF media channels.

- It is the responsibility of the filmmaker to secure authorization for any copyrighted material that may be used in the film. The filmmaker shall indemnify and hold harmless DFFF from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, 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, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, and loss of or damage to the screening videos entered.

- DFFF does not pay screening fees or guarantee travel or distribution for filmmakers.

- By submitting, the filmmaker expressly acknowledges and agrees that they shall be bound by the terms of this agreement.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • I had the pleasure of having my short documentary Caramujo Awarded as Honorable Mention by Deep Focus Film Festival. I’m deeply thankful for that!

    July 2023
  • Chad Ferrin

    Top notch fest, always a pleasure to play it!

    October 2022
  • Daniele De Muro

    Honoured to have my short film"Horizon" at this beautiful Festival. I hope to submit a new project next year.

    September 2022
  • Borit Yannick

    Thank you for everything, all the best for your festival...

    September 2022
  • We enjoyed participating in your film festival!

    September 2022