Get ready, filmmakers of ALL levels, all regions — the Altoona Reel Film Festival is gearing up to host the FIRST EVER film festival in Altoona, Pennsylvania this fall!

This isn’t just any event — it’s a celebration of creativity, hustle, and the power of storytelling. In partnership with ArtsAltoona and the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art, the Altoona Reel Film Festival is where your hard work behind the scenes takes center stage. Whether you're a first-time filmmaker with a phone camera or a seasoned storyteller with a full production crew, this one-day festival is your chance to be in the spotlight.

We're talking bold indies and the kind of thought-provoking cinema that sticks with you long after the credits roll. We believe that the art and passion of filmmaking as a whole deserves to be celebrated; and we want to see your work! The festival will bring together must-see films from seasoned directors to students with fresh new voices, local and abroad.

Expect short film screenings throughout the entire day, Q&A’s with our keynote speaker, engaging workshops, and chances to connect with other creatives. It's a celebration of the indie community— and you’re invited!

Mark your calendar and bring your popcorn 🍿 — Altoona Reel Film Festival is coming in hot.

Awards & Prizes

FESTIVAL SELECTIONS

We welcome all styles of work within the festivals selected genres. Films will be accepted based on picked criteria with opportunities to win awards, connect with fellow creators, and get your work seen by a live audience. This is more than just a screening — it’s a celebration of your passion and persistence.

Our goal? To create a space where everyone’s voice matters, and where creativity and dedication to the art of filmmaking gets the hype it deserves.

At the Altoona Reel Film Festival, your work is the festival.

SHORT - DRAMA
These films should dive deep into the human condition. Think bold storytelling that challenges and connects real-life experiences.

Max run-time: 20 minutes

SHORT - COMEDY
From clever dialogue to laugh-out-loud moments, we want to see these shorts bring the funny and fresh in unexpected ways. Get ready for humor that ranges from sharp satire to pure silliness.

Max runtime: 20 minutes

SHORT - ACTION/ADVENTURE
Fast-paced and full of energy, lets see these films pack a punch in a short runtime. High stakes, daring feats, and edge-of-your-seat excitement await.

Max runtime: 20 minutes

SHORT - THRILLER/HORROR
Dark, eerie, and grippingly suspenseful, these shorts should be designed to keep you guessing — or gasping. Whether it's psychological tension or full-blown terror, we want to feel every twist.

Max runtime: 20 minutes

SHORT - EXPERIMENTAL
No rules, no limits — this category is meant to be a playground for boundary-pushing creativity. From animation to claymation, abstract visuals to sound-driven narratives, these films can challenge convention and redefine what a short film can be.

Max runtime: 20 minutes

SHORT - DOCUMENTARY
True stories told with creativity and purpose, these documentaries inform, inspire, and spark curiosity. Each film offers a glimpse into real lives, real issues, and real impact.

Max runtime: 20 minutes

STUDENT - SHORT NARRATIVE
Narrative storytelling from rising student filmmakers, showcasing fresh voices and bold perspectives. These films prove that talent has no age limit — just imagination and drive. All genres, no limitation; go out and shoot!

Max runtime: 20 minutes

STUDENT - SHORT DOCUMENTARY
Insightful and thought-provoking, these student-made documentaries should bring real-world topics to life with heart and authenticity. A powerful reminder that storytelling starts now, not later.

Max runtime: 20 minutes

AWARDS
Grand Award, Best Overall Short
Best Drama
Best Comedy
Best Action/Adventure
Best Thriller/Horror
Best Documentary
Best Experimental
Best Student Narrative
Best Student Documentary
Student Recognition Awards

Rules & Terms

This is a SHORTS ONLY competition with a maximum runtime of 20 minutes across ALL categories. There is no minimum run-time.

While we encourage filmmakers of all levels to submit, any films that were recorded on a cell phone must be filmed HORIZONTALLY. No vertical formats will be accepted.

ADDITIONAL FILM REGULATIONS
Films must have been completed ON or AFTER April 20, 2023. Films completed BEFORE April 20, 2024 will not be accepted.

Films submitted do not have any public screening restrictions, and may be available online to the public prior to submitting.

Films submitted must be in full completion. Incomplete films that are submitted without final color grading, sound design, graphic work, etc. will not be accepted.

Please see below for details on submission deadlines:

Early-Bird Deadline entries must be submitted by: June 18, 2025
On-Time Deadline entries must be submitted by: July 16, 2025
Last-Call Deadline entries must be submitted by: Aug. 20, 2025

JUDGING & SELECTION
Films are selected for Festival presentation by Altoona Reel Film Festival Committee. The judging process encompasses all aspects of filmmaking: writing, directing, acting, cinematography, editing, etc. If a film is selected, the committee will contact the entrant by phone or email.

All entrants will be notified on or before September 1, 2025. The Festival does not provide feedback or screening notes to entries that are not selected.