Welcome, Underdogs!

The Baton Rouge Underground Film Festival is a three-day annual event that celebrates the artistic and cultural value of the incredible indie and genre-focused talent that flows to and from the city of Baton Rouge while also fostering a vibrant, interconnected independent film community.

Why Underground? We’re shining a light on both the artists and the industry that many are unaware exists in our area. To the filmmakers, artists, and film-loving weirdos out there that feel they have no voice or community, you’ll find that you have one with us.

Why attend? Beyond the lineup of ambitious and one-of-a-kind shorts and features, our festival will include networking bays, industry-led workshops, insightful panels, themed galas, fun afterparties, and more.

Started by filmmakers for filmmakers.

Awards & Prizes

Our festival is happy to provide two additional awards on top of recognizing the crafts.

The Shoestring: We started as guerrilla filmmakers so we want to celebrate the scrappy filmmakers who submit. This cash prize (currently $5K) goes to the filmmaker who the judges consider to have pulled off the most with the least resources.

The Patton: Baton Rouge is full of iconic locations! Here's your chance to film at one. This award provides one free day at a yet to be announced icon of the Red Stick.

Rules & Terms

Formats:
Entries must be submitted via FilmFreeway.

Eligibility:
Films completed within the last two years are eligible for submissions.

Ownership:
Submitters must legally own the rights to the film (including music and content of the films) they are submitting.

Film Length:
Short Films: Must be under 40 minutes.
Feature Films: Must be 40 minutes or longer.

Louisiana Submissions:
To qualify for Louisiana submissions, the production must have filmed in the state of Louisiana or have been produced or directed by a Louisiana resident.

Selections and Notifications:
Programming decisions are made by the festival founders, advisory board, and our selection committee. If accepted, we will notify you by email. After acceptance, the exhibition format will need to be in our office one month before the festival.

Confirmation:
You may email us for confirmation of your entry.