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Basement Tapes is a celebration of the strange, the scrappy, the unforgettable, and the funny. If a film is going to take us on a ride, then we want to show it.

The Basement Tapes Film Series is all about showcasing independent films and media in all of its absurdity, creepiness, extravagance, realness, and grit—whether it’s dirt, balloons, raffles, silence, smells, perfection, intellectualization, or pure foolhardiness. It’s about life, in all its affirming modes.

This isn’t your typical film fest. Think of it like the VHS you found at a garage sale, dug up in your friend’s basement, or stumbled upon on the street.

Hosted at Lucy’s Basement Bar in Pleasantville, NY. Come laugh, cry, and feel a range of weirdly specific emotions, all while connecting with new friends and fellow film lovers in a fun 80s themed bar.

Awards & Prizes

Individualized VHS Awards Will Be Given to All Filmmakers Present for The Film Series

Rules & Terms

1. Eligibility

We accept short films with a runtime under 20 min., with a focus on experimental, essay, low-budget, and underground works.

Submissions can come from anywhere in the world, but must be in English or have English subtitles.

2. Submission Format

All submissions must be made through FilmFreeway.

We accept digital screeners via FilmFreeway only—no DVDs or physical media.

3. Exhibition Format

If accepted, filmmakers will be asked to provide a high-quality digital file for exhibition (.mp4, .mov, or similar).

Please make sure your film can be played on standard playback systems—we’re underground, not off the grid.

4. Premiere Status

No premiere status required. If you’ve screened it in a backyard or another festival, that’s totally cool with us.

5. Rights & Permissions

By submitting, you confirm you hold all necessary rights to the film, including music, images, and any copyrighted material.

You give us permission to screen your film at the festival and to use excerpts, stills, and descriptions for promotional purposes.

6. Selection & Notification

All selected films will be notified via FilmFreeway by the notification date listed.

Due to the volume of submissions, we may not be able to provide individual feedback.

7. Code of Vibes

We celebrate the weird, the heartfelt, and the unexpected—but not at the expense of others. We don’t tolerate hate speech, bigotry, or harmful content.

We reserve the right to reject any submission that doesn’t align with the spirit of the festival.

8. Entry Fees

Entry fees are non-refundable. We’re a scrappy underground fest and your support helps make it happen.