Since 2008, lovers of movies and music have come together at the Boomtown Film & Music Festival in Southeast Texas to see fiercely independent films, hear cutting-edge bands, enjoy panel discussions and network with fellow filmmakers. Whether your passion be making movies or just watching them, there will be something for everyone at the 2023 Boomtown Film and Music Festival!

Awards & Prizes

Awards will be given in the following categories:
NARRATIVE FEATURE
NARRATIVE SHORT
DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
DOCUMENTARY SHORT
SCREENPLAY
EXPERIMENTAL FILM or MUSIC VIDEO
ANIMATED FILM
STUDENT FILM
"TEXAS PROUD" FILM
"REEL FAITH" FILM

Additionally, one entry will be awarded "Best in Show." All 1st Place winners will received the coveted "Golden Gusher" trophy. The 1st Place winning screenplay will also be performed live as a staged reading during the Boomtown Film & Music Festival.

Our contest director reserves the right to create or eliminate categories based upon the type, number and quality of entries. All decisions made by the judges are final.

Rules & Terms

FILMS
By entering the contest you are stating that you are, or have the permission of, the film’s copyright holder. If you are not the sole creator of the film or any of its elements then you must first obtain permission from all rights holders of the creative property before sending the film to our festival. Additionally, by entering the contest you are giving the Boomtown Film & Music Festival permission to exhibit your film publicly as part of our festival.

Films need to be English language or include English subtitles. We would love all entries, even films that are already in English, to have subtitles so that the hearing impaired may enjoy them, but films will not be rejected based on this criteria.

Our policy is to only accept works that were completed no earlier than two years prior to the event date. However, if there are extenuating circumstances we may consider accepting older projects.

Entrants may submit multiple works, and may submit the same work into multiple categories if it meets all category criteria.

For the convenience of all parties, Boomtown asks that film entries to be submitted electronically using common file formats (such as .mp4, .avi, .mov, .wmv, .flv, etc.). High definition (1080p) video files are strongly encouraged.

We welcome EPKs (electronic press kits), production stills and other types of marketing materials that we could use to promote your film.

We have early bird, normal and late submission deadlines. Late entries will be accepted, but we can only guarantee judging if your film is received before March 1, 2023.

SCREENPLAYS
Submissions must be the contestant's original work and must be written in English.
7 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Kerry E. Wagner

    Uncertain. Could be due to Covid issues. Got one email. Seemed more like an invite. I'll reserve a thorough review upon attendance to the actual event this year hopefully.

    June 2021
    Helpful
  • Ben Fiore

    Prompt notifications and a very reasonable entry fee. It was cool to have my short screenplay, "Condemned", chosen as an Official Selection of the Boomtown Film and Music Festival!

    April 2018
    Helpful
  • Jason Leal

    My short film Meggan's Journey was selected for the Boomtown Film Festival 2017 and it was a great regional film festival experience. The Jefferson Theatre is an amazing venue to screen films in. My film looked and sounded wonderful. I was also invited to a filmmaker's panel after the screening which was a lively conversation with other very respected filmmakers.

    March 2017
    Helpful
  • Todd Bennett

    It was an excellent program. The films were tremendous, the music was fabulous. The venues were really cool, historic and interesting. The festival organizers had a lot of passion for the festival as well as promoting the arts in their fine community. The weekend is Oscar weekend so the opportunities to network with industry players was limited. The food and beverage choices could have been larger. The local brewery had excellent beers but the ability to get food at the festival was somewhat limited, however this was not a factor that should deter anyone from attending - just plan to eat in town. All in all, it was a great festival and I would recommend anyone who is looking for a great value as well as excellent content to make the trip.

    March 2017
    Helpful
  • Robert J. Rogers

    Thank you for choosing my play, "Hell on Neptune", as one of your fortunate few. I'm honored beyond words, and look forward to adding your prestigious festival to this plays resume. This was the 70th award worldwide, so rest assured you're in great company.

    Thanks again. Take care.

    R. J. Rogers

    March 2017
    Helpful