The Cinematic Arts Redemptive Entertainment (CARE) Awards provide an opportunity for artists globally to be recognized for their outstanding achievements in film, TV, webseries, screenwriting, and Music.

We as a festival focus not only on screening quality independent film, but also on helping to develop the next generation of filmmakers. You will enjoy our fun and informative workshops, speakers, and networking events.

We are excited to see a live, full schedule for 2025. As we move closer to November, visit careawards.org for more information on the festival.

CONTESTANTS MUST ENTER ONE OF THE "GENERAL PRIZE CATEGORIES" IN ORDER TO QUALIFY FOR CONSIDERATION FOR ANY OF THE "SPECIAL ADDITIONAL AWARDS" CATEGORIES.

"GENERAL CATEGORIES" **MUST CHOSE A GENERAL CATEGORY BEFORE ADDITIONAL CATEGORY** Include both Shorts & Features:
Drama
Comedy
Documentary
No Budget
Redemptive
Animation
Experimental
Music video
Trailer
Horror/Thriller
Sci-Fi
Action
Mockumentary
Web Series

"SPECIAL ADDITIONAL AWARDS" CATEGORIES: **MUST SELECT A GENERAL CATEGORY FIRST**
Best Local Film
Rising Star (21 & under)
Best Pandemic Film
Best Student Film
Best use of a Drone
Best Foreign language Film
Women in Film Award
TV Production Award
Diversity in Media Award
First Time Director Award
Indigenous Film Award
Best Proof of Concept Film
Best Science Film
Best Children’s Film
Veterans Film / made by veterans
Best Smart Phone project
Best New Media
Poetic Cinema Award
Best Director
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Child Actor or Actress
Best Original Score
Best Cinematography

Additional awards might be issued for Best:
Editing
Sound Design
Audience Award
Grand Jury Award
Best of Show
Founders Award

Feature script competition, over 60 pages. $150 prize.

The names of All Official Selections will be presented by CARE through our web and social media presence to potentially millions of viewers. Selected Winners will have the option of having their films or trailers screened online for one week. A live screening event will also be held.

CONTESTANTS MUST ENTER ONE OF THE "GENERAL CATEGORIES" IN ORDER TO QUALIFY FOR ANY OF THE "SPECIAL ADDITIONAL AWARDS" CATEGORIES. If a film enters a Special Additional Award category and does not enter in a General category, it will be disqualified from consideration without refund. The only exception, of course, is submissions to the Script competition.

CARE staff and jurors will choose the award winners from Official Selections.

1. Films must have been completed on or after Jan 1, 2020.

2. We accept films from all regions. Non-English films must have English subtitles.

3. Works-in-progress will not be considered.

4. We accept films shot in any format, however, submissions must be provided via online screener of HD quality 720p or higher.

5. Only online submissions are accepted.

6. Entry Fees are nonrefundable. Entries that are considered by the judges or CARE Officials to be pornographic or contain gratuitous nudity will be disqualified without refund.

7. Entries will not be considered without a paid Entry Fee. We do not grant waivers.

8. If your film is selected we may ask you to email us still images and press kit, if available.

9. All films chosen as Award Winners will have the option to grant CARE the non-exclusive right to screen the film or a trailer online for one week without any form compensation beyond the publicity and recognition that that Selection provides.

10. All films chosen as Official Selections will grant CARE the rights to use clips/trailer for promotional purposes.

11. CARE reserves the right not to award any or all of these awards if we do not receive sufficient submissions or submissions with sufficient storytelling or production merit. CARE also reserves the right to change categories of entries if it is felt that the submission was placed in the wrong category or the submission is worthy of additional recognition.

12. International winners will receive an electronic copy of their certificate unless the winner chooses to cover the cost of international mailing fees.

13. Selected winners may be screened at a live event, with preference given to films which will have representation present at the event.  The leadership of the CARE Awards reserves the right to alter, amend, or abolish the schedule due to forces beyond their control such as pandemic, natural disaster or extreme weather, economic or social crisis, or other outside forces which could impact the CARE Awards event. 

Terms & Conditions:

-I understand and accept the Submission Requirements as mentioned above, and warrant that I am authorized to commit the film for screening.

-I have signed releases from any people appearing in my film, and have the authority to use any copyrighted materials that appear in my film, including but not limited to music, images or footage. I will indemnify and hold harmless the CARE Awards, and its associated festivals, creators, production companies, funders and assigns, 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, defamation or publicity related to the presentation, distribution or promotion of my film.

-I understand that the creators, production companies and associates, are constantly creating and producing films, and may have films in existence or in development for future production that may include ideas, images, themes, stories, treatments, interviewees or characters that appear in my film, or otherwise bear a strong resemblance to my film in some other way. I hereby agree that I am not entitled to any compensation in any form based on any similarities of such film content to my film, whether real or perceived.

-I am at least 18 years of age, have read and understood the foregoing Terms and Conditions, and am competent to execute this agreement.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • A huge thank you to Jamie Lee Smith for organizing this magnificent Care Awards event!

    I am grateful that my film “MetaMax: chapter II” became the winner in three categories: “Best Poetic Film”, “Best Experimental Film”, and “Best Actress”. These nominations have been a great source of motivation and inspiration for me.

    Participating in the festival was an excellent opportunity to connect with talented filmmakers — both local and visiting — in the cozy and welcoming setting of the historic Blennerhassett hotel, which is truly focused on fostering a creative community. I especially valued the Q&A sessions following each screening — they made the experience more interactive and enriching.

    It was an honor for me to present my film at Care Awards, and I would be delighted to have the opportunity to do so again with future projects!

    Wishing Care Awards continued success and all the best in the future!

    December 2024
  • Christopher Matthew Spencer

    We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to have “The Red Market” featured at your event. The entire team, from Brian Cutler Actors Studio to the dedicated students and alumni from Dodge College at Chapman University, appreciates your support and recognition. Being seen and celebrated by your audience is an honor we hold dearly, and having “The Red Market” become an award-winning film at your festival is stunning. Thank you.

    December 2024
  • Rose M. Perez

    I was very pleased with how they communicated and their feedback was wonderful. All communication was done with ease. I wish I could have attended in person.

    November 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Rose, congratulations! We wish you could have attended. Looking forward to what's next for you!

  • Mark Anderson

    Thanks to the team at Care Awards! I was impressed by how friendly and efficient you were when I had a couple of questions on submitting my film Pretty Good Friends. I am sorry I couldn't attend the festival to thank you in person for selecting my film. Mark Anderson

    November 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Mark, it was a charming film, and we appreciate your service!

  • Brent Heise

    Thank you for honoring The Girl Who Faded Away with a Best Editing award! On behalf of Executive Producer George Daly, the cast and the crew, I deeply appreciate this recognition. I highly recommend this festival.

    November 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much for sharing your work with us!