Darren Marshall Productions Presents: The Inaugural Cinematic International Film Festival

We are proud to announce the launch of the Cinematic International Film Festival, an annual celebration of global cinematic excellence. This prestigious event honours outstanding achievements in storytelling, acting, cinematography, and editing, showcasing the work of emerging and established filmmakers worldwide. Our mission is to amplify diverse voices and provide a platform for films of exceptional artistic and cinematic value.

Festival Overview:
The Cinematic International Film Festival will take place on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at Event Cinemas Robina, Queensland, Australia. The event will feature curated film screenings followed by an exclusive networking opportunity, bringing together filmmakers, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts to celebrate the art of cinema.

Our Vision:
We are passionate about stories that inspire, educate, and entertain. The festival seeks to highlight films that provoke thought, challenge perspectives, and captivate audiences through their creativity and craftsmanship. Whether you are a seasoned filmmaker or a rising talent, we welcome submissions that embody the power of cinematic storytelling.

Event Details:
Date: Thursday, September 24, 2026
Venue: Event Cinemas Robina, Queensland, Australia

Highlights:
- Curated film screenings
- Networking event with industry professionals and film patrons

Join us as we celebrate the universal language of cinema and the extraordinary talent of filmmakers from across the globe. We look forward to welcoming you to the Cinematic International Film Festival, a new milestone in the world of film.

Awards & Prizes

Awards and Recognition

The Cinematic International Film Festival is proud to recognize and reward outstanding achievements in filmmaking through the following awards:

Best Film (Grand Prize): The winning film will receive AUD $1,500 and a prestigious winner’s trophy.

Second Place: The runner-up will be awarded AUD $300 and a trophy.

Third Place: The third-place film will receive AUD $200 and a trophy.

Certificates of Selection: All officially selected films will be honoured with a certificate of participation.

In addition to the above, the following categories will be recognized with a winner’s trophy for excellence in their respective fields: Each category will receive a sum of $200 AUD prize money and a trophy of their respective categories.

- Best Actor (Male)
- Best Actor (Female)
- Best Editor
- Best Composer
- Best Cinematographer

Disclaimer Regarding Awards and Funds Distribution

The Cinematic International Film Festival is proud to recognize and reward exceptional filmmaking through cash prizes and awards. Please note the following important terms regarding fund distribution:

Festival’s Responsibility: The festival is solely responsible for awarding the designated cash prize to the winning filmmaker(s) as specified in the awards guidelines. Once the funds have been transferred to the winning filmmaker(s), the festival’s responsibility regarding the prize money is considered fulfilled.

Funds Distribution: The festival is not involved in, nor responsible for, the distribution of awarded funds among the cast, crew, or any other parties associated with the winning film. It is the exclusive responsibility of the winning filmmaker(s) to manage and allocate the prize money in accordance with any existing agreements or arrangements with their team.

Prize Amount Limitations: In the event that the awarded prize money is less than the amount stipulated in any pre-existing agreements between the filmmaker(s) and their cast, crew, or other parties, the festival bears no responsibility for reconciling such differences. The winning filmmaker(s) assumes full responsibility for fulfilling any prior financial commitments.

By submitting to the Cinematic International Film Festival, filmmakers acknowledge and agree to these terms.

We appreciate your understanding and look forward to celebrating your cinematic achievements.

Rules & Terms

Cinematic International Film Festival Submission Guidelines
Please Read Before Submitting

The Cinematic International Film Festival is dedicated to celebrating films of exceptional cinematic value. We seek submissions that demonstrate outstanding acting, compelling storytelling, meticulous editing, and exceptional cinematography. Please review the following guidelines carefully before submitting your film.

Eligibility Criteria

Completed Films Only: Works in progress will not be accepted.
Submission Platform: All entries must be submitted via FilmFreeway's online screeners.

Format Requirements for Selected Films: If selected, filmmakers must provide a DCP (Digital Cinema Package) copy of their film via a downloadable link by the specified deadline.

Film Length:

Short Films (including Student Films): Maximum duration of 30 minutes, including credits.
Feature Films: Maximum duration of 120 minutes, including credits.

Language Requirements: Non-English films must include English subtitles.

Submission Policies

Entry Fees: All submission fees are non-refundable.

Feedback: The festival does not provide feedback on entries at this time.

Screening Format: All selected films must be provided in DCP format for screening.

Delivery Deadline: Selected films must be delivered to the festival within four weeks of the event date. Films received after this deadline will be disqualified from screening.

Terms and Conditions
By submitting to the Cinematic International Film Festival, filmmakers agree to the following terms:

1. Delivery of DCP: Filmmakers are responsible for delivering the required DCP to the festival by the specified deadline. All selected films must be sent to darrenmarshallproductions@gmail.com; filmmakers can use any transfer service they wish. We strongly recommend that you email us to confirm receipt of your film. Films must also be delivered to us within 14 days of Selection Notification.

2. Film Ownership and Distribution: Filmmakers retain full responsibility for creating, owning, and distributing their films.

3. Festival Rights: Submission grants the Cinematic International Film Festival the right to showcase the film and utilize any associated publicity materials, including but not limited to press kits, stills, trailers, and other promotional content.

4. Cash Prizes: All awarded cash prizes will be transferred directly to the filmmaker’s nominated bank account in Australian Dollars (AUD). Filmmakers are encouraged to check the current exchange rate to understand the value in their local currency.

5. Trophies: Winning trophies will either be presented in person to filmmakers in attendance at the festival or posted to the winning filmmakers after the event.

Student Film Submissions

The Cinematic International Film Festival welcomes submissions from student filmmakers. To qualify under the student category, filmmakers must provide proof of current enrollment in an educational institution.

Requirements: A scanned copy of a valid student ID or an official acceptance letter from the educational institution must be submitted to the festival.

Submission Process: Please email the scanned document to darrenmarshallproductions@gmail.com with the subject line: “Student Verification – Film Title.”

Deadline: Proof of enrollment must be provided within seven (7) days of film submission. Students are solely responsible for supplying this verification.

Verification Process: By submitting to the festival, students grant the Cinematic International Film Festival consent to contact their educational institution for the purpose of verifying their enrollment status. The festival reserves the right to request additional verification directly from the institution if necessary.

Filmmakers Under 18 Years of Age: As per Australian law, if the filmmaker is under the age of 18, a legal guardian must contact the festival to provide written permission for the film to be screened. Without such permission, the film will not be eligible for screening. Please email "darrenmarshallproductions@gmail.com" with the subject line - Parent Verification with the filmmaker's name and title of the film.

Privacy Notice:

The Cinematic International Film Festival is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles. By submitting your film and providing proof of enrollment, you consent to the festival contacting your educational institution to verify your student status. Any information collected will be used solely for the purpose of verifying eligibility and will not be shared with third parties unrelated to the festival.

Disqualification Policy
Failure to submit the required documentation within the specified timeframe, or if enrollment cannot be verified, will result in the disqualification of the entry. Submission fees will not be refunded as per the festival's refund policy.

Refund Policy:

All submission fees are non-refundable

We look forward to receiving your submissions and celebrating the art of cinema together. For any inquiries, please contact us through the official FilmFreeway platform.

Cinematic International Film Festival
Celebrating Excellence in Global Cinema