Our goal is to showcase independent filmmakers from around the world who have otherwise gone unrecognized by the industry. We aim to remove the bias in festivals and create a platform whereby new and fledgling filmmakers, or those in any phase of their career, can be recognized for their hard work, creativity and ability to create diverse, compelling work. We want to hear new voices, entertain abstract “out of the box” ideas, and screen mind-opening, edgy films.
We are looking forward to your submissions in the following categories:

BEST FEATURE (Over 40mins)/BEST SHORT (Under 40mins)-

-Mystery, Thriller

-Comedy

-Drama

-LGBTQ

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE/SHORT

BEST EXPERIMENTAL FILM

Awards & Prizes

Awards & Prizes

All films will be judged based on their creativity and originality. Each quarter, judges will select the Official Selections and Honorable Mentions for that period. Honorable Mentions will receive Honorable Mention Laurels.

-Official Selections (Semi-Finalists) will then compete for BEST in category- with awards given for Finalist and BEST in Category. All semi-finalists will receive award certificates and beautiful Official Selection Laurels.

-Finalists will receive award certificates and beautiful Finalist Laurels and a guaranteed screening slot at the annual DAF Film Festival LIVE Screening event on May 23, 2020.

-BEST in Category films will receive award certificates and beautiful WINNER Laurels and a guaranteed screening slot at the annual DAF Film Festival LIVE Screening event on May 23, 2020. These films will also have the opportunity for airing on the Dancing Ape Films streaming service.

-ONE Overall BEST FILM will be selected from BEST in Category winners. BEST FILM winner will receive award certificate, a beautiful OVERALL WINNER Laurel and a guaranteed screening slot at the annual DAF Film Festival LIVE Screening event on May 23, 2020. This film will also have the opportunity for airing on the Dancing Ape Films streaming service and receive a $500.00 cash prize.

Rules & Terms

Rules & Terms

Please read these rules in entirety before submitting your project.

1. The DAF Film Festival reserves to the right to refuse entries.

2. All films must be the maker’s original work. The maker must be authorized to commit the film for screening, reads, understands and accepts these rules and terms of submission.

3. We will not accept films with racist overtones, propaganda from religious or political organizations or pornography.

4. By submitting you agree that DAF Film Festival is hereby granted the rights to utilize an excerpt from any film submitted for promotional purposes and that you further agree to indemnify and hold harmless DAF Film Festival, 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, publicity, screening, and loss of or damage to the screening videos entered.

5. Entry fees are non-refundable.

6. All films must be English or have subtitles in English.

7. Films must be submitted from where permissible by law.

8. All submitted films must have been produced AFTER June 1, 2017.

9. All films must be submitted through FilmFreeway.com.

10. All selections are final.