All films must be 10 minutes or less to Qualify for Entry.
Multiple submissions will be Disqualified.
Profanity may have a negative outcome of selection process for this festival.
Please do not submit any scripts
Entries can be in the form of video, animation, simulations and visualizations (collectively referred to herein as “videos”). The contest is open to residents of the United States and Canada. However, the Contest is void where prohibited by law.
To qualify for the Contest, each submission must:
Be less 10 minutes or less long.
Be a complete finished work
Be uploaded at final resolution at time of entry
Submit via FilmFreeway
Video and audio content must be your own
General Guidelines
Films shall be no more than 10 minutes in length
Can be works of fiction, animation, or documentary in content
Meet the Official Contest Rules listed herein
Contestants will retain all rights to their work
Entries accepted between Feb 1,2025 until March 27, 2026.
Entries may pause at anytime
Technical Video Guidelines
Video must be NO more than 10 minutes in length
*Selected Film Guidelines*
Selected filmmakers please allow our festival to download your film via FilmFreeway. Request will be sent if download is not available on film submission page.
Please submit all required materials within 72 hours of notification. If required materials or film availability is not approved within 72 hours, "SELECTED" films will be changed to a "NOT SELECTED" status.
Both audio/visual and visual only entries are permitted
The Sponsor reserves the right to disqualify any Video that it considers inappropriate for public viewing in its sole discretion
You agree not to use the Sponsor’s trademark in any manner in your Video without the prior written consent of the Sponsor
The Video must not prominently depict or refer to any brand or trademark
The Video must not contain any material that violates or infringes upon the rights of any third party, including without limitation copyrights, trademarks or rights of privacy, or that is defamatory, threatening, indecent, obscene or offensive, or that is unlawful, or in violation of or contrary to any applicable laws or regulations
Unless otherwise allowed by law, Videos may not contain materials embodying the names, likenesses, voices, or other indicia identifying any person without that person’s permission (or the permission of a parent/legal guardian if they person is under the age of majority in their jurisdiction or residence)
How to Enter
Complete the online submission via FilmFreeway
Indicate your agreement with the Legal Terms and Conditions by clicking on the acceptance on the second page of the online submission form
Selected Films must be uploaded by 11:59:00PM EDT on or before March 24, 2026, to be screened.
Judging and Selection of Winners
Entries will be judged on creativity, originality, effectiveness, production quality and message. The entrees will be judged by award winning short film entities and volunteers. The odds of being chosen as a winner will depend on the number of entries received.
Winners will be announced on April 11, 2026 at the DBSFF.
The Sponsor will attempt to notify potential winners on or before April 12, 2026, by 5pm via email or telephone.
If Sponsor determines a winner is ineligible, has failed to comply with these Official Rules or any other applicable policies, or has failed to return any required documentation in a timely manner, the Sponsor has in its sole discretion may choose a different winner and disqualify the original winner.
The film selected as " Best Short" is responsible for all federal, state, and local taxes on prizes.
