Premiere is the annual student film showcase hosted by DePaul University’s School of Cinematic Arts. Now in its 20th year (19th event), the Permiere showcases the best of DePaul University student work in cinema and animation with awards presented in over 20 categories covering all facets of filmmaking from screenwriting to post-production. Jury members include industry insiders, festival programmers, and filmmakers from around the country. Held in the historic Music Box Theatre, Premiere provides an opportunity for student work to be showcased in one of the oldest theaters in the nation.

***Premiere is ONLY OPEN TO ALL CURRENT DEPAUL STUDENTS and ALUMNI who graduated during the 2023-2024 academic year.***

Award list is subject to change:

Best Directing by an Undergraduate Student
Best Directing by a Graduate Student
Best Producing
Best Cinematography
Best Production Design
Best Editing
Achievement in Short Film Writing
Best Ensemble Cast
Best Original Score
Best Sound Design
Best VFX
Best Animated Film
Best Documentary
Best Experimental Film
Best Music Video
Best Series Pilot

Decided by Storyboard/Animation Faculty: Storyboarding Award

Decided by Screenwriting Faculty outside of Film Freeway submissions:
MFA Thesis Half-Hour Pilot Script
MFA Thesis One-Hour Pilot Script
MFA Thesis Feature Film Script (Drama)
MFA Thesis Feature Film Script (Comedy)

Special Awards:
Media for Social Change
Voice and Vision Award - Undergrad
Voice and Vision Award - Grad
Amanda M. Thames Memorial Scholarship
Undergraduate Faculty Judges' Award
Undergraduate Faculty Judges' Award
Graduate Faculty Judges Award
Audience Choice Award
Jury Choice Award
Jury Choice Runner Up

***Premiere is ONLY OPEN to current DePaul University students and alumni who graduated during the 2023-2024 academic year.***

What is the selection committee looking for? We're looking to assemble a screening of music videos, fiction, documentary, experimental, and animation that represents the wide range of films that come out of DePaul's School of Cinematic Arts.

Ultimately, we're looking for films that are original, eye-catching, well-produced, thought-provoking, exciting or emotional. So many of the films submitted are great and showcase great talent, but programmers have to negotiate with each other and work as a team to decide what fits this particular program. This process is a magical mix of objective and subjective. Not being selected for this screening does not mean that we didn't like your film or that it isn't "good". We hope that you will attend the screening even if your film doesn't get programmed. This should be a celebration of everything the School of Cinematic Arts is and can do...all of the roles, all of the work, all of the fun.

TO SUBMIT A FILM FOR CONSIDERATION:
1. The submitter MUST BE a current DePaul University student or an alumni who graduated during the 2023-2024 academic year.
2. Submissions should be UNDER 30 MINUTES in length to be considered for the screening at the Music Box Theater on June 6th. You may submit longer projects that are 30-120 minutes to be eligible for award nominations. Please choose the correct submission category.
3. SUBMISSIONS ARE ACCEPTED THROUGH FILMFREEWAY ONLY. Please create a "Project" for your film and make sure to fill in as much Project Information as you can.
YOU MUST INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IN YOUR PROJECT SUBMISSION:
a. At least one still image from your movie (JPEG)
b. At least one Behind-the-scenes photo (JPEG)
c. A synopsis and accurate running time
d. A director's statement that includes your vision and intentions for
the film.
e. ALL basic submitter contact and personal information.
f. The more information you provide, the better. Enter details on cast and crew, previous screenings, technical specs, etc.
4. RIGHTS MUST BE OBTAINED and documented for copyrighted music. If rights cannot be proven, the movie will not be considered.
5. EARLYBIRD DEADLINE: If your film was finished before the Winter 2025 quarter, please use the EARLYBIRD DEADLINE and submit your film early! We will start watching right away!
6. FILMS IN POST DURING SUBMISSION:
PLEASE finish the film as best you can. Make sure you tell us on the custom submission form what still needs to be done and when you expect to finish. Films that are completely finished (with good sound, color, editing and FX) are certainly easier to evaluate. Films that are unfinished but have a CLEAR VISION and a reasonable path to being completed will also have a better chance of being screened. The selection process is a mix of subjectivity and objectivity. Do yourself and your film a favor and turn in the best version you can with title cards or submission information that explains the state it is in.
7. UNFINISHED ANIMATION: We realize that animation takes more time. Please submit as much finished animation as you can, even with rough sound and animatic sections. We'll be looking for your story and vision. Discuss the state of your film with your animation faculty if you need help with your project.
8. EPISODIC: If you are submitting in the episodic category, please submit a MAXIMUM of 30 minutes in one uploaded file or vimeo/youtube link. This can be just the pilot, any particular episode, or numerous episodes as long as it doesn't exceed 30 minutes. Submit to the "SERIES" Category. If the total time is over 30 minutes, please submit to the "Longer Length" Category.

***To be considered for an award, you MUST fill out the DePaul Student Cast and Crew Premiere Checklist FOR EACH FILM SUBMITTED, by the submission close date. A link to the form will be sent to you through FilmFreeway.***

***If your film is accepted into the screening, your finished film file is due in early May. Please keep an eye out for an email with further details and the exact due date.***

***IF ALL RULES FOR SUBMISSION ARE NOT FOLLOWED AS LISTED ABOVE YOUR FILM WILL NOT BE QUALIFIED FOR THE FESTIVAL***