We're Back!

We thought we were done, but we're just getting started. After retiring the fest in 2022, we realized last year it was time to return. And we're bringing it back AGAIN to where it started, the Registry Theatre in Downtown Kitchener, Ontario. Canada, y'all.

Turns out the world needs more Deep Cut Film action, and when the world calls, we answer (eventually). Long live indie film! Long live local culture!

July 18, 2026. Save the date. Seriously. Put in in your calendar right now ... you would feel the fool if you missed this event!

This festival is the film equivalent to the deep cut on your fav record. That amazing track that never makes the airwaves, but to you and yours, out rocks the single.

So we want you to dig deep. We want to screen the cinema from the edge, the fringe frames that need to be seen and shared. We want your awesome films.

We're looking for ALL genres (yes, horror too), as well as works that don't easily fit in to any specific box. We'll have different blocks of films, horror and thrillers in the evening, and everything else during the day.

People love genres, so here's a list to help you understand what we're looking for:
Action
Thrillers
Comedy
Horror
Road movies
Weird movies

Yes, the categories are wide, but a deep cut doesn't limit itself to one genre. Show us what you've got, we can't wait to watch. We love indies, and we love keeping things weird. We love to watch.

Some general guidelines:

NO features. Send those to Sundance.
Keep it tight. If you're film reveals a brilliant philosophy, let's get to it.
Easy on the credits. A two-minute film doesn't need three minutes of credits. Make a festival cut.
No 'poetic' films composed of long takes of flowing / waving water.
Yes, we like weird, but keep it together. No bees stinging d**ks, please. Keep our souls intact.

Entertain us. Entertain your audience. People want to think, yes, and they want to be entertained, too. No boring films, please.

That's about it (there are more rules below, mostly technical), so have fun and we'd love to have you in the fest!

Awards & Prizes

This is a juried festival and winners will receive the Deep Cut Award for various categories. Rumour has it we're going to present awards DURING the fest this time around. So modern!

Rules & Terms

Rules and Terms:

We will accept films from any country, however, if they are not in English, please subtitle or dub them.
If your film is accepted, we only screen digital files. Thanks for understanding.
There is no "film made by" date. If it's good, we want to see it, regardless if it was produced in 2016, '96, or '76.

We do not accept films of any length that are currently available for public viewing on YouTube, Vimeo, or any other online streaming service.

We'll accept submissions that have been previously screened elsewhere.

For those submitting, you must be authorized to submit the film, and hold the rights to the film. Any violations of copyright will not be tolerated.

Submitting your film does not guarantee a spot in the Deep Cut Film Festival lineup. However, we will get back to everyone who does submit to let them know the outcome of our decision.

If your film is accepted, you will gladly send us some digital promo material, and let us use this material to promote your film as part of our festival lineup.

We only accept digital screeners, via FilmFreeway. That is all.

We will not accept works in progress. All entry fees paid are non-refundable. Please be sure to submit under the correct category.

Upon submission, the Deep Cut Film Festival is granted the right to utilize an excerpt from any film submitted and accepted for exhibition at the Festival for promotional purposes. The individual or corporation submitting the film hereby warrants that it is authorized to commit the film for screening, and understands and accepts these requirements and regulations. The undersigned shall indemnify and hold harmless the Deep Cut 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.
Thank you for taking the time to read these rules.

43 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Florent Agostini

    For the first time we finally could attend the Deep Cut Film Festival and came all the way from France to take part of it, and was a truly wonderful experience!

    A huge applause and thanks to David Briggs for creating an event with real soul and an incredible indie selection.

    We truly hope to return to this festival in the future!

    Florent, Marie and Velda

    October 2025
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  • Andrew Serban

    Thank you so much to the Deep Cut Film Festival for selecting and screening my film, “Remember This.” I’m truly honored that it received nominations for Best Visual Design and Stand-Out Performance. Although I couldn’t attend this year, their communication was excellent — and their website is both artistically engaging and informative (award-nominated and winning films are prominently showcased). The festival organizer, David Briggs, clearly has a passion for the art of filmmaking. I look forward to submitting again and hope to attend in the future.

    August 2025
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  • Esteban Powell

    With the warmest hospitality, and deep passion for indie filmmaking, this was a great hub for genre films! The spirit of all filmmakers & audience was lively and energetic. Grateful for the experience, and look forward to being a part of its community in the future!

    July 2025
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  • Taite Koehler

    Thank you for selecting my film "Ivy" for the festival! It was a great opportunity to meet other filmmakers, be part of a Q&A, and see some really interesting short films! David was super friendly and organized a great festival. Deep Cut Film Festival was one of my favourite film fests I've attended!

    July 2025
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks Taite! So glad you enjoyed the fest, and we're so grateful to you for sharing 'Ivy' with us. It was a lot of fun!

  • Philippe Turcotte

    What a gem of a festival. Communication was excellent! My short film Rose has been selected for this year festival and also received a nomination for best music/sound design. Thank you for that and all the best for years to come!

    July 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thanks Philippe! This really warms our festival heart, and thanks again for sharing Rose with us. Can't wait to see what you get up to next!