This festival is the film equivalent of 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 (except horror), as well as works that don't easily fit in to any specific box. We'll have different blocks of films, and depending on what we receive will determine the categories.

Update: July 1, 2021. We are planning major changes for 2022...including a name change...yes, there is some big news coming.

Update: Due to the health concerns posed by Covid-19, the festival dates are subject to change. We may also present the fest in a "virtual" manner--online, or otherwise--so as to ensure the safety of all film fans within the city. Here's hoping things are better by February 2022. Last year we had a four night show on YourTV. We'll be doing that again, although keep in mind acceptance to the fest does not guarantee a spot in out televised special. Accepted features will only screen at the live event.

But here's what we're envisioning, film blocks under the themes of:
Action
Thrillers
Comedy
Experimental films
Art house / mind blowing films
Home movies
Road movies
Cheese movies
Drama
Documentaries

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 in North Bay!

Awards & Prizes

This is a juried festival and winners will receive the Deep Cut Award for various categories.

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.

28 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Madhu R

    Our film "Death Offers Life - last moments of Vincent Van Gogh" was officially selected which is a great encouragement for us.

    May 2021
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  • Dylan Mask

    Amazing communication! Despite having to be online this year due to COVID, it was still fun and a great way to get my film 'Cruel World' out their to the world. I would recommend to all filmmakers. Especially Canadian filmmakers!

    March 2021
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks Dylan! It was so great having you involved. And we thought it was pretty cool seeing Cruel World on TV...Deep Cut on the tube...it made our year.

  • Olivier Frigon

    Because of the present situation, the festival was entirely presented online and geologically broadcasted on television which attracted a fairly good amount of viewers. The organizers really went out of their way to promote my short film on their different social media platforms. Communication was really outstanding. I highly recommend this amazing festival!

    March 2021
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks for the review, Olivier! it's always a pleasure to promote awesome films, so thanks for allowing us to include yours in this year's lineup. Despite all the obstacles, it turned out to be a great fest!

  • Ryan Orizabal

    Very organized, very creative and very stylistic! Even online, I still enjoyed the thrill of having my work featured in the festival.

    February 2021
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks Ryan, that's very kind of you to say. Glad to have you involved, and all the best on your future films!

  • Yudji Oliveira

    Amazing event, thank you so much for being a part of this wonderful festival. I see you next year!

    February 2021
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    Response from festival:

    Sounds like a great idea! Thanks so much, Yudji!