Update~ February 16, 2022~ We will send out notifications to filmmakers regarding acceptance status at the end of this month.

The festival is a little later this year, as we are scheduling with YourTV once again to provide televion broadcast. It looks like April 7 to 10 will be the big days!

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.

33 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Garth Jackson

    Great festival, even in an online environment I felt like I was really part of something special. Nice to see a great mix of local and international films in the program. Very well curated.

    July 2022
    Helpful
  • Jason Coleman

    A truly kick a** fest in every way. Their price is reasonable, they make sure the most folks get to view your work and their programing is truly inspired indie gems. So proud and honored to have been a part of Deep Cut.

    April 2022
    Helpful
  • Anna Valeska Pohl

    My team & I loved The Deep Cut Film Festival. They truly value cinema from the edges. And they are a very filmmaker-orientated festival. Since it was online this year, we hadn't so many chances to network. But we hope to return with another film in the future. Thank you for including Baby Paradise TV in this year's lineup.

    April 2022
    Helpful
  • Adam E. Stone

    This description, from the festival's profile page, says it all: "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 .... We want to screen the cinema from the edge, the fringe frames that need to be seen and shared." It's an amazing festival that's an excellent place for true independent film makers, those who operate outside of the mainstream cinema world and care more about realizing an artistic vision that in following tired cliches and tropes. With reasonable submission fees, Deep Cut is also great for an independent film maker's budget. The communication was great, and you can tell they are deeply committed to helping the selected films reach as large an audience as possible!

    April 2022
    Helpful
  • Tamara Cook

    I am deeply grateful that MAENAD FEVER was officially selected for Deep Cut. I absolutely LOVED the description of this festival from the moment I read it and the types of films it was supporting. David Briggs', the festival director's, communication is second to none. He is friendly, supportive and oh so passionate. I would recommend any independent filmmaker who has made a film 'outside the box' to enter this festival. Warm regards, Tamara Cook

    April 2022
    Helpful