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're looking for all genres, 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.

But here's what we're envisioning, film blocks under the themes of:
Update August 3, 2019: We are no longer accepting horror films.

Thrillers
Comedy
Experimental films
Art house / mind blowing films
Home movies
Road movies
Industrial / Corporate & Commercial videos
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 Kitchener!

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.

16 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Katrina Brede

    Deep Cut is the most enthusiastic film festival out there. They have eclectic taste and love showing off their finds to the world. Deep gratitude to David and team for first rate curation and communication. I hope to be back to this festival in the coming years.

    August 2019
    Helpful
    Logo
    Response from festival:

    Thanks so much, Katrina! It would be great to have you back sometime. We really enjoyed The Sound. Looks like you've got some cool things cooking in Seattle. Keep the cameras rolling, and we'll be in touch!

  • Tracey Lavigne

    This festival holds a special place in my heart. I have been fortunate enough to screen two of my shorts here, and even get award nominations, among a wonderfully eclectic and compelling selection of films. The festival team is very warm and welcoming and seems to genuinely care about their filmmakers, communication is top notch, and it’s been an all around great experience. Deep Cut is the coolest indie festival in the region and I can’t wait to submit more films there.

    August 2019
    Helpful
    Logo
    Response from festival:

    Thanks Tracey, it's been a pleasure screening your work. Two films out of three festivals...didn't Meatloaf sing about that? Either way, thanks for the kind review, and also for sharing your films with us. Looking forward to seeing MANY more! (No pressure ;))

  • Noah Helinski

    Lots of fun, a very unique vibe and the festival coordinators were generous, friendly, and communicative. Very happy to have my film The Interview shown here and hope to be back next year!

    August 2019
    Helpful
    Logo
    Response from festival:

    Thanks Noah! It was great having you out this year, so thanks for making the trek. I wish we could have chatted more, but time can be fleeting at the fest. The Interview is awesome, so thanks again for sending that out way!

  • Kyle Mosonyi

    I wasn't able to attend this festival but the experience was a great one. Family and friends who did attend had nothing but good things to say. Great communication.

    August 2019
    Helpful
    Logo
    Response from festival:

    Thanks Kyle, it's too bad you couldn't make it, but I enjoyed meeting and talking with some of your family. And everyone dug your film, so that always makes the day brighter. Thanks again!

  • Nicholas Dragas

    Deep Cut is amazing! Thanks to David for selecting our film "Gone" to take part. Great day filled with a ton of very unique films. Will definitely be back next year and can't wait to submit more work in the future!

    August 2019
    Helpful
    Logo
    Response from festival:

    Thanks Nicholas! It was great having you out!