We're Back!

We thought we were done, but we realized we're just getting started. After retiring the fest in 2022, we now know it's time to return. And we're bringing it back 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 20, 2024. Save the date.

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 (yes, horror too), 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:
Action
Thrillers
Comedy
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. 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!

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

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.

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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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