The Detroit Filmmaker Awards 2026 are now open for submissions from filmmakers across the country! To qualify, each project must include a Detroiter as a lead or executive producer, producer, or director. This year’s competition highlights diversity, creativity, and excellence in independent filmmaking.
Submission Guidelines:
Feature Films: Must be 60+ minutes
Short Films: Must be under 30 minutes
Web Series: Must include at least 3 episodes
Eligibility: Films must be completed between Dec 1, 2024 – Dec 1, 2025
Submission Limit: Directors and production companies may submit up to 2 films
How to Submit: All submissions must be made through FilmFreeway
Submissions can be entered by the production company, director, or actors seeking nomination for Best Lead or Supporting Actor. Peer review groups, composed of professionals nationwide, will evaluate films on storytelling, quality, and execution. The Detroit Filmmaker Awards Committee will select nominees, while peer reviewers determine category winners.
Awards & Recognition:
Only one official award statue will be presented per winning film or program. Additional duplicates for production categories may be purchased without modification to existing details.
Deadline Extensions:
The peer review group reserves the right to approve or deny deadline extensions for any submission.
