Categories: Short Film & Video, Graphic Design, Game Design, Music, Photography, Fine Art & Illustration, Podcasts, Website Design, Animation & Stop Motion, Music Video, Acting, Scriptwriting.

DigiFest acknowledges talent in the industry at all levels and ages.

JDS Creative Academy, a 501 (c)(3) non profit organization, has reinvented what the City of Temecula recognized as the International Temecula Film and Music Festival into what is now referred to as DigiFestR Temecula. DigiFestR Temecula is a vehicle for the community and region to come together and experience digital media in many creative and artistic forms. DigiFest Temecula is also a place to learn about industry advancements, how to pursue a career in the industry, and how to incorporate digital arts into the economic culture.

We accept entries in Short Film and Video (30 minutes and under), Animation, Photography, Music, Website Design, Fine Art and Illustration, Podcasts, Acting, Scriptwriting and Game Design.

Filmfreeway doesn’t have the exact same categories as Digifest. You need to go by this selection list:

If submitting videos/films that are narratives, documentaries, animation/stop motion, or music videos – Choose Filmfreeway’s film/video category
If submitting podcasts or music – Choose Filmfreeway’s music/songwriting category
If submitting photography, fine art & illustration, or website design – Choose Filmfreeway’s Photography/Design category
If submitting a game design – Choose Filmfreeway’s VR/XR/Immersive
If submitting video clip for acting consideration - Choose Filmfreeway's film/video category

Screenplay Rules: PDFs only, Must have a title page with the screenwriter's name, the script must be 30 pages or less (title page is not part of page count), screenplays need to follow industry-standard formatting or will be disqualified.

Make plans to get your tickets for the event so you don't miss the workshops, speakers, and DigiFest awards!

Industry Professionals will score the works in the following Categories to see who may win the Digi Award, Honorable Mention Award and/or Peoples Choice Award:

Films (30 minutes and under), Animation, Website Design, Comics, Photography, Music (5 minutes and under), Music Videos (15 minutes and under), Gaming, Podcasts, Fine Art and Illustration, Acting and Scriptwriting (30 pages or less).

How do I submit my work?
All submissions are accepted via FilmFreeway. Please follow the directions via FilmFreeway to create your account and submit. Submissions must be downloadable and sharable so that your work can be viewed during the event weekend.

What are the deadlines and fees for DigiFest Temecula 2024?
Submissions Open October 1st - Early deadline Jan. 28
-Standard: $20 USD
-Student: $10 USD
-Students 18 & Under: $5 Discount

Late Deadline (Jan. 28 - Mar. 10, 2024):
-Standard: $25 USD
-Students: $15 USD
-Student 18 & Under: $5 Discount

What are the submission requirements?
-Completed entry on FilmFreeway
-Digital screener - Vimeo link (preferred) or Secure Online Screener
-Submissions must be uploaded and submitted no later than the deadline date to qualify for the respective entry fees
-Paid entry fee
-No previously submitted entries to DigiFest accepted
-ONLY ORIGINAL WORK ACCEPTED
-You will be disqualified if previously submitted entries, or non-original work is submitted
-Films, Music, and Music Videos all have their own requirements
-Screenplay category has its own requirements; DigiFest does NOT accept treatments or stage plays

What category do I use to submit my work?
-If submitting videos/films that are narratives, documentaries, animation/stop motion, or music videos – Choose Filmfreeway’s film/video category
-If submitting podcasts or music – Choose Filmfreeway’s music/songwriting category
-If submitting photography, fine art & illustration, or website design – Choose Filmfreeway’s Photography/Design category
-If submitting a game design – Choose Filmfreeway’s VR/XR/Immersive
-If submitting a video clip for acting consideration – Choose Filmfreeway’s film/video category

How do I submit in the Acting Category?
Please ensure your submission in total is under 3 minutes. You have the flexibility to use clips from various scenes within a single film/video or present a continuous 3-minute scene from one film/video project. Clearly state your name and the role you portrayed in the submission details to facilitate identification. Your adherence to these guidelines ensures your video aligns with the festival's requirements.

How do I submit in the Scriptwriting Category?
Ensure your screenplay spans no more than 30 pages. Please submit it in PDF format to facilitate review and consistency across entries. Adhering to these guidelines will help ensure your script meets the festival's submission criteria.

Is my film eligible for DigiFest Temecula?
-Films must be no more than 30 minutes in length, credits included.
-If selected, films should be available for projection in DCP, but not required.
-All non-English-language films must have English subtitles.
-Must be ORIGINAL work
-Previously submitted work to Digifest will not be accepted.

Do you accept works-in-progress?
DigiFestTemecula accepts only Final cuts

Do you accept films that are already available online?
Yes! DigiFest Temecula does NOT require a premiere status, so online films are eligible.

Do I need to submit a DCP?
You do not need to have a DCP for consideration.

Do I need to submit a press kit or any other materials?
You do not need to provide any publicity materials with your official submission. The programming department will reach out to you directly with materials requests if they are needed.

When will I know if I've been selected?
Please check your messages on FilmFreeway if you do not receive an email by April 10, 2024. You can email us at digifest@jdscreativeacademy.org if you do not receive a message.

Will my work be presented at the festival?
Not all entered work is guaranteed to be exhibited or screened. You must receive an email that you have been accepted. Work that is accepted into the festival will either be exhibited or special screened. If your work is a part of the special screening, you will get an exclusive invitation via email.

Not all accepted work to Digifest will be shown at a special screening.

Contact info@jdscreativeacademy.org

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
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Networking
  • This is a great festival that is super supportive of the artists. I really hope to attend in person someday, and definitely plan to submit new content in the future. I really appreciate their support of Indigenous artists.

    October 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Your work on the Mi’kmaw Nation is so insightful. Your podcasts are valuable and we would love to hear more from you, Pamela.

  • DigiFest really does live up to its name. I highly recommend that you submit to this festival, especially if you are a creator of other forms of digital media (even outside of film), particularly animation or graphic design. As a stop-motion animator, it is really exciting to see festival categories that celebrate and recognize multiple forms of the moving image! The communication was excellent and was executed by an awesome team of community-driven creators.

    May 2023
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    Response from festival:

    We are so happy you enjoyed your experience and recognize the diversity in DigiFest Temecula! “Met(Eye)morphosis” was amazing. You received accolades and your first Digi Award! We love offering more than a film festival. Spread the word!

  • Wonderful festival & fantastic people! They take great care of their guests & speakers, too.

    May 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you, Eileen. It was so wonderful having you here. We are glad you enjoyed the weekend.

  • Bradley Pearce

    I was not able to attend but the recap video made it look like a great time with some cool events. Stoked to pick up a win here :D

    May 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Congratulations, Bradley you brought Esports to life! We hope to see more of you work! Come visit in person next year.

  • Teresa Deen

    A small local festival that packs a big punch. Amazing workshops. I learned so much!

    April 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Teresa, we are so happy to know you gained knowledge from the DigiFest presenters and workshops! See you next year!