Step into a world where imagination reigns and stories ripple beyond the screen. The DreamWave Film Festival is a vibrant new platform dedicated to uplifting bold voices, daring visions, and emerging creatives who dare to dream differently.

Our festival celebrates innovative storytelling, cinematic artistry, and emotional resonance, spotlighting boundary-pushing films from rising talents around the globe. From intimate short films to visionary experimental works, DreamWave is where tomorrow’s auteurs make their mark today.

More than a festival — DreamWave is a movement. We champion underrepresented voices and celebrate diverse perspectives, believing that authentic stories can spark change and inspire generations.

Join us on this unforgettable ride. Submit your film, share your dream, and be part of the wave reshaping the future of media.

The 2026 Film Festival will be a 2-Day Event in December 2026 in Virginia Beach!

Awards & Prizes

Wave Award (Audience Choice) - The film that resonated the most with the audience

Best Lead Actor - Honoring an outstanding performance in a leading role

Best Lead Actress - Honoring an outstanding performance in a leading role

Best Cinematography - For exceptional visual storytelling through camera and composition

Best Editing - Recognizing excellence in pacing, structure, and narrative flow

Best Original Score - For music that elevates and enhances the emotional experience of the film

Best Short Narrative - Awarded to the most oustanding overall narrative film

Best Screenplay - Honoring excellence in writing, story, and dialogue

Best Director - Recognizing exceptional vision and execution in filmmaking

Best Student Film - Celebrating emerging filmmakers and new creative voices

Best Animated Film - Awarded to the most oustanding achievement in animation

Best Sound Design - For immersive and impactful use of sound in storytelling

Best Documentary - Honoring compelling real-world storytelling and perspective

Best Supporting Actor - Recognizing an outstanding performance in a supporting role

Best Supporting Actress - Recognizing an outstanding performance in a supporting role

Best Poster - Awarding the art piece that stands out

Each winner will receive a custom DreamWave trophy.

Every director regardless of winning an actual award will receive a poster and a custom drawing curated to the director and their film.

You do not need to attend the festival to be eligible for an award. A panel of judges will judge all films the same & films are not limited to 1 award. For people that win awards that didn't attend, a trophy will be mailed to the individual after a follow up contact from the festival director.

A Movie Trivia will be held prior to the festival where a Cinema Cafe Gift Basket and other prizes will be offered for the top 3 winners of the trivia game!

Rules & Terms

By submitting to the DreamWave Film Festival, you agree to the following terms and conditions:

Film Length – All submissions must have a total runtime of 15 minutes or less, including credits.

Original Work – Submissions must be the filmmaker’s original work and must not infringe upon any copyrights, trademarks, or other intellectual property rights.

Exhibition Rights – By submitting, you grant the DreamWave Film Festival the non-exclusive right to screen your film during the festival and use excerpts, stills, and promotional materials for marketing purposes.

Language – Films not in English must include English subtitles.

Completion Date – All films must have been completed after 2020.

Submission Format – All entries must be submitted via FilmFreeway as an online screener (no physical copies accepted).

Entry Fees – All submission fees are non-refundable, regardless of acceptance status.

Selection Process – Submissions will be reviewed by the DreamWave programming team. Selected films will be notified via FilmFreeway.

Eligibility – There are no restrictions on premiere status or prior screenings, but preference may be given to new or underexposed work.

Multiple Entries – Filmmakers may submit multiple films, but each must be submitted separately with its own entry fee.

Disqualification – The festival reserves the right to disqualify any film that does not adhere to the rules or that promotes hate speech or discriminatory content.

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  • Jesse Womack

    Very well put together given that this was the festival’s inaugural year. I will definitely be submitting again in the future, and you should too!

    December 2025
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