*** We are a Comedy Film Festival in the California East Bay ***

We produce IN-PERSON FILM SCREENINGS. Hosted by local performers experienced in stand-up comedy. We also facilitate an engaging and personal experience with our participating filmmakers and guests to help expand an audience base, and following, for our participating filmmakers. We include in our programs audience feedback and Q&As when filmmakers are present to represent their films.

+++++OVERVIEW+++++

East Bay Comedy Festival is an IN-PERSON event located in the California Bay Area.

We are looking for independent projects within the genre of COMEDY from all countries. We are looking for Comedy of all types, including but not limited to Romantic Comedy, Documentaries on Comedic individuals, LGBTQ+ Comedy, Experimental Comedy, Campy Horror Films, and Dark Comedy. First-time filmmakers are encouraged to submit their projects.

+++++IN-PERSON SCREENINGS +++++

Each Season, ALL Official Selections will be screened, in full, during our live in-person program(s). All in-person events are hosted by local entertainers experienced in stand-up comedy and audience engagement.

All filmmakers will be notified, in advance, when (& where) their films will be screened in-person. Any filmmaker present during an in-person event when their film is screened will be given the opportunity to participate in a live Q&A with our guests.

+++++ [Drafted] 2024 IN-PERSON SUMMER FESTIVAL SCHEDULE +++++

UPDATE: 04/01/24. We have changed venues to house more guests comfortably. Our tentative date is:
*** September 8 ~ Oakland, California (The New Parkway Theater)
More dates pending program details and selections.

+++++SUBMISSION/SELECTION DETAILS+++++

Each Season (Spring, Summer, Winter, Fall), we will 'Select' up to 40 total films.

All Official Selections will be announced on/before the Notification date.

A Select number of Official Selections, per Submissions Period, will be announced and posted on our main website and our other social media platforms (IG, FB).

All Submissions will be judged by credited filmmakers, film producers, and film lovers.

Awards & Prizes

Films are rated and considered for the following main categories:

Best Short Film*
Best LGBTQ+ Comedy Film**

**Best LGBTQ+ Comedy Film will be awarded, pending there are at least THREE Official Selections with LGBTQ+ focus in one Submissions period.

Films are rated and considered for the following Sub-Categories (per Season):

Best Director // Best Original Story // Best Performance

Digital Certificates/Awards, with accompanying laurels, will be distributed to all winners via electronic transfer.

Rules & Terms

We accept films of any length made on/after January 1, 2020.

SUBMISSIONS
All submissions must be made via FilmFreeway. A separate Entry Form is required for each film being submitted. Each Season, we will select up to 40 films.

ENTRY FEE
We encourage filmmakers to submit by our Early Bird Deadline before fees increase. Entry fees are non-refundable. Submission fees help cover our rental costs and talent fees.

PREMIERE STATUS
All films are eligible regardless of their premiere status.

SCREENING FORMATS
We accept SD or HD formats at this time. Filmmakers shall provide a DCP at their expense, upon request. All non-English language films MUST have English subtitles. Closed-Captioning is strongly encouraged, though not required.

NOTIFICATION
Notifications will be made prior to or on our Notification dates.

AWARDS
All Official Selections are considered for Awards. All awards will be made digital and sent to our Finalists and Winners during the current Festival Season.

FILM SELECTION
All submissions will be reviewed in their entirety & rated by members of the Festival Screening Committee. The Screening Committee is composed of industry professionals, filmmakers, film producers, and movie lovers.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS
With each submission, the submitter consents for the East Bay Comedy Festival to use up to 3 minutes of footage or photographic stills from the work for promotional purposes.

The East Bay Comedy Festival must be notified in writing of any press or photo restrictions.
1 Review
Overall Rating
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  • Alan Masa

    A fun event! I was welcomed as a special guest with a fun Q&A after the screening of my film. Met other filmmakers, actors, and happy to see other hilarious films that evening too!

    February 2024
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