Eureka Springs, Arkansas has been a popular film location for years. A film fest is a natural for Eureka Springs - it's a historic arts village surrounded by mountains and water.

We're looking for break-through films with a special emphasis on short productions. Special categories include productions shot on mobile devices, short and feature length films produced by women and student/young filmmakers. Workshops, panel discussions, tips and tricks session are scheduled in between screenings. Filmmakers Reception, lots of networking opportunities and a fabulous wrap-party after the Indie Awards at the historic Aud in downtown Eureka Springs.

Awards: Cash, in-kind and 'first look"

Levels:
Each category will have three finalists.
Of the finalists, there will be a Gold, Bronze and Silver winner
Primary Awards:
Creative Storytelling (screenplay/originality)
Best in Category
Best Cinematography
Best Producer and/or Director
Best Performance
Best Original Score
Best Young Film Maker
Best Innovative Women in Film
Best Shot on Mobile
Best of Show

Judges discretion: At judge’s option, additional categories may be awarded for outstanding films in any of the subcategories (e.g., director, costumes, editing, etc.)

Student awards may be given in any or all categories as a separate award.

Judges may select a “Judges Choice” special award for a category not covered.

Cash and/or in kind merchandise/opportunity prizes will be awarded in each category. Eureka Springs Indie Award Statue awarded to “Best of”, “Gold”, and “Young Film Maker” winners. Indie Certificate of Excellence and other merchandise prizes awarded to Silver and Bronze winners.

1. Entrant confirms and warrants required legal authority to submit the entry into the ESIFF and to use all music, images, and content in the entry.
2. Entrant will allow usage of clips from the film for promotional use on television, radio, in print and at live Film Fest events.
3. All entries must be either in English or subtitled in English.
4. Only complete entries (including entry form, payment, and preview DVD screener) will be processed.
5. Young Filmmaker entrants (18 years and younger) must must have adult/parent/guardian co-signer on entry form; and must have an adult accompany them at all ESIFF events and functions.
6. The undersigned accepts that as a nonprofit organization, ESIFF will not be held liable for any infringement or copyrights related to the film, its music, vintage or other footage, or material which the maker or representative or agent may be responsible for. Nor will ESIFF or its sponsors, agents or affiliates be held culpable for any damage or loss of materials.

A minimum of three finalists will be selected for each of the genre and craft categories.

Winners in each category will be announced at the ESIFF “Indie Awards Ceremony” in Oct 2024. For publication purposes, entries selected will be required to supply three high resolution stills from the film and at least one high resolution photograph of the film's director.

Judging:
All entries will be judged by film professionals and educators who have the knowledge of, and respect for storytelling, creativity, originality, ambition and determination. Judging is based on a point system.

Submission Lengths and Categories:
The Eureka Springs Indie Film Festival is open to all ages. Films produced after 2021 qualify for entry.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • John Amasi

    Thank you so much for the opportunity. We are glad that our documentary film "Uhmu" found a home and also received a warm reception at its screening. God bless!

    December 2023
  • Paulo Leão

    We had such a good experience at Eureka this year. Amazing programming and we consider ourselves lucky to have been selected and screened. Winning one of the awards would have made the dream complete thou. LOL!

    December 2023
  • Ariane Boukerche

    Wonderful experience! Glad to screen our film here.

    December 2023