The Evansville Film Festival is a community-rooted event dedicated to showcasing films that are thoughtful, impactful, and true to their creators' vision. We believe every film has a story worth telling, and we welcome filmmakers from all walks of life—whether you’re local to Evansville or traveling from the other side of the world. This is a festival for films that come from the heart, made by people who have something real to say.

Our audience is made up of passionate film lovers who are always eager for fresh perspectives. They’re here for the stories that make them think, that show them the world in a new light. We welcome feature films, short films, documentaries, animations, and experimental pieces. If your film has heart and meaning, there's a place for it here at Evansville.

In addition to screenings, we organize Q&A sessions where directors and audiences can connect on a personal level, sharing insights into the filmmaking process, creative challenges, and the emotions that fuel each project. These sessions are all about genuine conversation, giving filmmakers a chance to engage directly with viewers who are curious and supportive.

The Evansville Film Festival isn’t about glitz and glamour—it’s about celebrating the art of filmmaking in its purest form. We’re here to provide a platform for emerging voices and established artists alike, with a focus on real, meaningful storytelling. If you’re a filmmaker looking to share a piece of your world, we’d love to have you join us. Let’s make this festival a place where stories come to life, connections are made, and ideas are exchanged.

Awards & Prizes

Best Feature Film
Best Short Film
Best Documentary
Best Animation
Best Experimental Film
Best Director
Best Cinematography
Best Editing
Best Emerging Director
Best Screenplay
Social Impact Award
Audience Choice Award
Artistic Innovation Award

Rules & Terms

1.Eligibility:
Original Work: All entries must be original and free from copyright issues.
Categories: Accepting Feature (45+ min), Short (≤45 min), Documentary, Animation, and Experimental.
Subtitles: Non-English films must have English subtitles.

2.Submission:
Platform: All films must be submitted digitally.
Materials: Include a synopsis, director bio, and film stills.

3.Judging Criteria:
Films are judged on story, visuals, originality, social impact, and technical quality.

4. Rights and Screenings:
Public Screening Rights: By submitting to the festival, filmmakers grant the Evansville Film Festival the right to publicly screen their film during the festival dates. The festival retains public screening rights only for the duration of the event.
Copyright: Filmmakers retain all rights to their work. The festival does not claim ownership or distribution rights.
Promotional Use: The festival may use short clips, film stills, and synopses from submitted films for promotional purposes, including trailers, social media posts, and website features, with prior notice given to the filmmakers.
Additional Screenings: With the filmmaker’s consent, selected films may be included in special screenings or encore presentations in other venues affiliated with the Evansville Film Festival, offering additional exposure.
Post-Festival Distribution: The festival may, upon approval, partner with platforms to offer post-festival distribution opportunities, giving selected films a wider audience.

5.Code of Conduct:
Professionalism and Respect: The Evansville Film Festival is committed to maintaining a respectful and inclusive environment. Filmmakers, attendees, and staff are expected to uphold professionalism and treat each other with respect.
Audience Interaction: Q&A sessions and networking events are designed to encourage meaningful dialogue. Attendees are encouraged to engage thoughtfully and respectfully.
Harassment Policy: The festival has a zero-tolerance policy for harassment or discrimination of any kind. Violations may result in removal from the festival without refund.