Film screenings from all around the world in the historic city of Leavenworth Kansas March 21-24, 2024.

Scholarships and prizes will be awarded.

In addition to the screenings the festival will include VIP/red carpet events, panels and Q&As with filmmakers.

Trophies (and possibly a small cash award) for best in each category. Scholarships will be awarded for best Heartland Student Short.

Spirit award winners, the Andy Entwistle Spirit Award and the Dandelion Award for Local Women in Film, both will receive cash or "gift certificate" awards.

Each category within the festival will USUALLY host a juried competition for "Best of...". Additional awards may be given within each category at the judgment of the jury (i.e. best actor, cinematographer, editing, sound, etc.).

NOTE: If a category has less than three submissions, it is judges discretion on awarding a “Best of” in that category.

Award winning filmmakers will receive a physical award. Additional awards might be added and announced at a later date based on festival sponsors and donations.

Categories

Animation - Any length
Narrative Feature - Longer than 45 Minutes
Narrative Short - Less than 45 Minutes
Documentary Feature - Longer than 45 minutes
Documentary Short - Less than 45 minutes
Heartland Student Short - Less than 45 minutes

Cash awards/trophies for best in each category.

Cash awards/trophies for best in each category. Scholarships will be awarded for best Heartland Student Short.

Spirit award winners, the Andy Entwistle Spirit Award and the Dandelion Award for Local Women in Film, both will receive cash or "gift certificate" awards.

Each category within the festival will host a juried competition for "Best of...". Additional awards may be given within each category at the judgment of the jury (i.e. best actor, cinematographer, editing, sound, etc.).

Award winning filmmakers will receive a physical award and could receive a small cash award. Additional awards might be added and announced at a later date based on festival sponsors and donations.

The Andy Entwistle Spirit Award is for new filmmakers over 40 years old at the time of submission. The 'new filmmaker' can be the screenwriter, director or producer of a feature or short film. Interpretation of 'new filmmaker' is at the discretion of the festival committee. To be considered for the Andy Entwistle Spirit Award, e-mail the festival staff at firstcityfilm@gmail.com AFTER submitting through FilmFreeway.

The Heartland Student Short category is open to Kansas and Missouri area Middle and High School students (grades 6-12). Submissions for students is free but an access code will be needed, email the festival at firstcityfilm@gmail.com for more information.

Submissions for the Heartland Student Short category need to be in by Feb. 11, 2024.

Submissions are accepted only through electronic submission via FilmFreeway.

More than one entry may be submitted. However, each entry must be accompanied by a separate entry form and entry fee.

Films not in English must have English subtitles.

Entries must be received on or before the deadlines and submission fee payment must be made in full at time of the submission. All entry fees are non-refundable.

Entrants are responsible for obtaining any necessary licenses, royalties, release forms, clearances and permits necessary to present their work. The First City Film Festival is not responsible for any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits or royalty infringement related to the work.

The following must be source referenced in credits at the end of the production:
* All music, sound effects, pictures and reference footage, whether original and/or non-original
* Original third party music, sound effects, pictures and reference footage may be used if permission by the owner/author is documented in writing and sent in with entry form
* Music, sound effects, pictures, and video clips purchased or available through filming or editing software is acceptable and must be referenced in the credits

All film entries selected for the festival grant the First City Film Festival the rights to use footage, stills, titles and information from the film for promotional purposes.

All filmmakers will be notified via email regarding their acceptance into the Festival.

All genres are welcome. For screenings festival staff will place your film in the appropriate category.

Submissions will be accepted beginning August 31, 2023

·Early bird deadline - September 30, 2023
·Regular deadline - October 31, 2023
·Late deadline - November 30, 2023
·Extended deadline - December 31, 2023
·Student Deadline - February 5, 2024

Works in Progress are accepted for extended deadlines only. WP should be clearly marked on the submission disc “Work in Progress” or “RoughCut” and also indicate when exactly the final edited version will be available.

·Early deadline shorts $20 Features $30
·Regular deadline shorts $25 Features $35
·Late deadline shorts $35 Features $45
·Extended deadline Shorts $45 Features $55

Payment MUST be made through FilmFreeway

Submitted materials will not be returned and there are no refunds.

Multiple Submissions: When sending in more than one project, each one must have its own submission material. Submission fees apply to each individual entry and category.

Official selections will be will be made by January 7, 2024 and notifications will be sent via email (except student shorts). Those not selected will also be notified via email.

The selection committees’, jury’s and festival director’s decisions are final.

Once selected as a part of the official festival, a film may not pull out of the festival or withdraw its submission.

If selected you should be able to provide the following material:
1. Exhibition video
2. 60 Seconds Digital Video clip or trailer for promotional press
3. The project synopsis with cast and crew credits.

ALL SUBMISSIONS MUST BE SENT THROUGH FilmFreeway.

If your project is selected, you are responsible for delivery of the exhibition video to our office by the designated date OR links for download.

If you have questions regarding the submissions process, please email: firstcityfilm@gmail.com

Filmmakers who have their films selected for the festival will receive an admissions package ABOUT ONE MONTH BEFORE THE FESTIVAL. The admissions package will include instructions for delivering exhibition video, attending the festival, etc.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Paul South

    This was such a great film festival experience. The hosts were welcoming, it had strong attendance by both filmmakers and viewers, and the venue was great. I’d attend to this one again.

    April 2023
  • Sadly, we were unable to attend, but was extremely thankful that our film was selected. This festival is run by a passionate group that genuinely cares about films and the filmmakers.

    Thank you so much.

    April 2023
  • Barbara Medajska

    Thank you so much for awarding my film! I'm very happy and want to recommend the festival for film lovers and all filmmakers!

    April 2023
  • First City Film Festival was a great experience. The festival Director and staff were supportive. The panel discussions revealed some insights from local people who have made careers in the film industry. The filmmakers were supportive and collaborative toward each other's works. I hope to return to this festival... I believe it will grow.

    April 2023
  • I was honored to participate in this year's First City Film Festival! - 😃😃😃🙏🙏🙏

    March 2023