Call for Entries for FirstGlance Film Fest 21 Philadelphia
Named one of the TOP RATED Film Festivals on FilmFreeway

Accepting Drama, Comedy, Science Fiction, Horror, Fantasy, Action and all genres from filmmakers of every gender, color, ethnicity, country and level.
FirstGlance is an all inclusive and diverse event.
From first time filmmakers to Professionals from down the street to across the globe!
INDIE FILMMAKERS WANTED!!

Features, Shorts, Documentary, Animation, Live Action, Web Series, Music Videos, Original Concept Trailers, Student Films

The 21st Annual FirstGlance Film Fest Philadelphia screens local and international professional, first time, and student filmmakers, celebrating the best in indie film making from across the globe and locally produced Philadelphia Area Filmmakers.
Screenings, Red Carpet, Live Awards Presentation and Nominations in over 25 categories!

October 12-14 2018 at the Painted Bride Art Center in Center City Philadelphia

Get ready for our BIGGEST EVENT YET!

Over 20 nominating categories the screening committee will award to Official Selections, plus Best of Audience awards for each category, and BEST OF FEST award winners.

Prize Package include production services, gear rentals and post production software.

FirstGlance Film Festivals are the longest running international bi-coastal indie film festivals in the United States. FirstGlance has theatrically screened over 1900 films to over 180,000 attendees and has the most active Short Online Contest, having screened over 675 short films to over 190,000 online viewers and voters over the past 10 years.

FirstGlance Film Fests have a 97% track record with feature films (Narrative and Documentary) acquiring VOD, theatrical and Pay Cable distribution.
FirstGlance has recently completed a deal to license science fiction shorts and web series for an amazing online streaming network, offering filmmakers a non exclusive, cash up front short term licensing deal.

Named 5 times as a Best Film Festival Investment by Moviemaker Magazine
and named by Time Magazine as, "One of the Festivals for the Rest of Us"
And FilmFreeway's Top 100 Film Festivals!

Semi-Finalists in our Shorts Categories are invited to take part in our very successful Short Online Contest, that has been running twice yearly alongside our physical festival for the opportunity to win over $2000 in prizes and a place in our next FirstGlance Film Festival.

Awards & Prizes

The Best of Fest Award Winner prizes furnished by Sony Software, Entertainment Partners, ShowBiz Software, Movie Magic, Red Giant, Boris FX, Glidecam, Video Blocks, Audio Blocks, Graphic Stock, The Takes, Jungle Software, Beachtek, ShotListerApp, InkTip, Birns and Sawyer and more.
Value of Goods/Services: 20,000 U.S. Dollars Annually

Short Online Contest- Over $2000 in prizes and premiere at our next film festival, FirstGlance Film Fest Philadelphia 21 (Fall 2018)

BONUS PRIZES: Any category that receives over 200 entries the winning film in that category will be awarded a CASH PRIZE

Rules & Terms

Student entries must include copy of current semester bill and copy of student ID by email. All official selections will be notified of acceptance by E-mail. (Make sure your address is current) Accepted projects cannot be publicly exhibited in the Philadelphia area at any time within a one-month period of the festival start date. If this occurs, FirstGlance has the right to refuse exhibition. After acceptance of projects, the entrant is free to publicize his/her work to any and all media she/he deems necessary. Please notify FirstGlance of any media support you receive. The undersigned entrant shall release, discharge, indemnify and hold harmless FirstGlance Films, and its agents, respective officers, directors, employees, representatives, contractors, partners, sponsors, and volunteers from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, costs and expenses(including, without limitations, attorneys' fees). The undersigned entrant authorizes FirstGlance Film Festival, to promote the entry in whole or in part for any publicity purpose prior to, during, and after the competition. You agree to be bound by these guidelines and the decisions of the judges, which are final and binding in all respects and to waive any right to claim ambiguity in the contest or the rules. The signature of applicant constitutes that the entrants information is true and correct and agrees to all competition rules and guidelines. Disclaimer: If any categories submissions does not receive high enough scores from our screening committee, FirstGlance has the right to discontinue the category for a specific festival.
18 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Paireac Keane

    Unfortunately, I was unable to attend this years festival but two of the cast attended and had an amazing time. The fact they received a nomination and an award in the best actor categories was an added bonus. The festival is really well run and the communication was excellent throughout. Would definitely recommend it.

    May 2018
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  • Gabriel Gallindo

    A lovely festival to start out the year!
    A lot of care clearly goes into the entire process resulting in a delightful and memorable experience for the filmmakers!

    March 2018
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  • Asia LeMasters

    My team and I had such a great time at FirstGlance. My film, EVOKE, had its West Coast premiere at the festival, and it was a wonderful experience. I'd highly recommend submitting to this festival, and I definitely will be submitting again in the future. Thank you, Bill and the rest of the FG team!

    March 2018
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  • Russell Emanuel

    Thank you for having "Collar" at your online festival event which is still going on! This is an amazing festival and I recommend everyone to submit to it! Thank you again!

    March 2018
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  • Dinh Thai

    Great theater and great crowd.

    March 2018
    Helpful