Submit to FiveFest and you're on the path to winning an EMMY.
You won't find another film festival that offers you this opportunity.
Wait! WTF(udge)? How does that work?
SATO48, the sponsor of FiveFest, broadcasts "SATO48 The TV Show" on The Ozarks CW, and because of that, FiveFest films we feature on the TV Show become eligible for submission to the Mid-America EMMYs in the short subject category.
In past years, a 5-minute submission entitled "The Milk, Man" was NOMINATED for an EMMY!! (see our Instagram post).

Now, some more background:

“FiveFest” now in its 3rd Year is the festival component of Springfield And The Ozarks 48-Hour Film Challenge (SATO48), which attracts over 500 participants.
SATO48 is now in its 21st year.

Screenings take place at the largest Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in the country (Springfield, Missouri).

FiveFest is dedicated to celebrating the art of short films with a maximum length of five minutes.

The FiveFest Awards Ceremony will take place in October 2026, the venue is still to be determined.

There's also an AfterParty where a diverse audience of film enthusiasts, industry professionals, and fellow filmmakers gather to network.

FiveFest focuses on filmmakers from near & far with a talent for brevity and impact in their storytelling.

Whether you're an emerging talent or a seasoned filmmaker, FiveFest is your platform to showcase your work, connect with others, celebrate the power of short films, and get EMMY recognition — no other film festival in the country offers such a direct link opportunity to broadcast television via SATO48 The TV Show!!

The motto of FiveFest?
Master Five Minutes!

Awards & Prizes

A distinguishing feature of FiveFest is the judging. We do not rely on the taste of a single person in selecting the Top Ten, Nominees, Runners-Up, and Winners.

Instead, a collective of SATO48 filmmakers who participated last year (aka The Academy) watch submitted films and their aggregated scores are used to determine the outcomes.

In addition, Winners in each of the following genre categories: Horror, Comedy, Drama, Animation, Musical, Music Video, Experimental, and Documentary, receive a statuette, and give an acceptance speech from the stage.

A single film will also be awarded the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema "You Gotta See It" FiveFest Prize.

If your FiveFest film meets the selection criteria for SATO48 The TV Show, you'll be eligible for an EMMY.

You, or a representative of your film, must be present to accept the Award on stage at The FiveFest Awards.

Rules & Terms

Your entry must be five minutes or less in length.

If selected for competition you're encouraged to supply an 11"x17" portrait-orientation POSTER in digital format.

There is no premiere requirement; films publicly screened, distributed, or produced at any time, are eligible.

Multiple submissions are allowed, but each film must be submitted separately, by genre, with its own entry fee.

All submissions must be original works and not infringe on copyrights, trademarks, or other intellectual property rights. This means the submitter must have all necessary rights, licenses, and permissions to submit the film.

Selection decisions by The Academy are final and will be based on the quality of the filmmaking, storytelling, creativity, and adherence to the genre as described.

By submitting your film, you grant FiveFest the right to screen your film and to use clips or stills for promotional purposes, including but not limited to the festival website, social media, and press releases. Selected films may be included in promotional compilations or trailers for the festival.

Winners will be announced during the FiveFest Awards Ceremony. You, or a representative of your film, must be present to accept your Award on stage, and be prepared to give an acceptance speech no longer than two minutes and no shorter than 30 seconds.

By submitting your film, you agree to all of the herein rules and terms.

FiveFest reserves the right to amend these rules and terms at any time.

2 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Christopher Owens

    On behalf of CESO ENTERPRISES, INC., Alyssa Dann, and Chris Oledude, I would like to compliment the organizers and operators of FiveFest. We are proud to have had the opportunity to showcase our work, “Orange Blues 24” in your festival, as well as share the spotlight with so many talented film makers. Submitting our film was a simple process, and everyone who contacted us on behalf of this festival was helpful, and easy to communicate with. Although we were not able to attend in person, this will remain a highlight of our year, and we recommend submitting your work to this wonderful festival! We certainly intend to participate again in the future.

    Thank you

    June 2025
    Helpful
  • John Dawson

    A nice festival that you will want to be in.

    June 2025
    Helpful