The Free State Festival celebrates the free spirit of the state Kansas with films that challenge, inspire, and entertain. This annual signature event brings independent films, live music, comedy and art installations to venues across the vibrant college town of Lawrence through programming support from community partners and its sponsoring organization, the Lawrence Arts Center.

We encourage filmmakers to look at our past film selections before submitting to see if your work would be a good fit for our programming. We enjoy films that exhibit innovative storytelling techniques, tackle compelling social issues and challenge our audiences in new ways.

Feature films must be a Lawrence, Kansas premiere.

Visit us online at freestatefestival.org.

Rules & Terms

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:

- The filmmaker must secure all rights, licenses, clearances and releases necessary for exhibition.

-The Free State Film Festival will consider work-in-progress. Filmmakers must deliver the final format if accepted.

AGREEMENTS:
If your film or video is accepted for screening by the Free State Festival, you agree to and understand the following:

FORMAT: You agree to provide the festival an exhibition copy of the entry on the format indicated on the entry form.

SHIPPING: You are responsible for the arrangements and cost of shipping the exhibition copy to the Free State Festival.

LOSS & DAMAGE: Every precaution will be taken to safeguard films, videos and publicity materials while they are in the possession of the festival. However, if loss or damage occurs, The Free State Festival cannot accept or assume responsibility.

3 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Lourdes Kalusha-Aguirre

    Had a great experience being a part of the shorts block and Q&A, a great local festival and community showed out to support!

    July 2021
    Helpful
  • Sav Rodgers

    Marlo and the FSF team work extraordinarily hard to provide a great atmosphere for filmmakers and artists at the fest. It also should be noted Free State Festival's short block screening was PACKED! If you are selected, you'll have an engaged audience with a thoughtful Q&A. Lawrence is also a great festival town. They bring in great folks to network with as well. Couldn't recommend enough!

    July 2017
    Helpful
  • Eric Hyde

    Halfway through the festival year - no lie - my proudest screening. Minor issues with projection screen, but fantastic audio and projection. This festival will hold a special place in my heart forever.

    July 2017
    Helpful