Join us for the Sixteenth Season of the Green Bay Film Festival.
The Green Bay Film Festival now takes place over the course of a year with 2 distinct curated events showcased at our festival home, the historic Tarlton Theatre, in the heart of downtown Green Bay, Wisconsin.
The 2026 festival season consists of a spring and fall session with submissions for the spring session running June through August. The event will take place March 14, 2026. Watch for our fall submissions starting March 14th for our October 17th event.
We connect filmmakers and audiences to provide a rich viewing experience, including “talkbacks” and behind the scenes insights. We enthusiastically support our local film community, a live cinema experience and our local historic theatre and home. We delight in giving our filmmakers an extraordinary welcome in traditional Midwest fashion.
GBFF will create themes based on the submissions that we receive utilizing four general categories.
This Year's Categories Are:
MADE IN WISCONSIN: The best the Badger state has to offer from filmmakers currently living in Wisconsin and/or celebrating the stories and triumphs of the people who live, work, and play in Wisconsin!
DOCUMENTARY: We are now accepting submissions for original documentary films! Whether you're an emerging filmmaker or an established director, we welcome compelling stories from around the world.
Submission guidelines:
- Subject: Open - any theme or topic is welcome.
- Length: Maximum run time of 90 minutes.
SHORTS: We are now accepting submissions for short films of any genre or subject. Whether narrative, experimental, animated, or any other style, we welcome bold and original storytelling from filmmakers of all backgrounds.
FEATURES: We are now accepting feature films of any genre or subject matter. Whether you're telling a dramatic story or exploring an experimental approach, we welcome innovative and captivating films from filmmakers of all kinds.
JURIED AWARDS will be determined in advance. Physical trophies awarded to in person participants only.
As one filmmaker said, “Green Bay is the perfect place to host a film festival. The talent is real and everyone’s doors are open.” We couldn’t agree more!
Awards and Prizes
JURIED AWARDS will be determined in advance. Physical trophies awarded to in person participants ONLY. We hope you will attend and help us create an experience that goes beyond "watching a movie"!
All films submitted will compete in noted categories
Juried Awards:
GBFF 2026 juried award will be based on the theme determined for the event as a "Best of the Fest" award for that particular event. A $200 cash award is included. *Attending the festival event is required to receive any award (physical award and cash award). For those winners not in attendance, laurels will be sent.
Note: if Green Bay Film Festival feels that your film fits into a different category, you may be notified with an option to change. Please review the categories to ensure your film fits the selected category.
**NOTE: ANY film that receives a fee waiver or is invited by the festival will not be considered in competition.
Special Note: Notifications! All filmmakers will be notified via the email address submitted on FilmFreeway. Please make sure this information is correct and updated.