Let's showcase your short ACTION FILMS while simultaneously supporting new fellow ACTION filmmakers!

GainesCon Film Festival & Expo is a certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated in showcasing, educating, and producing the work of aspiring filmmakers and content creators within UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES whose content lies within the realm of ACTION, SCI-FI, FANTASY, and HORROR. This begins by providing access to equipment, educational programs and most of all, SUPPORT in order to help foster talent.

A crucial component of our cause is strongly emphasizing the cultural representation of various ethnic and underrepresented groups within these genres.

This two day event will be shown both LIVE & VIRTUAL simultaneously with the use of the online platform "FILMOCRACY". This will include workshops with industry professionals, along with additional entertainment in-between showings.

Having all this amazing content under one event won’t be fitting unless there was a way to award those with exceptional material. So we have created "THE DRAGON AWARDS" on the last day of the festival! This beautiful trophy was designed by an amazing illustrator, David Jennings from Ireland with each hand painted by my makeup artist Mrs. Faith Rios, which makes each Dragon unique. It is to convey the STRENGTH, VISION, TALENT, and the INTERNAL FLAME needed to complete any film.

So, join us and lets showcase your exciting, action filled work to the world!

*All chosen submitters will automatically be nominated within the category they entered. This is due to having so many great films selected, we don't want to rush to judgment. We watch every film more than once, giving us a chance to choose each project fairly. So we wait till the very end to make a decision.*

Best Picture: The "Red Dragon Trophy"

The "Golden Dragon Trophy":
Best Director
Best Male Actor
Best Female Actor
Best Visual Effects
Best Stunt Performance
Best Original Score
Best Editing
Best Cinematography
Best Choreography
Best Horror Short
Best Hair and Makeup
Best Documentary
Best Costume

The "Dragon Certificate"
Best Trailer
Best Action Sequence
Best "No Budget No Problem" short
Best Screenplay

*Dragon Trophy Winners will be notified soon after the virtual award ceremony on how to receive their award.*

1. Free Shipping for U.S residents.
2. International residents will be responsible for shipping.

*Dragon Certificate Winners will have their award mailed "free of charge".

*Content must be within the Action, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Horror genres.*

*Upon being chosen, your film CANNOT be open to the public for FREE viewing before the event. If so, it will be subject to disqualification. No Refunds.
a. So, you'll be fine if you submit to other festivals or require a fee to view your film on a platform. As long as it is not available for FREE viewing.

All submissions will be judged on creativity, story, editing, performances, and camera work. There is NO GUARANTEE of ACCEPTANCE.

*Film will be judged quickly, so don't be surprised if you receive a decision the same day you submit! This is to respect your time and not have you wait till to end to know what to do.

*Due to the number of submissions, we may not be able to play every movie live during the event but every movie will be available for viewing through our virtual platform 'Filmocracy" for the duration of the event.

All chosen submitters will receive a digital laurel and be listed on the website.

Movies must have been created, filmed, and completed between 2019 to present.

You must own the rights or have permission to enter the submitted content.

Non-English content must provide Closed Captioning if selected. If not provided, film will be subjected to disqualification. No refunds.

All submissions must be made through FilmFreeway. *No DVD, Links, or Blu-rays will be accepted.*

All chosen submitters will be given a link to view the event FREE through "FILMOCRACY" if you cannot attend live.

All chosen submitters will be given ONE FREE PASS to attend LIVE!

All results will be notified by email. Please look in your SPAM in case you don't see any messages in your normal "inbox".

All accepted submissions must provide a link to the trailer and artwork for promotion. No hard copies are allowed.

ALL SUBMITTED MATERIAL MUST BE FREE OF WATERMARKS OF ANY KIND.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Glenn Lissner

    A cool genre festival. Great host. Professional, prompt and on point.

    December 2022
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you Glenn! Great work with your screenplay. I look forward in reading more of your work in my future events. 😀

  • Russell Emanuel

    Great film festival that treated us well! Thank you so much!

    December 2022
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you Russell, it's always a pleasure reviewing and showcasing your films. Keep the ACTION coming!

  • Nice job. We appreciate the recognition and will be back.

    December 2022
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you Alexander, it was a pleasure to have your work be a part of my Las Vegas inaugural. 😀👍🏾

  • I had a great time at the festival. Barry Gaines put together a fun and eclectic collection of independent films. I'm looking forward to attending the next event.

    November 2021
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you for being a part of my inaugural Joseph. Winning the “No Budget, No Problem” award was well deserve. I’m looking forward in reviewing your future projects.

  • Russell Thomas

    This is quite a fun first year event. I liked how they were able to LIVE STREAM top talent into the festival and have it at a large theatre! I am looking forward to next years event!

    November 2021
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you Russell for being a part of my inaugural. I'm looking forward in seeing your new projects. Let's keep the action going!