GainesCon Film Festival - Las Vegas is here!!

This is an international film festival geared to the diversity and wonderment of the independent Action, Sci-Fi and Horror filmmaker which is held both virtually and in-person.

As moviemakers myself, I understand the difficulty in completing any film of any size. And I know it’s not just about how much money was spent on a project, but how it was told. It’s about the story and heart applied that brings the audience into your world. Which is why I have a slew of categories for you to apply for.

Within the spirit of independent creativity of all levels, I made a category called “No Budget, No Problem”. This is designed to showcase content with budgets less than $1500.00. When all you have is your passion to tell a story, this ones for you.

You can also send in your screenplay. There is nothing like sitting back and being entertained by the power of the pen!

Having all these amazing content under one event won’t be fitting unless there was a way to award those with exceptional material. So have I created THE DRAGON AWARDS! 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, passion and vision that goes into every art we create.

1. "The Red Dragon" - For The Best Picture Short.

2. "The Gold Dragon" - This will be given to all the winners except, Costume, Action Sequence and Movie Trailer"

3. "The Dragon Certificate" - This is given to the winners for Best Costume, Action Sequence and Movie Trailer.

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

Best Picture: The "Red Dragon Trophy"

The "Golden Dragon Trophy":
Best Director
Best Male Actor
Best Female Actor
Best Visual Effects
Best Original Score
Best Editing
Best Cinematography
Best Choreography
Best Horror Short
Best Web-Series
Best Documentary
Best Costume

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

*Dragon Trophy Winners will have the option to "purchase the actual statue" following the virtual ceremony on Dec. 10th, but you'll receive a digital certificate at no cost. Purchase instruction will be sent afterwards.

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

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

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

*Due to the number of submissions, I may not be able to play every movie during the event. You will receive a notice before the day stating whether your movie will be featured live.

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

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

Content must be within the realm of Action, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Horror.

Movies must have been created, filmed, and completed between 2015 to present.

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

Non-English content must provide Closed Captioning.

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

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!