This is the home for ACTION FILMMAKERS AND FELLOW CREATIVES! Join us in Las Vegas as we showcase some incredible short films from around the world!

GainesCon International Action Film Festival is a certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated in SHOWCASING, EDUCATING, and PRODUCING the work of aspiring filmmakers within UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES and BEYOND, whose content lies within the realm of ACTION, SCI-FI, FANTASY, and HORROR genres!

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

We're also strong supporters of our military brothers and sisters. So, all theatre entree fees are wavied for active duty personnel and veterans.

The event will simultaneously be shown LIVE both IN-PERSON & VIRTUALLY. 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 work. So, on the last day of the event, we have our award ceremony, "THE DRAGON AWARDS", where we award our "Dragon Trophies" to the years most exceptional films and performances. This beautiful trophy is designed by an amazing illustrator, Mr. David Jennings from Ireland with each hand painted by the fabulous makeup artist Mrs. Faith Rios, which makes each Dragon unique. It conveys your STRENGTH, VISION, & INTERNAL FLAME needed to complete any project.

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

Awards & Prizes

*All chosen submitters are automatically nominated within their respective categories. We ensure each film is carefully watched multiple times to gain a thorough understanding of the stories so each project can be judged fairly. We don't want to rush to judgment.

The "Red Dragon Trophy":
Best Picture

The "Golden Dragon Trophy":
Best Director
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Visual Effects
Best Stunt Performance
Best Original Score
Best Editing
Best Cinematography
Best Choreography
Best Horror
Best Costume
Best Animation

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

*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" and are not elible for the Dragon Trophy.

Rules & Terms

*Content must be within the Action, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Horror genres. If it is not, it will be disqualified...No Refunds. *

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

*Films 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 ensure you have the opportunity to prepare for the show if selected.

*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 within the show dates.

All chosen submitters will receive a digital laurel.

Movies must have been created, filmed, and completed between 2020 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, the 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 our partner's platform if you cannot attend live.

All chosen submitters will be given ONE FREE PASS to attend IN-PERSON!

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.

22 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Eddie Velez


    What a great way to end the year, winning an award at the GainesCon Action Film Festival! I had watched many of the films showcased in the festival and was so impressed with the quality and awesome display of action filmmaking that I was completely blown away when I heard Barry Gaines announce the winner for Best Editing! It was an unexpected jolt of a surprise. Thank you for that experience. It is an honor to be recognized by a festival that appreciates and is dedicated to the action genre. Thank you so much, Mr. Barry Gaines, for supporting the action filmmaker. I wish for you and your cool festival great success. ’Til next time. Have a very Happy Holiday season and a wonderful New Year!!

    December 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Hey Eddie, thank you so much for the kind words brother. Your award is well deserved. The work you and your crew accomplished was exceptional. We look forward to your future projects. In the meantime, have a great holiday season and we hope to see you at next year‘s event.

  • Kendrick McLin

    I am still pumped up from the experience of this festival! I had an amazing time! Being an action centric director, this festival was right up my alley! I had 3 of my films accepted as official selections. As if that wasn't humbling enough, the amount of amazing films shown, created by extremely talented directors and crew, that i had the opportunity to screen over the 2 days of the festival, soooooo inspiring! The staff truly made everyone feel welcomed. I'm so thankful to have attended this festival. Definitely looking forward to attending next year. Hopefully my next film will receive an official selection as well. Otherwise I'll still attend as a spectator. So important to support good businesses, organizations, and festivals like this. On top of which, the hotel is attached to the casino, where the festival took place, so that made it even more convenient. Be sure and ask the CEO Barry Gaines about the history of the theater, in which the festival took place, really cool history! Congratulations to Mr Barry and Nicol Gaines on such an amazing event! To the staff as well, AMAZING JOB!

    December 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Hey Kendrick,

    Thank you so much for the kind words brother, you're a true gentleman. It was a pleasure meeting you. We look forward to your future films, so, let's do it again next year. Stay safe.

  • Jamon Holmes

    Thanks to Barry, Nicole and rest of the staff. You guys are awesome. Thanks for having my film "The Fast Family: Underground," screen in fabulous Las Vegas Nevada. I will submit again soon.

    God Bless!!!

    Jamon

    April 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you very much Jamon. It was pleasure to showcase your film to world and have you hang out with us. We have to do it again. In the meantime, keep the action going and keep creating!

  • Kaye Vassey

    Participating in this festival was an honor. Although I couldn't attend, the communication and hospitality were amazing. I will definitely be submitting more films in the future.

    July 2024
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Hello Kaye,

    Thank you very much for the support and for submitting your great work to our event. Creators like yourselves are the inspiration we thrive on as we build this exciting new space for the indie-action-filmmaker. We look forward to your future work, in our future festivals.

  • Emre Orun

    This Non-Profit Film Festival is very high end, staff are very friendly and helpful, film screenings live in person and streaming for two days, entertainment, networking, awards and more…
    I am honored to participate this festival as a guest speaker this year sharing my experiences in film and martial arts business with the audience.

    July 2024
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you for the kind words Emre. It was a pleasure to have on board as professional contributor and as a film submitter. Everone had a great time during your workshop. Let's do it again next year!