Gen Con is the largest and longest-running annual event devoted to tabletop gaming culture in North America. The convention attracts 75,000 attendees and 538 exhibiting companies each year. During the convention, attendees choose from over 20,000 ticketed events representing a wide array of board games, card games, roleplaying games, seminars, entertainment events, and more. Gen Con takes place annually in the Indiana Convention Center and surrounding downtown hotel spaces in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Filmmakers from around the world gather to compete in the Gen Con Film Festival. Some travel from as far away as Australia and the United Kingdom to the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis for screenings, film panels, and the awards ceremony. Films from across the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Austria, Brazil, Israel, Spain, Japan, and Great Britain make it a truly international event.

The Gen Con Film Festival focuses on genres that appeal to our gaming attendees. These include, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Horror, Animation, Anime, Martial Arts, Gaming, related parodies and documentaries.

Awards & Prizes

Awards & Prizes
• The Ovid Award honors the most creative and interesting story among the Best Short Film entries, regardless of genre. The winner receives a $1000 cash prize, made possible by a generous anonymous donor.
• Cash prizes are subject to taxes and may require a W9 form.
Cash Prizes:
• Best Feature Film: $750
• Best Short Film: $750
• Ovid Award: $1000
Certificate Awards:
• Capstone Award - Best Student Film
• Best Independent Series
• Best Animated Film
• Best Gamer Film
• Best Documentary Film
• Best Fantasy Film
• Best Sci-fi Film
• Best Horror Film
• Best Fan Film
• Best Comedy Film

Filmmakers are encouraged to attend and participate in film panels and discussions at the festival.

Congratulations to our 2025 Festival Award Winners.

Best Feature - Warlord (UK)
Best Short Film - Once Upon a Time in the Apocalypse (Portugal)
Ovid Award - First Sight (UK)
Capstone Award Best Student Film - Shapeshifters (USA)

Best Independent Series - The Party (USA)
Best Documentary - IGNITING THE SPARK: The Story of Magic The Gathering (USA)
Best Comedy - Time Helmet (Canada)
Best Fantasy - Em & Selma Go Griffin Hunting (USA)
Best Gamer Film - My Own World (USA)
Best Sci-fi Film - SHAKESPEARE: THE TEMPEST (USA)
Best Animated Film - Stalled Trek: The Dumbsday Machine (USA)
Best Horror Film - THE FIVE STAGES OF... (USA)
Best Fan Film - The Killer (USA)

Rules & Terms

Eligibility
• Films must be related to gaming, sci-fi, fantasy, or horror.
• Obscene or defamatory films will be disqualified.
• Gen Con LLC can reject any film at any time for any reason.
• Gen Con employees, sponsors, and their immediate families cannot compete.
• No refunds for disqualified or rejected entries.
• The film must be original, and the filmmaker must have permission for any copyrighted or trademarked materials used.
• Fan films are not eligible for cash prizes, except for parodies.
• Films must be submitted in their final form and cannot be changed after submission.
• Submit a digital copy of the film in mp4 1080p h.264 format, preferably via FilmFreeway or Vimeo.
• Provide a brief 150-character film summary and a bio sheet for key staff (directors/writers).
• Submit at least three production stills (300dpi).
• Multiple films can be submitted, but each must have a separate entry form.
• If accepted, up to five 4-day badges to Gen Con will be given to the film’s production staff. Badges are provided per production company not per entry.
• Films that have won awards in previous Gen Con Film Festivals are not eligible for competition but may be submitted out of competition.
• By submitting, you grant Gen Con permission to screen your film at the event and make necessary copies for screening purposes.

76 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • MJ Roper

    Wonderful time at the GenCon Film Festival and hope to join in again in the future!

    January 2026
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  • Lori Watt

    Chuck and the team were wonderful. Lots of panels and opportunities to network. Thank you for selecting TIME HELMET and for the BEST COMEDY FEATURE award. We enjoyed meeting so many talented filmmakers and gamers at this event.

    August 2025
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  • Michael Hahn

    This is a great festival, where I've made some wonderful friends. You couldn't ask for a better community of people who work to put the fest together and make it run so smoothly.

    August 2025
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  • Eric Pascarelli

    Definitely one of my favorite festival experiences. Getting to roam Gen Con and do the mixer in a suite was amazing!

    August 2025
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  • Leonard Smith

    The Gen Con Film Festival was a surreal, unforgettable experience. Though my film didn’t match the caliber of others, the respect and warmth I received were unparalleled. The organizers and attendees created an inspiring atmosphere that celebrated creativity. Witnessing the diverse, high-quality films showcased was both humbling and motivating. It pushed my team and me to elevate our craft, aiming to return next year with stronger work. I wholeheartedly recommend this festival to any filmmaker, novice or seasoned, for its supportive community and vibrant energy. It’s a must-attend event that fuels passion and fosters growth in the art of filmmaking.

    August 2025
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