Gen Con is the largest and longest-running annual event devoted to tabletop gaming culture in North America. The convention, which began in 1968 in Lake Geneva, WI, attracts 70,000 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, Israel, Spain, Japan, and Great Britain make it a truly international event.
Films accepted to screen at Gen Con will also be streamed as part of the Gen Con Online event. Filmmakers who do not wish their films to be streamed online may submit an opt-out notice via email.
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.
The Ovid Award is named after the Roman poet known for his immense influence on imaginative interpretations of classic myths. This award will be granted for the "most interesting and creative story" among the Best Short Film entries, regardless of genre. The recipient will receive a $1000 cash prize. The Ovid Award has been made possible through a contribution from a generous anonymous Film Festival benefactor.
Cash prize winnings are subject to all applicable federal, state, and local taxes; winners may be requested to fill out a W9 prior to receipt of award.
Cash Prizes will be awarded in the categories:
· Best Feature Film $750
· Best Short Film $750
· Ovid Award $1000
Additionally certificates will be awarded to the following selections:
· 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
· Best Student Film
Filmmakers are encouraged to attend and participate in the many film related panels and discussions during the festival.
Congratulations to our 2023 Festival Award Winners.
Best Feature Film - Showdown in Yesteryear (USA)
Best Short Film - Splinter (USA)
Best Independent Series - Star Wars Fan Made - Actual Play Series EP3 "Not Another New Hope" (USA)
OVID Award - 10:35 (Mexico)
Best Animated - 10:35 (Mexico)
Best Student - A Lovely Death (Mexico)
Best documentary - The Once and Future Smash (USA)
Best Fan film - Last Trial - A Star Wars Collateral Story (Spain)
Best Gamer - High Stakes (USA)
Best Comedy - A Pretty Good Movie (USA)
Best Sci-Fi - Rogue Guardian (USA)
Best Fantasy - Morning is Broken (USA)
Best Horror - Closet Space (USA)