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 19,000 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, Austria, Israel, Japan, and Great Britain make it a truly international event.
Films accepted to screen at Gen Con 2022 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 $1000
- Ovid Award $1000
· Best Short Film $250
· Best Web Series $250
Additionally certificates will be awarded to the following selections:
· 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 the many film related panels and discussions during the festival.
Congratulations to our 2022 Festival Award Winners.
Best Feature Film - Ticket (Japan)
Best Independent Series - The Demon Vlogs (USA)
Best Short Film - Reel Trouble (USA)
Ovid Award - Static Space (USA)
Best Horror Film - What Is Buried Must Remain (Lebanon)
Best Gamer Film -The Satanic Panic and the Religious Battle for the Imagination (Canada)
Best Documentary Film - Mike Mignola: Drawing Monsters (USA)
Best Sci-fi Film - The Repairman (USA)
Best Animated Film - Paradise Lost (USA)
Best Comedy Film - Fred Crisman: Cave of the Space Nazis! (USA)
Best Fantasy Film - Finding Feodan (Canada)
Best Fan Film - A Blaster In The Right Hands: A Star Wars Story (Australia)