Grand Rapids Film Festival

ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible for the Grand Rapids Film Festival, films must comply with the following:
The film must have been completed within the last two years (e.g., after June 1, 2024, for the 2026 festival).
The film must be available for screenings during the entire Festival in September 2026.
Films must meet the premiere status requirements: While there is no World Premiere requirement, preference may be given to Michigan Premieres or films with limited public availability prior to the Festival.
*Any film that relies on AI creative will be disqualified.*

SELECTION
Each submitted film undergoes a rigorous judging process and is screened in its entirety by at least three members of the selection committee. Selected films may be reviewed multiple times by screening committees, programming staff, and juries.
Films submitted to the Grand Rapids Film Festival are judged on storytelling, originality, and artistic and technical quality.
Films must not require a screening fee.
GRFF requires digital files for all submissions. The file must be at least Apple ProRes 422 (or equivalent) and 1080p, although H.264 (MP4) files are acceptable for submissions.
Films that have had a theatrical release, television broadcast, or widespread availability on-demand (e.g., Netflix, Amazon Prime) within the United States prior to the Festival dates are not eligible to be named Finalists but may be considered for “Special Presentation” screenings. Films with a theatrical release, television broadcast, or availability on-demand outside the USA are eligible for “Official Selection” and can be named Finalists.
Films cannot require dual projection (interlock) or separate soundtracks.
Non-English films must be subtitled.

RULES FOR SUBMISSION
In addition to the eligibility requirements listed above, filmmakers must comply with the following submission rules:
The submitting filmmaker must be either the producer or director of the film.
Entries are accepted exclusively through FilmFreeway.
A completed official entry on FilmFreeway must be digitally signed by the filmmaker.
Payment of the non-refundable entry fee must accompany the submission. Discounts may apply for early submissions, students, or local filmmakers.
Payment can be made via credit card, check, or money order payable in US dollars to Grand Rapids Film Festival, Inc. The filmmaker is responsible for bank fees for returned checks.
All required materials must be submitted by the entry deadline.
Short films must be submitted as a functional streaming link (e.g., Vimeo or YouTube) in high definition (720p or 1080p). Private links must include a password. DVDs will no longer be accepted.
Multiple submissions must be submitted individually.

MATERIALS CHECKLIST
For your submission to be considered, please ensure the following are provided:
A link to a functional streaming video file (YouTube, Vimeo, etc.) in high definition (720p or 1080p). Passwords must be provided for private links.
A completed and digitally signed submission form via FilmFreeway.
Payment of the entry fee.

WHAT IF MY FILM IS ACCEPTED TO SCREEN AT GRFF?
All selected films must provide the following by August 5th, 2026, for promotion in GRFF’s print materials, website, and media kit:
A trailer of the film (a short clip is acceptable for selected Short Films). HD files are preferred (1080p recommended; Apple ProRes 422 or equivalent encouraged).
One (1) headshot of each filmmaker or cast member who may attend the Festival (300 dpi and 1200 x 1800 pixels or higher).
A biography of up to 100 words for each filmmaker, principal cast member, or featured individual attending.
Social media links for the director, cast, and film for promotional purposes (e.g., Twitter handles, Facebook page, website URLs).

EXHIBITION FORMAT FOR SELECTED FILMS
All selected films must provide a digital file for exhibition by August 5th, 2026. The file must meet the following requirements:
Minimum resolution: 1080p (Full HD).
Accepted formats: Apple ProRes 422, H.264 (MP4), or an equivalent high-quality digital file.
GRFF does not accept physical prints or DCPs for submission or exhibition.