Imagine your film being distributed theatrically and on major platforms like Amazon and Tubi. Your festival entry could make this a reality! The Grand Prize includes a Distribution and Marketing package worth almost $20,000, featuring a custom web presence for your film, social media placement, a custom trailer posting, and a press release.

The Hawk Hill Distribution Showcase is committed to showing the best in independent films that have the potential to attain a worldwide audience. The festival serves as a launchpad for filmmakers who are looking for recognition, distribution, and an opportunity for their films to be shown in theaters. 

The winning feature is eligible to receive a Distribution Agreement for worldwide sales! All official selections will be considered for international distribution contracts, including possible theatrical release.

We seek films that leave a lasting legacy and inspire audiences. Submissions from all corners of the globe and across diverse genres are encouraged, providing filmmakers a chance to present their work to an enthusiastic and appreciative audience.  Accepted categories include:

Drama
Comedy
Action
Adventure
Faith
Romance
Fantasy
Animation
Mystery
Thriller
Family

All films will be watched and reviewed by an enthusiastic group of film enthusiasts, critics, and distributors.

The festival is hosted by Hawk Hill Pictures, an independent distribution and marketing company that passionately champions impactful, inspirational films, dedicated to quality storytelling that leaves a lasting impression. More information about us can be found at hawkhillpictures.com.

All entries for the festival will use the Film Freeway Festival Submission page.

The festival will be an in-person online, no online component.

Awards & Prizes

The Best Feature Selection will receive a distribution contract with Hawk Hill Pictures. Your film will get pitched for international territory sales around the world including theatrical, TVOD, SVOD, AVOD, airline rights, television, and more. Hawk Hill Pictures will act as a sales and marketing agent for your film, positioning your film for the best possible success. Hawk Hill Pictures will secure guaranteed placement with a leading international sales agent, Princ Films, for your film. Standard representation rates apply. Financial success is not guaranteed.

Additionally, the winner of Best Feature will receive a Marketing/Promotional Package for your film with Hawk Hill Pictures, including a custom web presence for your film, social media placement, posting of your custom trailer, and press release to the trades and media including quotes from the film team (valued at $20,000, no cash value).

All category winners will receive the Official Selection Laurel.  All screened films will have the opportunity to participate in audience Q&A. Filmmakers are encouraged to bring guests and take photos in front of the step-and-repeat banner for the press.

All entrants will be reviewed for a possible distribution contract.

Rules & Terms

Films must be in the English language or have English subtitles. 

All entry fees are non-refundable. 

All films must be completed. We do not accept rough cuts or works in progress.

Films must be at least 60 minutes long, shorts are not accepted.

By submitting, you give us consent and the right to screen your film in front of a live audience. Virtual/online screening will not occur.

All films with a filmmaking team in attendance will have the opportunity to participate in audience Question & Answer. All selected filmmakers will receive 2 passes to your festival screening.

The Hawk Hill Distribution Showcase reserves the right to refuse entries for any reason. 

The Hawk Hill Distribution Showcase reserves the right to not award any official categories if there are not enough category entrants, at their sole discretion.

If a film is accepted, entrants will be solely responsible for delivering their promotional materials and a complete press kit that includes at least a poster and a trailer from the film. Filmmakers must own all rights to any materials they submit, including images. Submission of materials constitutes acceptance that the materials will be used for festival promotion and press, including in all online formats.

Submissions must not have been released publically in any format, except festivals, nor screened publically online.

Submissions must have been completed no longer than 2 years prior to the festival.

Films with sales and/or distribution contracts already in place are NOT accepted.

Films must be submitted via online screener only.

Selection Criteria and Other Important Info:

Films will be selected based on their potential for worldwide distribution. Criteria for selection include but are not limited to: quality of production and story, commercial appeal, acting, and visual appeal.

All category winners will be notified on or before December 20, 2024. 

All category winners will be screened at top Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania theaters with a red carpet event, step and repeat banner for photos, etc. Category winners will be required to submit the film in the format required by the theater by January 3, 2024. We reserve the right to change the venue and film format requirements as needed.

All category winners will be eligible for selection for Best Feature. 

Best Feature will be chosen by Hawk Hill Pictures and announced in person at the event. 

The festival will not cover any filmmaker expenses. Please note you will be responsible for your airfare, accommodation, and other travel expenses. Due to the Q&A, please be sure to plan to be available in person should your film be selected. 

Distribution representatives will be on hand at the festival to personally meet all filmmakers.

Selection may be made on a rolling basis - apply early!

We require an official trailer, poster, synopsis, and screener of your film. Please select the correct category while submitting to avoid disqualification. We reserve the right to re-assign films to the appropriate category at our sole discretion.

By submitting your film to the festival, you agree to abide by all of the festival's terms and conditions.

The Hawk Hill Distribution Showcase reserves the right to update the terms and conditions, eligibility and submission guidelines, terms and conditions of entry, location of screenings, without notice. 

Winners are not required to accept a distribution package to participate in the festival. Standard representation rates will apply to winners. There is no cash value for prize winners.

For all finalists, Hawk Hill Distribution Showcase reserves the right to withdraw any offer for representation by Hawk Hill Pictures and/or Princ Films for sales and distribution after the preliminary conversation.

The film must not have been exhibited for a fee in any territory (other than festival submissions) nor screened publicly online.

Selection of your film for a distribution contract does not guarantee financial success. Producer understands and acknowledges that the motion picture business is risky, unpredictable, and subject to cultural trends and the whims and personal tastes of Film buyers.