Hindsight Film Festival

ELIGIBILITY
We have no restrictions on premiere status, either festival, theatrical, broadcast, or online. Films should have been completed within the last 5 years. Newer films will be given higher priority, but selections will ultimately be made based on quality and their fit within our overall program. Works-in-progress are encouraged, along with an explanation of what will be completed in time for the festival.

*Short Films: 40 minutes or less
*Features: Over 40 minutes
*Episodic Series (up to 2 episodes of the series)
*Fees are non-refundable
*Competition is open to U.S. and International entries
*Films not in English must be subtitled with English subtitles

What qualifies as a "historical" documentary?

We're looking for non-fiction films that explore specific events, figures, or issues and how they have made an impact on the course of history. Films may include contemporary characters or non-historic topics, but the majority of the film should be about or strongly connected to a topic that occurred at least 10 years in the past.

Films about the process of historic exploration or preservation will also be considered, but should aim to be accurate and informative about a specific topic.

All styles of non-fiction filmmaking will be considered, including educational, observational, first-person exposition, autobiography, participatory, reflexive, poetic, performative, hybrid and even docudrama (but not mockumentary). Storytelling devices can include narration, interviews, archival footage, research, primary and secondary sources, reenactments, animation and more. We want traditional educational films as well as original formats that defy categorization.

Promotional and sponsored films will not be considered.

CATEGORIES
U.S. - films primarily about United States history (may originate from outside the United States)
International - films primarily about history outside the United States (may originate from the United States)
Southern - films primarily about history in the Southern United States, including Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia (may originate from outside the Southern United States)
Student - films of any length by students in high school or college about any historical topic worldwide

EXHIBITION AGREEMENT
Submission to the Hindsight Film Festival constitutes an agreement with all festival terms and conditions, and permission to exhibit the work during the festival if selected. The Hindsight Film Festival does not pay screening fees for submitted films. Entrants warrant that they have the legal right to submit the work, that all statements made in this application are true and accurate, and that all necessary rights and clearances have been secured to screen the work at the festival.

If a film is accepted, entrant agrees to provide an exhibition copy (mp4) and marketing materials to the festival at their own expense, to be delivered digitally by February 20th, 2026. Filmmakers agree that short excerpts of their film may be used in trailers or teasers for the festival, unless otherwise stipulated.

Filmmakers are strongly encouraged to attend the festival. Food, discounts and other perks will be available. Partial travel stipends will also be available, but the exact amount is TBD.

Questions regarding eligibility, categories and waiver code requests for any reason should be emailed to Festival Director Pat Longstreth - pat@hindsightfilmfestival.com