Deadline: December 31, 2024 ( Will be extended)
Late Deadline: ( Will be extended)
Festival Date: Oct 11th, 2025
Location: AMC Houston 8 ( Downtown)
Tickets : $75 all access pass (workshops, panels, screenings)
Purchase Tickets on HoustonComedyFilmFestival.com

Founded in 2008, the Houston Comedy Film Festival (HCFF) has established itself as a vital platform for independent filmmakers to showcase their comedic works. The inaugural event took place in 2009, and since then, the festival has gained recognition as one of the top comedy film festivals on the FilmFreeway circuit. HCFF was founded by Mikel Fair, a retired filmmaker and author with extensive experience in the Film and Television industry from 1999 to 2015.

The festival screens a diverse array of comedy submissions, including Short Comedy Films, Funny Music Videos, Web Series Episodes, Dark Comedy, Romantic Comedy, Mockumentary, TV Pilots, Commercials, Micro Films, Animated Comedy, Horror Comedy, Stand-up Comedy, and Sketch Comedy. With a maximum runtime of 30 minutes—including credits—HCFF aims to entertain audiences through a fast-paced program that generates laughter.

In addition to film screenings, HCFF hosts panel discussions featuring leading figures from various disciplines within the film industry, including distributors and media representatives. The festival is open to submissions from filmmakers around the world, and selected films will be judged by a panel of industry experts. If your film is private, please ensure you provide a password for access.

By fostering creativity and providing networking opportunities, the Houston Comedy Film Festival continues to support independent filmmakers and inspire new comedic voices in the industry. We look forward to seeing your work!

Looking for a FilmFreeway Waiver Code Discounts or Promo Code Discounts?
https://filmfestivalcircuit.com/blog/FilmFreeway-promo-codes

Short, Micro Film & Best Feature Awards

Best Acting Performance
Best Animated Comedy Film
Best Cinematography
Best Comedy Film
Best Dark Comedy Film
Best Director
Best Editing
Best Ensemble Cast
Best Found Footage Comedy Film
Best Horror Comedy Film
Best International Film
Best Mockumentary Film
Best Picture
Best Proof Of Concept
Best Romantic Comedy Film
Best Sketch Comedy
Best Stand-Up Comedy
Best Texas Film
Best Series Episode
Funniest Music Video
Most Original Concept

Feature Screenplay and Short Screenplay Awards

Best Comedy Screenplay
Best Dark Comedy Screenplay
Best Horror Comedy Screenplay
Best International Screenplay
Best Romantic Comedy Screenplay
Best Texas Screenplay
Best Teleplay

Performance Categories:
Best Actor
Best Actress

All films are eligible, regardless if they have distribution or not. All films are eligible even if they have been accepted to other film festivals. All films and videos are eligible, regardless of when or where they were produced. Even if your film or documentary series is publicly available on YouTube or Vimeo, it is still eligible for submission.

Key Costs:

Submission Fee: Separate from event attendance
Event Ticket Fee: $50 required for all attendees, including filmmakers-
$75 for access to all film screenings and workshops

All Filmmakers MUST purchase a ticket for entry.
You will be provide a wristband before entry.
Ensure you purchase your ticket to attend the festival.

The judges read and rate scripts for this specific competition only. Submitting to this film festival does not affect the ownership or copyright your screenplay or teleplay.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • We were delighted to participate in this festival. The communication and publicity was excellent and it definitely was valuable for networking with other filmmakers and creating connections in the industry.

    October 2024
  • Ryan Armstrong

    It was such an honor to be Selected and even more so to be a Finalist. I was especially impressed with the communication and networking provided. I highly recommend this contest to any screenwriter (aspiring or otherwise) to enter this contest. You are in great hands!

    October 2024
  • Miachel Pruett

    An excellent and smoothly-run festival! Thank you for letting me be part of it. Can't wait to submit future films to the Houston Comedy Film Festival.

    October 2024
  • Wonderful festival, excellent communication. My writing partner and I are so happy to have been selected as a finalist in the Comedy TV Pilot category. Thanks to all who worked so hard to create this festival.

    October 2024
  • Had an amazing time at the Houston Comedy Film Festival! Getting to meet other filmmakers and watch their hard work unravel on screen was the highlight of it all. To top it all off, Roselyn was an incredible host and ensured every filmmaker present had an opportunity to introduce their projects. I am very grateful to have had such a wonderful experience and will be submitting more of my projects to this festival.

    October 2024