Welcome to Year 4 of the Hub City Film Festival.

The Hub City Film Festival exists to bring filmmakers together, celebrate storytelling, and create space for local creatives to be seen, supported, and inspired. We prioritize films that highlight unique voices, emerging filmmakers, and community-centered storytelling.

Special consideration is given to regional filmmakers and stories connected to the South, reflecting our commitment to amplifying the voices closest to home

This year, the festival moves to a focused one-day format, with films programmed into curated blocks by runtime and theme.

Please read the following guidelines carefully and reach out with any questions before submitting.

Note: The posted event date is tentative/TBD

Awards & Prizes

Audience Voted Awards
These awards are voted on by the festival audience and celebrate the films that connect most with viewers.
● Best Short Film:
Recognizes the best short film based on storytelling, emotional impact, and audience engagement.
● Best Music Video:
Recognizes the best music video that successfully complements the music, with creative visual concepts.
● Best Local Film:
Recognizes the best film produced by a local filmmaker, celebrating homegrown talent and the stories that define our community.

Judge Voted Awards
These awards are selected by a panel of industry professionals and judge the technical and artistic merits of the films.
● Best Short Film:
For the best short film in terms of storytelling, originality, and emotional or intellectual impact.
● Best Music Video:
Awarded to the best music video that creatively aligns with the music and enhances the overall experience.
● Best Local Film:
Determined by our judges, this award recognizes the best film produced by a local filmmaker, celebrating homegrown talent and the stories that define our community.
● Best Director:
Recognizes the director whose vision, storytelling, and creative leadership made their film the most compelling and memorable experience.
● Best Performance:
Recognizes the actor or performer whose presence, authenticity, and emotional truth left the greatest impact on screen.

Rules & Terms

Eligibility Criteria:
● Films of all genres are welcome: Documentary, Narrative, Short, Feature, Animation, Experimental, etc.
● Screening History: While films that have screened at other festivals or have an online presence are welcome, films that have had wide commercial distribution (theatrical release or major streaming platforms such as Tubi, Amazon Prime, etc.) are not eligible.
● Language Requirements: Films in a language other than English must include English subtitles.
● Rights & Permissions: By submitting, filmmakers confirm they have the rights to all content included in their film and grant the festival permission to screen the work.
● Accepted Screening Formats: DCP, MP4, MOV, AVI

● Film Length:
○ Short Films: Under 40 minutes
○ Feature Films: 40 minutes or longer
Due to the one-day programming format, preference may be given to shorter films when curating the final lineup.

Submission Process:
1. Complete the Film Submission Form on FilmFreeway.
2. During submission, you will be asked to indicate your film's premiere status (World Premiere, Tennessee Premiere, Jackson Premiere, or None). for informational purposes and may be considered during programming
3. Upload a digital screener (Vimeo, YouTube, or direct link) or submit a physical media (DVD or Blu-ray).
4. Pay the appropriate submission fee.
5. You will receive an email confirmation once your film is successfully submitted.
6. Selected filmmakers will need to provide a final file by August 25, 2026.

Judging & Selection:
● Films will be reviewed by a panel of industry professionals and festival staff.
● Due to the curated nature of the program, not all submissions will be selected for screening.
11 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Dylan Schaefer

    Had a wonderful time! Thank you Hub City for having this event and give this opportunity to local artist!

    December 2025
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  • Clay Bloodworth

    Incredible festival, run by some amazing people! Thank you for showing my movie. Highly recommend submitting yours.

    October 2025
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  • Ryan McCrory

    Great event run by people who care about investing in their local film community. Would definitely submit again!

    October 2025
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  • Joshua Sykes

    Festival was a lot of fun and well thought out. We will be back in 2025!

    March 2025
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  • Wayne Diu

    Thanks to Shelby and her team for screening my ultra low-budget feature "The Dental Plan." The festival provided a wonderful environment to meet so many talented filmmakers!

    March 2025
    Helpful