Kansas City FilmFest International

When you enter your film you must: 1) upload a working link to FilmFreeway and/or Vimeo in FilmFreeway, 2) include a working password if you are using a password, 3) include your entry fee. The link and password need to work through the end of September 2026. If you change your password, please update it in FilmFreeway so our screeners don't encounter links that don't work.

Fiction, experimental and/or animation films may be original or adapted from a previously published source. All footage must be original. Documentaries may include footage from other sources. In ALL genres the music may be original or an interpretation, but you must certify receipt of any and all releases and/or permissions. To be considered for competition, no public screening should have been held in the Kansas City Metro Area prior to June 1, 2026.

Submission implies all rules and regulations have been read and accepted by all producers, directors and/or their agents submitting material.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES: • NO ENTRY FEE WAIVERS. • Works in progress will NOT be considered for competition or screened at 2026 Kansas City FilmFest International. • All work must be entered no later than the final deadline date. • Entries must have been completed on or after August 1, 2024. • Short films may not be publicly available online or screen in the KC metro area from June 1 to September 18, 2026 if selected. • All films must be in English or subtitled in English. If a film is in a foreign language and does not have subtitles, KCFFI will do its best to contact the filmmaker for a subtitled version. However, if the submission does not have working subtitles by the final submission deadline, the project will be disqualified and submission fees refunded. • The filmmaker(s) must secure all rights, licenses, clearances and releases necessary for exhibition. A completed entry through FilmFreeway will be accepted as acknowledgment of the entrant having done so. • All work must be completed and submitted no later than the deadline date. • No refunds. By submitting this material you acknowledge the Jubilee's right to copy any submitted material for KCFFI's non-commercial use only in promoting the festival. • All determinations will be made and clarified by Kansas City FilmFest International programmers and jurors. Their decisions are final. Kansas City FilmFest International reserves the right to determine the eligibility of any project and to rule on cases not foreseen by these guidelines. Work will be classified as a competitive or non-competitive entry at the sole discretion of Kansas City FilmFest International.

NOTIFICATION DATE: Filmmakers will receive notification about their film, if accepted or not accepted, August 18, 2026.

ACCEPTED FILMS • KCFFI DOES NOT PAY SCREENING FEES for submitted films. By submitting your project, you acknowledge that the Festival will not pay to present your work. • Should your film be accepted in the 2026 Kansas City FilmFest International, you grant KCFFI the right to utilize an excerpt from any film submitted and accepted for exhibition at the Kansas City FilmFest International for promotional purposes. • If your film or video is accepted for screening in the 2026 Kansas City FilmFest International, you agree to and understand the following:

SHIPPING: We cannot accept submission copies. The venue requires a professionally made DCP made by an approved partner. You will receive instructions on how to digitally send your DCP.

DCP: Filmmakers are required to send a DCP meeting AMC Theater's DCP requirements for exhibition. Filmmakers are responsible for the cost of their DCP.

PUBLICITY: Upon acceptance, you will be requested to submit digital stills and other digital and printed press materials to Kansas City FilmFest International. You are required to work with Kansas City FilmFest International's PR department for any press outreach.

Kansas City FilmFest International/Jubilee has the right to reschedule dates, cancel the festival or events associated with the festival in the event of unforeseen circumstances which reasonably require rescheduling or cancellation, and will advise the entrants.