ELIGIBILITY
Entrants must fully comply with these Entry Rules and Regulations to be considered eligible for acceptance to the 2026 Midwest Fear Fest.
Eligible films must have been completed in 2023, 2024, 2025, or 2026.
Films with prior distribution or that have been publicly exhibited for profit in the central Indiana region prior to the 2026 Midwest Fear Fest are not eligible for juried awards.
Films that are publicly available online prior to the festival (e.g., YouTube, Vimeo, Netflix, Hulu, iTunes, or other streaming platforms with ongoing access) are not eligible for juried awards. Limited, time-restricted, or password-protected online availability (such as virtual festivals or private hosting) does not affect eligibility.
Entries must be in English or include English subtitles.
Films must be available for screening as part of Midwest Fear Fest in October 2026.
Eligibility for juried awards is at the discretion of Midwest Fear Fest, and submissions to any category are potentially eligible.
Films submitted to previous editions of Midwest Fear Fest should not be resubmitted unless there have been significant revisions or the filmmaker has been invited to do so.
SUBMISSION POLICIES AND SELECTION PROCESS
All films must be submitted through FilmFreeway.
The preferred method for screener submission is online via Vimeo or YouTube. Midwest Fear Fest must be supplied with a current password through the end of the festival.
Entries without payment will not be considered.
Submission of an entry is considered legal permission to screen your film during the festival upon acceptance.
Work-in-progress submissions are accepted but must be clearly noted. The completed version must be received before the final submission deadline to be considered for acceptance.
All submissions will be evaluated by at least two members of the screening team. The festival reserves the right to stop watching after 50% of the runtime if the film does not meet minimum quality standards.
Midwest Fear Fest does not have premiere requirements, but premiere status may be considered when determining inclusion in the festival.
Films with significant ties to Indiana are eligible for reduced submission fees. Examples include:
•The director, writer, or actors are current Indiana residents or natives
•The film was primarily shot in Indiana
•For questions about eligibility, contact midwestfearfest@gmail.com
POLICIES UPON ACCEPTANCE
Accepted films will be notified via email at the address provided in the submission form. Please ensure you can receive emails from midwestfearfest@gmail.com.
Upon acceptance, filmmakers (or primary contact) must provide the following by the deadlines specified:
•Required: Exhibition version of the film in MP4, MOV, or DCP format with a minimum resolution of 1080p
•Preferred: A 4K resolution copy with 5.1 surround sound, if available.
•For jury and press purposes, an online digital version must be available through the end of the festival
•Press materials as detailed in the official selection notification email
•Filmmakers are responsible for shipping costs associated with delivering any materials to Midwest Fear Fest.
•Midwest Fear Fest reserves the right to rescind acceptance of any film for any reason.
ADDITIONAL TERMS
Questions regarding eligibility or submissions should be directed to midwestfearfest@gmail.com.
By submitting, filmmakers agree to all terms set forth in category rules and acknowledge eligibility for all appropriate prizes.
Submission of your film grants Midwest Fear Fest permission to screen it during the festival. If, after acceptance but prior to the public announcement, you choose not to screen your film, you must contact the festival immediately. Cancellations after the official announcement cannot be accommodated.
All entries selected for Midwest Fear Fest grant the festival the right to use footage from the preview screener, submitted publicity photos, and other materials for promotional purposes.
Midwest Fear Fest may use excerpts from any accepted film for festival promotion.
The submitter shall indemnify and hold harmless Midwest Fear Fest from any claims, liabilities, losses, damages, or expenses (including attorney's fees and court costs) related to copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, or loss/damage to screening materials.
