Entries must not have premiered to the public, either in-person or virtually, before January 1, 2024.
Films that have already screened at other film festivals, either virtually or in-person, after January 1, 2024, are eligible for submission and competition.
In order to be eligible for the Nashville Film Festival, your film must be at least a Tennessee premiere. This includes films within the Tennessee shorts competition. Your film should not have screened publicly or at a film festival anywhere in Tennessee prior to the Nashville Film Festival.
Competition is open to U.S. and International entries. Please check individual categories for additional requirements.
Films submitted in previous years are not eligible for resubmission to the current and open season.
The festival typically selects up to 150 films each year out of about 4,000 film submissions.
Feature films must have a runtime of 40 minutes or longer, while short films must be under 40 minutes in length. When submitting either a short or feature film, runtime is an important factor in the selection process. For example, short films with longer runtimes can be more challenging to accommodate within the program, and this will be taken into account when making decisions.
All accepted films must provide a DCP for exhibition. The Festival is not responsible for the creation or fee associated with a DCP.
NashFilm is unable to provide individual feedback on films that are not selected.
Selected film teams will receive 2 all-access festival badges. Additionally, film teams will receive a select number of complimentary tickets to their film's screening(s).
Films not in the English language must be subtitled in English.
Once an invitation to participate in the Festival is issued, filmmakers have two weeks to confirm their acceptance. After this period, the invitation may no longer be valid.
If filmmakers wish to pull their film after acceptance, they may be subject to a monetary penalty. Please contact us as soon as possible to discuss this, as the consequences vary depending on timing.
Entries must be submitted for pre-screening via filmfreeway. If you use a secured link, you are REQUIRED to keep us updated with passwords or your film may be rejected. NO HARD COPIES WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR ENTRIES.
Works-in-progress are accepted but are not encouraged. We can't promise that we will be able to watch re-edited submissions. Please only submit work-in-progress if you are submitting close to the final deadline.
You may submit multiple entries but must fill out a separate entry form and pay an entry fee for each.
NashFilm employees, including seasonal staff, board members, sponsors, and their immediate families, are not eligible to submit in any category to this competition.
Any potential prize awards are subject to all relevant federal and/or state laws and are therefore not guaranteed. Prize winners are responsible for providing required documentation in a timely manner and are responsible for any tax liabilities they may incur. Nashville Film Festival is not responsible for providing tax advice.
FESTIVAL SCREENING
The individual or corporation submitting the film warrants that they are authorized to commit the film to at least two screenings at any time during the 2025 Nashville Film Festival (NashFilm) taking place September 18 - September 24, 2025 and limited, ticketed, secure online presentations during that same period.
LIABILITY
Every possible care will be taken with DCPs while in our possession, however, we cannot accept responsibility for loss, damage or additional charges incurred en route, or due to normal wear and tear, or due to equipment failure. Do NOT send original prints or master copies.
Additionally, NashFilm is held harmless from any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity or screening of any film.
SHIPPING
The cost of shipping an entry to the Festival must be paid by the entrant or preceding festival. All international entries must be sent with all transportation charges, duties, and taxes prepaid by the shipper. For films accepted into the Festival, the entrant is responsible for inbound shipping. In most cases, NashFilm will pay the cost of outbound shipping of the print to its next destination. However, the Festival will not be responsible for unnecessary expedited or overnight shipping charges to other destinations.
AWARDS PAYMENT INFORMATION
Each winning film and screenplay in the competition categories will receive a cash prize. Filmmakers and Screenwriters must submit all required information including W9s or W8-BENs and for international winners, payment/banking information by October 1, 2025 in order to receive payment. If information is not received by the deadline, NashFilm will no longer be able to issue payment. Filmmakers are responsible for updating the Festival on mailing addresses where checks and awards plaques should be sent to. If you anticipate issues with receiving your mail, please communicate with the Festival to make alternate arrangements as the Festival is not responsible for re-issuing checks.
ALL OF THE FOLLOWING MUST ACCOMPANY YOUR ENTRY:
-Entry fee (must be paid online via FilmFreeway).
-3-Line Synopsis (may be used for Festival Program and website)
-FEATURE-LENGTH FILMS: 250 Word Synopsis (may be used for Festival Program and website)
-NEXTGEN: The film’s director(s) must have been 25 years of age or younger at the time of film completion (can currently be 26). Please include proof of age at the time of production when submitting. Film also must be under 30 minutes in length.
-TENNESSEE RESIDENTS: Include proof of residence or proof that the entry was shot predominantly in the state of Tennessee.
-Accepted entries must submit at least one digital, horizontal 300dpi still photo from the film.
-Selected films who submit a rough cut MUST submit a copy of the final edit of their film.
WAIVER POLICY
As a nonprofit organization, our annual operations and the process of viewing the volume of submissions we receive is costly, therefore we do not offer full or discounted waivers in most cases. We aim to keep our fees reasonable, and encourage all applicants to take advantage of our early and official deadlines to save on submission fees. For submissions from countries where sending money to the U.S. is not possible, we offer a waiver. Please do not email about student discounts as our student competition section is already priced at a discounted rate. If you have any questions, please contact us at entries@nashfilm.org.
NOTIFICATIONS
NashFilm will notify all applicants who have been selected to participate on a rolling basis, but no later than August 6, 2025.
FILM COMPETITION FAQ
What important dates do I need to know?
Open - January 1, 2025
Early Bird - March 5, 2025
Regular - May 7, 2025
Late - May 28, 2025
Extended - June 6, 2025
Who is watching my film after I submit it?
Film submissions are initially reviewed by our pre-screening team, a group of volunteers with demonstrated interest and expertise in film, along with critical insights that align with the Nashville Film Festival’s programming goals and audience. Each film is viewed by at least two pre-screeners, and films that receive high ratings are then passed on to the category programmer for further evaluation and consideration.
How much is it to enter?
Fees are staggered based entry categories and Earlybird, Regular, Late and Extended Deadlines. You can also receive a discounted rate if you are a Gold member on FilmFreeway.
Do you accept re-submission from previous years?
We do not. Any work that was submitted in previous years is not eligible for the 2025 Festival.
Do you require premiere status?
We do not require World, US or Southeast premiere status (although preferable and will be eligible for additional awards money). We DO however, require Tennessee premiere status.
I have a question that wasn’t addressed. Who should I contact?
Please email entries@nashfilm.org
