The inaugural OutLoud Film Festival is a celebration of what happens when emerging filmmakers are given the space, tools, and audience to be seen and heard. Rooted in OutLoud’s mission to amplify voices of emerging artists and champion young people as capable changemakers, artists, and storytellers, the festival spotlights bold new work from rising creatives who are shaping what cinema can be next.

More than a weekend of screenings, the OutLoud Film Festival is an invitation into a community—where first films are met with full attention, where risk is applauded, and where storytelling isn’t just entertainment, it’s a catalyst. From intimate shorts to boundary-pushing features, each selection reflects the festival’s commitment to fresh perspectives, fearless creativity, and stories that move people to feel, question, and act.

Set in Dallas—a city full of talent, energy, and cultural momentum—OutLoud Film Festival brings together filmmakers, artists, mentors, and film lovers to uplift the next generation. Expect screenings, filmmaker conversations, workshops, and moments designed to connect emerging voices with real opportunities and support.

Because at OutLoud, we believe young people don’t just have future potential—they are powerful right now. The OutLoud Film Festival exists to prove it on the big screen.

Awards & Prizes

Jury Award Best of Festival
Jury Award Best Narrative Film
Jury Award Best Experimental Film
Audience Choice Award
Rising Voice Award (for a bold new perspective or debut film)
OutLoud Impact Award (story that sparks change or conversation)
Brave Storyteller Award (risk-taking, honesty, and creative courage)

Rules & Terms

The OutLoud Film Festival is a general-interest festival dedicated to celebrating bold storytelling and uplifting emerging filmmakers across all genres, styles, and formats. By submitting a film, the applicant agrees to the rules and terms outlined below. OutLoud welcomes narrative, documentary, experimental, animation, and hybrid work, and strongly encourages submissions from first-time and early-career filmmakers. The applicant confirms they are authorized to submit the film and that all information provided in the application is accurate and complete.

All eligible submissions that meet the festival’s criteria will be reviewed by the OutLoud selection committee. While every qualifying film will be considered, priority for official festival selection will be given to emerging filmmakers. For the purposes of this festival, OutLoud defines an “emerging filmmaker” as an artist under the age of 28. Submitted films must be 60 minutes or less in total runtime.

Applicants are responsible for providing an accessible online screener and complete submission materials, including the film title, runtime, synopsis, credits, and up-to-date contact information. Vimeo screeners are preferred, and any screener link and password must remain active and unchanged throughout the festival’s review period. If the festival is unable to access a submitted screener during the programming process, the submission may be deemed ineligible for consideration. All programming decisions are final and made at the sole discretion of the festival.

For questions regarding submissions, please contact Brady, Festival Director, at brady@weareoutloud.org, or visit weareoutloud.org/OutloudFilmFestival for additional information.

By submitting a film, the applicant guarantees they have secured all necessary rights, licenses, and clearances required for exhibition, including but not limited to music rights, location and talent releases, archival footage permissions, and the lawful use of any copyrighted or trademarked materials. The applicant affirms they have the legal right to enter the film and, if selected, authorize its public screening at the OutLoud Film Festival. If accepted, the applicant grants OutLoud Film Festival permission to use the film’s title, synopsis, stills, posters, and short excerpts (including trailer footage) for promotional purposes in print, digital, and social media. The applicant also agrees to indemnify and hold harmless OutLoud Film Festival, its staff, venues, partners, sponsors, and affiliates from any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses—including attorney’s fees and court costs—arising from or related to the submission, exhibition, or promotion of the film, including claims involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, or screening materials.