RIME Festival—an innovative online celebration where film, music, and creative expression collide. Designed for a global audience, RIME Festival is a vibrant digital showcase highlighting emerging and established talent across multiple artistic disciplines. We believe in showcasing creative projects that focuses on building bridges; providing support in mental health; and promoting well-being. Entertainment is best when it is diverse and thought-provoking.

The festival features a curated selection of short films spanning diverse genres and voices, alongside dynamic music showcases that bring sound and storytelling together. Audiences can also enjoy exclusive PR interviews with filmmakers, musicians, and creatives, offering insight into the inspiration and process behind their work.

More than just a screening event, RIME Festival is a celebration of creativity and community. The experience culminates in a live online event dedicated to congratulating and honoring participating artists, fostering connection, recognition, and artistic growth. Being part of the festival will be an opportunity to share past, present, and future projects through our creative ecosystem which will lead to being paid for your hard work and a wider reach. This is also an opportunity to reach a global audience as our festival partners are accessible all over the world, with online and TV distribution.

RIME Festival invites creators and audiences alike to be part of a unique digital space where art and music thrive together—breaking boundaries, sparking conversations, and celebrating the power of creative collaboration.

Your Festival Directors are Rita Hurry and Melissa Hurry.
Rita has had 22 plus years in the field of coaching and mentoring. She is also a qualified FlowCode Coach and Breathwork Practitioner. Rita has worked with many musicians, actors, and filmmakers over her years in the industry and has also participated as Film Festival Press for multiple film festivals including BFI.

Melissa is an award winning short film filmmaker, screenwriter, script consultant, filmmaker mentor, and a project specialist. She has been in the industry since 2009 and her love for film has not stopped.
She has also participated as a part of Press at multiple film festivals including BFI. She has also served as a Script Reader and Juror for film festivals in Europe and United States.

Awards & Prizes

Awards and Laurels will be provided for the following categories:
Best Short Drama
Best Short Faith
Best Short Comedy
Best Short Romance
Best Short Sci-Fi
Best Short Action
Best Short Horror
Best Short Documentary
Best Music Video
Best World Music
Best Song (Hip hop; rock; indie alternative; pop; classical/score; Faith based)
Best Poetry
Best Song Lyrics
Best Short Story
Winners will be announced a week after after audience votes are counted and verified.

Rules & Terms

By submitting to the RIME Festival, you agree to the following rules and terms:

1. Eligibility
Submissions are open to filmmakers, musicians, and creators worldwide.
All entries must be original works created or owned by the submitter.
Films and music videos or audio must be completed after January 1, 2024.
2. Submission Guidelines
All entries must be submitted via FilmFreeway.
Multiple submissions are allowed, but each entry must be submitted separately with its own fee.
Submission fees are non-refundable.
Projects must be submitted in digital format suitable for online screening via the online festival platform partner.
3. Categories
Short Films (Drama; Romance; Horror; Faith-based; Sci-Fi; Comedy)
Music Videos (Hip hop; rock; indie alternative; pop; classical/score; Faith based)
Experimental/Art Films
Additional categories may be considered at the discretion of the festival.
4. Language & Subtitles
Non-English entries must include English subtitles.
Dialogue must be clear and understandable.
5. Rights & Permissions
The submitter must hold all necessary rights, including music, images, and content.
The festival is not responsible for any copyright infringement.
By submitting, you grant RIME Festival the right to screen your work online during the festival period.
6. Judging & Selection
All submissions are reviewed by the festival selection team.
Selected projects will be notified via FilmFreeway.
Judges’ decisions are final and cannot be appealed.
7. Screening & Promotion
Selected works may be featured in the official online festival program.
Clips, trailers, and stills may be used for promotional purposes on social media, press, and marketing materials.
Participation in interviews or promotional content is encouraged but not mandatory.
8. Awards & Recognition
Awards may include Official Selection, Best Film, Best Music Video, Best Song, and others.
Winners will be announced 1 week after the online celebration event.
Certificates or digital laurels will be provided.
9. Online Event Participation
Selected creators may be invited to participate in virtual Q&As or interviews.
The festival is not responsible for technical issues on the participant’s side.
10. Code of Conduct
RIME Festival promotes inclusivity and respect.
Content that is discriminatory, hateful, or excessively violent or explicit may be disqualified at the festival’s discretion.
11. Liability
The festival is not liable for any technical issues, including streaming interruptions or platform failures.
The festival reserves the right to make changes to the schedule or format if necessary.
12. Agreement
By submitting, you confirm that you have read and accepted all rules and terms.
RIME Festival reserves the right to update these terms at any time.