ReadingFilmFEST created by filmmakers for filmmakers!

SUBMISSIONS for the 2025 season OPEN!

IMPORTANT: Our email address has changed for submission questions.
info@readingfilm.org

PLEASE READ Rules & Terms CAREFULLY! Failure to do so may lead to rejection of your submission.

Voted by filmmakers as a 100 Top Reviewed Film Festival, ReadingFilmFEST is the small festival with a big attitude! We are dedicated to bringing filmmakers and film lovers together, creating a filmmaker-centric festival.

For filmmakers ready to make the trip to Reading, we offer:
- complimentary lodging for filmmakers whose films have been accepted
- educational/discussion panels for filmmakers
- wonderful audiences
- live Q&A with audiences

ReadingFilmFEST is committed to gender parity. We are looking for the best films in all genres by Women Filmmakers. The festival also encourages filmmakers of color and Latino filmmakers to submit their work to help us create a truly diverse program.

The festival is juried by a panel of local film enthusiasts, with winners chosen by film professionals in each genre. Each film is viewed by at least 3 jurors, ensuring a fair process and high-quality selections.

STUDENT FILMS
The student competition is open to high school and college/university students. Students must be currently enrolled to submit.

STUDENT FILMS REQUIRE PROOF OF ENROLLMENT :
Email your Name, Name of School, School Address, Graduation Year, Name of Film, and a copy of your current student ID to submissions@readingfilmfest.com. If you do not email a copy of your Student ID, your PROJECT WILL BE IGNORED!

Student films must be under 20 minutes. Genres include: Short, Documentary and Animated. Existing or new projects will be accepted. Student films will be juried by the festival’s regular jury of film lovers and experts. (note – films with graphic violence, sex and language may be disqualified)

ANIMATION. Animated shorts must be under 20 minutes in length and must be partly or fully animated. Techniques could include 2D or 3D animation, stop-motion, hand-painted film, a mix of still or video and animation, animated title sequences, or any other technique. (note – films with graphic violence, sex and language may be disqualified). Student films will be juried by the festival’s regular jury of film lovers, plus professional animators.

AWARDS
- Best Narrative Feature
- Best Documentary
- Best Short Film
- Best Animated Film
- Best Made in Reading Film
- Best Film by Female Filmmaker
- Best Actor
- Best Actress
- Best Use of Music
- Best Student Film

PLEASE read these “rules and terms” carefully. Failure to follow submission “rules and terms” may result in automatic rejection of your project! Reading FilmFEST DOES NOT guarantee fee refund for these automatic rejections.

***FILM COMPETITION***

1. STUDENT (College or High School) and FATF rules below.

2. CORRECT EMAIL ADDRESS: Please make sure your email address is correct. We suggest you regularly check this email account for communications from us. If we request additional information and do not hear from you within a reasonable time, we may reject your submission.

3. COMPLETION DATE: Films must have been completed after January 1, 2024.

4. FOREIGN FILMS: We love foreign language films! Films may be submitted in any language with English subtitles. Please ensure English subtitles are accurate, readable, and in sync with the action on the screen.

5. USE OF FILMS FOR PROMOTION: All films selected for screening at the festival grant ReadingFilmFEST the right to use stills and excerpts of up to two minutes for promotional purposes.

6. RFF FILM RESPONSIBILITY: Festival is not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged entries.

7. MULTIPLE ENTRIES: Multiple entries are permissible (except FATF countries – see below), but each entry must be accompanied by a separate submission and fee.

8. FILM DURATION: Short films must be no more than 30 minutes long. Feature films should run 60 to 120 minutes. Documentary films must be less than 120 minutes. Student films must have a runtime of no more than 20 minutes

9. CONTENT NOTICE: While ReadingFilmFEST does not restrict or censor the artistic content or style of any submission, the Festival DOES reserve the right to not accept or honor with award a film perceived to promote a careless or malicious culture of hate, violence, or obscenity.

10. FEE WAIVER: None. ReadingFilmFEST DOES NOT grant fee waivers except for filmmakers from FATF countries (see below).

11. FEE REFUNDS: All fees are nonrefundable.

12. STUDENT (College or High School) filmmakers must submit a copy of their student IDs to info@readingfilm.org. Email your Name, Name of School, School Location (city, state, or country if applicable), graduation year, Name of Film Project, and a copy of your current student ID. We may require additional documentation of student status. Student films will be reviewed only AFTER proof of matriculation is received—no refunds for films submitted without proper ID.

13. FAFT country filmmakers may request a fee waiver CODE by emailing submissions@readingfilmfest.com. Include in your email the name of the film, category (Shorts only. We are not accepting waivers for Narrative Feature films) and the run time of your film. You MUST follow the following.

FATF FEE WAIVER RULES:
a. Filmmaker must be from FATF country (see FilmFreeway submission page for list).
b. Fee waiver code can only be used once.
c. Only one submission per filmmaker per year.
d. Filmmaker MUST be the submitter (name must match film credits).
e. Film must have been completed after January 1, 2024.
f. A submission cannot be substituted for a different film.

Failure to follow these requirements will result in rejection of film submission and may lead to submission rejection from future Film Festivals.

There are a limited number of Fee Waivers available, so we encourage early entry.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Online submissions will receive a confirmation email.

RFF has no obligation (other than as stated in these rules or on our website) to disclose any of the following information:
i) identities of readers or judges;
ii) notes, feedback, or information relating to the submitted material; and/or
iii) details regarding the submission review or selection process.

Except as explicitly stated, no representations or guarantees are made regarding the feedback or comments provided, or the quality thereof. The opinions of the readers are their own and do not reflect the opinions of RFF. RFF explicitly disclaims any liability or responsibility for any comments, notes, or opinions expressed about a submission, whether by RFF or by its readers, judges, and sponsors.

Originality and Permissions; INDEMNITY
However, it is not necessary to submit the adaptation or rights agreements to the Festival. Neither the Festival nor its jurists investigate or attest to the authenticity of an applicant’s statement of authorship or rights secured. By entering the competition, you are acknowledging that you have secured all necessary rights.

BY SUBMITTING THE MATERIAL, THE APPLICANT HEREBY AGREES TO INDEMNIFY, HOLD HARMLESS, AND DEFEND THE FESTIVAL, ITS EMPLOYEES, DIRECTORS, REPRESENTATIVES, AND AFFILIATES FROM ANY LIABILITY, CLAIMS, AND DAMAGES IN CONNECTION WITH THE SUBMISSION AND FROM ANY FEES AND EXPENSES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO REASONABLE ATTORNEYS’ FEES, THAT ANY OF THEM MAY INCUR IN CONNECTION THEREWITH.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • My team was thrilled to be a part of Reading this year! Our casting director attended on our behalf and couldn't say enough good things about the films, organizers, and hospitality. Thank you for having us! Separately, I was lucky to meet some of the folks at the Reading Film Commission last year and have been dazzled by their commitment to local filmmaking. NY filmmakers would do well to keep Reading in mind when thinking about locations . . .

    December 2024
  • To Fall In Love

    What a weekend to go out! This was probably our last festival screening for this project and we were nothing less than delighted by our experience at Reading. Excellent networking, useful panels, really wide variety of films to watch. Definitely recommend!

    November 2024
  • Autumn English

    I was very honored to attend the ReadingFilmFEST's 2024 showcase, as well as receive the award for Best Student Animation. This festival just radiates a passion for film, and it draws in some of the kindest and most inviting people to talk to! My favorite part about this festival was the various social events you could attend throughout the weekend. I met so many talented people during my time at Reading-- whether it was members of the staff or attending filmmakers, everyone was excited to meet and make connections with each other. Overall, the team behind this festival is very generous and helpful, and they know how to create a space that's welcoming for filmmakers and film lovers alike. Loved it!

    October 2024
  • Kacie Newport

    What a wonderful film festival! The communication and hospitality were on another level! Everyone was nice and welcoming! I loved how many events there were and how professional and classy everything felt even though it was down to earth.

    The programming was on point - films were great. The Q&A's were well run! Loved it! 10/10 would recommend and 15/10 would submit again.

    Thanks!!

    Kacie Newport AKA V. Leigh

    October 2024
  • J. Anthony Roman

    Great festival in a great community

    October 2024