Since 1990, the Rosebud Film Festival has worked to recognize and honor the innovative, unusual, experimental, and deeply personal in regional film and video making, and to offer audiences with the finest in locally produced, contemporary work.

All film types are welcome for submission, including features, shorts, fiction, documentary, experimental, animated, web series and music videos. The competition has previously been open exclusively to DC, Maryland, and Virginia filmmakers, but is now open to all submitters.

Five winners—including one Best DMV film in honor of our prior tradition—will be announced at a gala awards celebration. In addition to promotional opportunities and special screenings, the five winners will each receive $1,000 cash.

Awards & Prizes

-(5) $1,000 cash prizes
-Film will be broadcast on Arlington Independent Media's public access television station.
-Awards trophy.
-Promotional opportunities.

Rules & Terms

Since 1990 the Rosebud Film Festival has worked to recognize and honor the innovative, unusual, experimental, and deeply personal in film and video making, and to offer audiences with the finest in contemporary work. All films submitted must fit those criteria in some way. The top 5 films across all films submitted, including 1 best DMV film, will receive a $1000 cash prize. All foreign language films must be subtitled in English.

I hereby enter the above-named film/video in the 2018 Rosebud Film Festival (Rosebud), operated by Arlington Independent Media (AIM), competition and hold all necessary rights for said production. I understand that Rosebud and AIM will not be responsible for accidental damage to, or loss of, my entry or any other materials submitted, nor will they be liable for any legal actions, which may arise in connection to this production. If nominated, I understand I must provide the festival with production photos, promotional materials, and an exhibition copy of my work. I understand that, unless otherwise specified, Rosebud and AIM provides no financial compensation for any exhibition of my work. I understand that if my work is nominated, excerpts may be used by Rosebud for promotional purposes through December of 2018. I understand and am authorized to accept all of the terms listed under the submission guidelines, and I agree to abide by all guidelines.
5 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Lonnie Martin

    Kevin is amazing. Enthusiastic crowds and plenty of local press opportunities.

    February 2018
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  • Mary Lou Belli

    It was so much fun to represent our film AMERICA at the Rosebud Film Festival in Washington DC. This is a fantastic festival! The two day fest contained an extremely high level of filmmaking work. Great to hang with such talented filmmakers. Not only that, but festival director Kevin Sampson made it a joy to attend. This is the real deal. Mary Lou Belli and Charles Dougherty

    February 2018
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  • Marcey Lynn Frutchey

    I absolutely loved this festival! The screenings were diverse and interesting and included opportunities to speak directly with the filmmakers who were in attendance. They also provided a wide range of marketing opportunities to promote your film and the festival organizers were helpful and engaging and went out of their way to make the entire experience truly amazing.

    February 2018
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  • Chad Eric Smith

    The Rosebud Film Festival was an amazing experience, from the communication to the theater itself! It was superbly organized from beginning to end! Whenever I had questions prior to the start of the festival, I received answers quickly from the festival director. Leading up to the screening, I received lots of publicity opportunities, via radio and online, which certainly increased interest in my film  Networking was very successful, as well, as I met many fellow filmmakers who I foresee collaborating with in the future. Finally, as one the winners of the festival's coveted awards, I ended the festival on a high, gratifying and forever memorable note!

    February 2018
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  • Janice Corran

    Though I couldn't come as you screened my film SNAPSHOTS, I had many friends there who LOVED the festival. They liked the eclectic choice and told me the I should make another film just to be at Rosebud again! Great staff, great communication, and great festival.

    February 2018
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