Signal Film Festival at Silver Branch Brewing Company is dedicated to the power of short-form storytelling, this includes films up to 10 minutes in length. We celebrate narrative, documentary, animation and more. In an age of constant noise, we look for the "Signal", those unique cinematic voices that cut through the static to deliver compelling, impactful, and innovative stories. Based in a community with a deep appreciation for the arts, our mission is to provide a high-visibility platform for emerging and established filmmakers to broadcast their vision to a live audience. Whether it’s a gripping drama, an insightful documentary, an experimental vision, or a lighthearted comedy, we believe that the most powerful messages often come in the shortest packages. Signal Film Festival is more than just a screening; it is a connection point for creators and film lovers to tune into the spirit of cinema.

We are proud to host this year's event in partnership with the Silver Branch Brewing Company in Silver Spring, Maryland to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association. Through this collaboration, we aim to highlight the importance of storytelling and to foster community, awareness, and support. This event is produced by the DC Filmmakers Group, Brian Frankel Law Firm PLLC, and Silver Branch Brewing Company.

Rules & Terms

FILM SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:

Attendance is required for all accepted films. Accepted films MUST have at least one in-person representative attend the Festival on May 31, 2026. Filmmakers should submit through FilmFreeway.

You may enter any film that is 10 minutes or less in total duration. Films submitted must be under 1gb in file size, saved in .mp4 format, playable on a Mac computer, and have professional quality audio.

If a film is accepted, entrant will be solely responsible for delivering their exhibition video files in advance via FilmFreeway or shared cloud drive. After you submit, please check your FilmFreeway online account to see if your film has been received. Please don't contact us to find out if your film has been received.

Signal Film Festival Submission Agreement

The undersigned, as the authorized representative of the submitted film ("Project"), agrees to the following for consideration in the 2026 Signal Film Festival (“Festival”):

1. Authorization & Rights. The undersigned warrants they are authorized to submit the Project, have secured all necessary rights, and that exhibition at the Festival will not violate any law or third-party rights. The Project is free of legal disputes or claims.

2. Clearances & Compliance. The Project does not infringe any intellectual property or personal rights and does not contain defamatory content. All licenses, clearances, and fees have been or will be fully paid by the authorized representatives of the Project.

3. No Compensation or Obligations. No compensation is owed by the Festival to the owner(s) of the Project, and no obligation is assumed by the Festival. Submission does not create a confidential or fiduciary relationship.

4. Indemnification. The undersigned agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Festival and its affiliates from any claims, damages, or liabilities related to the Project.

5. Voluntary Submission. The submission is voluntary, with no promises or inducements from the Festival, and does not impose obligations on the Festival.

6. Waiver of Claims. The undersigned and all Project Owners waive any right to assert claims against the Festival, its representatives, or affiliates. If a claim proceeds despite this waiver, the sole remedy shall be a refund of the submission fee.

7. Promotional Use. If accepted, the Festival may use social media accounts, footage, stills, titles, and personnel names for promotional purposes.

8. No Guarantees. The Festival makes no guarantees or assurances, including no assurances regarding the selection process.

9. Legal Age Requirement. If under legal age, a signed consent from a parent/guardian is required.

10. Binding Arbitration. Any disputes shall be resolved through binding arbitration in Montgomery County, MD, under Maryland law. No punitive or injunctive relief is available. The prevailing party may recover legal fees.

11. Acknowledgment. The undersigned affirms that they have read and understood the Festival’s Rules & Terms. The undersigned affirms they understand that attendance is required for all accepted films.