The SpringOut! Middle Tennessee LGBT+ Film Festival was created to showcase short films created by and for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and gender/sexuality minorities community. As the only LGBT+ film festival in the Middle Tennessee area, films screened at this festival provide residents and students from Nashville to rural Tennessee an opportunity to see LGBT+ themed films in a theater, with an audience. The festival is presented in conjunction with the 2024 LGBT+ College Conference, held at Middle Tennessee State University April 4-6, 2024.

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS - SHORT FILMS
This year's theme is "All Identities: Standing Strong." We welcome short film submissions (15 minutes or less) that explore how key facets of identity – gender, race, culture, ethnicity, age, social class, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression – play a significant role in how we experience the world. You do not have to live in Tennessee to submit, but Tennessee residents will be given special consideration.

Awards & Prizes

Audience Award
Best Fiction Film
Best Documentary Film
Best Experimental/Web/New Media

Rules & Terms

The SpringOut! Middle Tennessee LGBT+ Film Festival reserves the right to determine the eligibility of any projects submitted. If accepted, you must be able to provide the festival with a downloadable high-resolution Quicktime export of your film, as well as one high-quality still image for promotional purposes.

For purposes of submission, all films must be submitted as online screeners through FilmFreeway. Submitted films must be complete. Works-in-progress will not be accepted. All material in your film must be your own original work - you must have the rights to all images, music, and on-screen talent featured in your film. Films that do not adhere to copyright laws will be disqualified. Submission fees are non-refundable.

Final program determinations will be made available to entrants via FilmFreeway. By submitting your film, you acknowledge that you are giving permission to the SpringOut! Middle Tennessee LGBT+ Film Festival to utilize still images and trailers from your film for non-commercial use in promoting the event. Submission of your film also indicates consent to the copyright agreement below.

COPYRIGHT AGREEMENT

I state that I am authorized to submit this film to the SpringOut! Middle Tennessee LGBT+ Film Festival for consideration, and have read, understood, and agree to all the requirements. I hereby release the Festival from all responsibility for loss of or damage to submitted materials. As this is a competitive festival, I understand there are no guarantees that my film will be accepted for screening. Entry materials will not be returned.

I agree that I have secured all necessary rights for both picture and sound, and exhibition will not violate or infringe upon any rights including, but not limited to music, images, and content.
5 Reviews
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  • Josef Steiff

    What a cool festival So great to see queer work being foregrounded in the region. Excellent communication. I recommend this fest to all queer filmmakers, especially ones wth ties to Appalachia or the South -- you'll feel welcome and appreciated!

    April 2024
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  • Emily-Anne Fraser

    Very organized ! What an honor

    April 2024
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  • Sofi W

    Really important festival for the region! Super recommend it!

    April 2019
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  • Todd A. Jackson

    Everything was really great! :)

    April 2018
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  • Asia LeMasters

    I sadly wasn't able to attend the festival, but my film "EVOKE" won the audience award! This is a great little festival with wonderful support for LGBT cinema.

    April 2018
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