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.

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

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.

Overall Rating
Quality
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Networking
  • 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
  • Emily-Anne Fraser

    Very organized ! What an honor

    April 2024
  • Sofi W

    Really important festival for the region! Super recommend it!

    April 2019
  • Everything was really great! :)

    April 2018
  • 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