THE GREAT FILM FESTIVAL

Guidelines

Early Entry:
While early submissions are encouraged, they do not guarantee acceptance.

Submission Format:
Films must be submitted via an online screener. Only one version of each film will be reviewed by our programming team.

Submission Fee:
All submission fees for The Great Film Festival are non-refundable and must be paid through FilmFreeway.

Selection of Films:
Films will be reviewed and selected based on the following criteria:

Quality of narrative and production values

Independent nature of the production

Notification:
All selection decisions will be made by August 2nd, 2026. Filmmakers will be notified in writing whether or not their film has been selected. Successful entrants will receive detailed instructions regarding deliverables.

Festival Screenings (for selected films only):
Selected films must provide a ProRes MP4 file. A Digital Cinema Package (DCP) will also be accepted but must include an MP4 backup.

Scheduling (for selected films only):
Screenings are scheduled at The Great Film Festival’s discretion. While every effort will be made to adhere to the published schedule, changes may occur for any reason. The festival is not liable for any costs associated with schedule changes.

Withdrawals:
No film may be withdrawn from the program once it has been officially selected.

Promotion (for selected films only):
By submitting, filmmakers grant The Great Film Festival permission to use film stills, trailers, and clips for promotional purposes on the festival’s website, social media, and press materials.

Festival Badge:
Each selected film will receive one full festival badge per Director.