The Western Film Festival had its name derived from The Great Western Trail Drive but it is not just a film festival for western films! We accept and showcase film genres of all types from horror, comedy, time travel, animation, and yes, even westerns! We have custom prizes for the winners and goodie bags for all selected filmmakers who attend! If you come for The Western Film Festival at the over 100 years old historic Heritage Hall in Coleman, Texas you can also visit the many unique stores in town and eat at the finest establishments whenever your hunger hit!

Make sure you explore Coleman whenever you come to The Western Film Festival April 19 & 20, 2024!

We are the first to offer CUSTOM Belt Buckles for Best Feature Film and Best Short Film!

Best Feature Film
Best Short Film
Best Documentary
Fan Favorite Film

Rules & Terms - SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

By submitting your film to TWFF, you acknowledge that you have read the rules and agree with them. If you have questions, please contact us.

If your work is selected, you must fulfill the following requirements by the date(s) designated by the The Western Film Festival: You also must be prepared to supply at least three electronic images (publicity stills) either in jpeg or PDF format, 300dpi, for publication purposes. Press kits would be helpful, but not required.

All film finalists are required to provide two high resolution MOV files.

If your film is selected and it's a large file, it may have to be mailed to us on a thumbdrive. If you have short films under 30 min, we can download them. Your copies will not be returned unless a prepaid SASE is sent to us.

Entrant will allow usage of clips from the film for promotional use on television, radio, in print and at live Festival events. All entries must be in English, contain English subtitles or be dubbed in English.

Works in Progress: While entrants are permitted to submit films that are not fully complete (i.e.,without final color correction and sound mixing), please note that the festival committee will accept the version submitted. Completed work or replacement copies MUST be uploaded or in our hands no later than March 21, 2022.

The Western Film Festival and The Coleman Museum and Gallery at Heritage Hall is not responsible for incorrect wording in publications or on awards if the entry information is incorrect or illegible.

All entry fees are nonrefundable. Fees cover registration, notification that your entry has been received and notification of results. These fees must be paid during the entry process.

By entering The Western Film Festival competition, all entrants agree to hold harmless The Western Film Festival, Fading Yellow Studios, The Coleman Museum and Gallery at Heritage Hall, owners, employees, associated Boards of Directors, Officers, Staff and Volunteers from all losses, damages, rights, claims, and actions of any kind arising in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from participation with the festival.

You must execute a release agreement wherein you accept responsibility for obtaining any and all clearances necessary to exhibit your film at The Western Film Festival, warrant you have the rights necessary to exhibit your film; and indemnify and hold harmless The Western Film Festival, its parent company Fading Yellow Studios, affiliates, subsidiaries and any of the respective officers, employees, and representatives against any claim arising from exhibition of your film at the The Western Film Festival.

Effective as of April 12, 2022: The Western Film Festival will not sign any NDA's, waivers, or letters of guarantee to receive digital copies of selected films. If submitter requires any of the sort before sending the required digital copy their film will be removed from showing.

ATTENDANCE
If you are selected and win, you are expected to attend the festival and the Award Ceremony. If you cannot attend the ceremony, you must find someone to represent you and claim your award, on stage. Only attending or represented filmmakers will be awarded, with no exceptions. We do not ship awards.

SUBMITTERS, IF YOUR FILM(S) ARE SELECTED, YOU'LL RECEIVE TWO (2) FREE VIP FILM SCREENING PASSES FOR THE WEEKEND SCREENINGS AND AWARD SHOW ON SATURDAY!

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Bowdin Bentz

    Excellent correspondence with festival director, will definitely be submitting again in the future!

    May 2024
  • Rachael CG Cudlitz

    A shout out to the Western Film Festival! Thank you for including our short, On Earth as it is in Heaven. Great communication. Fun event!

    April 2024
  • What better festival than The Western to premiere my animated western, Blood on the Rocks! Thanks John & the folks at Heritage Hall for providing this opportunity.

    April 2024
  • Vince Cusimano

    What an absolutely wonderful festival! I have said it to so many and I will say it here: if you are a filmmaker looking for a fabulous up and coming festival, this is it! And it's not only Westerns they look for, they have a horror night for the mad crowd😁 I am so grateful for the hospitality and professionalism shown by The Western Film Festival and all of Coleman, Texas. Truly, one of the best film experiences! And great lodgings thoughout!

    April 2024
  • Luke and Martha Van Garza

    For anyone who loves the Western genre, this festival is a must. Coleman is a great little getaway. Thanks so much for screening our Western-themed zombie comedy, PETE & RE-PETE!

    May 2023