Thru the Lens Film Festival will be a film festival for directors, actors/actresses, writers, producers, anyone who loves the art of cinema. TTLFF will focus more on "narratives" and performances that make these films art and cinema. Looking for projects that are edgier, darker, noir, mature content, and also 4-letter words. Let's bring back those films of the 70s & 90s era, when actors were raw, flawed, and unpolished. Films with Artistic-nudity, Obscenity, Profanity, and Violent tone are accepted.

There will be two event panels between the screenings; Directors & Actors roundtable discussion for directors and actors can talk and discuss cinema.

Six categories with five (or less) short films in each category. About 25 short films in all.
- Y'all Texans
- Narrative
- Women Voices
- Horror
- Student

There will be a Q&A after each category screening, this is the moment for "YOU" to discuss your film and art. We want to hear about your film straight from you. There will be a step & repeat film festival banner for a photo-op. Awards will be given out after each category's screenings, the awarded film of each category will receive both a trophy and a certificate.

*Categories are subject to have 5 shorts or less.

Awards & Prizes

After your film is selected you will be featured on our social media pages and you will receive a filmmaker badge and a plus-one when you attend the festival. If you RSVP, you will be attending the event you will have a personal TTLFF badge with your photo on the badge. You will have to submit an image of yourself for us to include on the badge.

There will be an award ceremony after each category screening;
- Y'all Texans
- Narrative
- Women Voices
- Horror
- Student

*Each short film category will receive a nominee certificate.
*Categories are subject to have 5 shorts or less.
*Winners receive Lens Trophies only upon attendance.

Rules & Terms

* All films must be submitted in English or with English subtitles (if in a different language).
* All short films must not exceed 30 minutes.
* If chosen, reduce your end credits to less than 60 seconds.
* By submitting to TTLFF, you give us consent and the right to screen your film in front of a live audience.
* We reserve the right to update our terms and conditions.
* All submissions are not refundable.
* Final versions only, no trailers, or rough cuts submissions. Final cuts only.
* Films with artistic nudity, Obscenity, Profanity, and Violent tone are accepted.
*Personalized TTLFF ID badge with photo will be given to all director/actor attendees.
14 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Tyler Dey Ortiz

    I’m very happy and proud to have been selected and an award winner for this years festival. I’m sad that there wasn’t an in person screening but I’m grateful to have been selected either way. The communication was amazing and I wholeheartedly will hold this festival in my heart.

    June 2025
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  • David Luck

    This is a fantastic film festival! Robert and his team did an excellent job with everything! I highly recommend Thru the Lens Film Festival for filmmakers looking for a one-of-a-kind festival!

    May 2025
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  • Enrique Novials

    Thanks a lot!!! A very special festival, with a carefully curated selection! Fantastic!

    May 2025
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  • Sharie Vance

    Great festival! Lots of communication. Excellent workshop for directors.

    September 2024
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  • Ryan Reznick

    Fun fest with a great host.

    June 2024
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