All films - both documentary and narrative - must feature, be based upon, dramatize, loosely interpret or focus on a character or characters related to a real crime or crimes.
For documentaries think along the lines of content you would see on Investigation Discovery or Oxygen. Narrative examples range from Goodfellas to Monster or The Amityville Horror to Spotlight, Erin Brockovich to Badlands, etc.
Narratives will be accepted in the following genres: Drama, Horror, Thriller, Mystery, Noir & Spy, Romance, War & Western. Films MUST be based upon an actual true crime story.
Short Films must be 60 minutes or less. Features must be 60 minutes or longer.
All non English speaking films must be subtitled in English in order to be considered.
Films made on ANY budget are invited to submit. However, If we have to adjust the volume while screening your film, we will not accept it.
No rough cuts will be considered.
Entries must be submitted via FilmFreeway.
All material presented must be genuine and free of any distastefully malicious, intentionally unsavory or unqualified deviant subject manner. We understand the subject of true crime often means that viewer discretion is advised, but if your film unabashedly portrays the subject matter and its victims in a tasteless manner, it will not be considered.
Programming decisions are made by the festival team. If your film is accepted, you will be notified via email by the festival director. After acceptance, your exhibition format will need to be received two weeks prior to the festival. You will also be required to submit a 10-15 second trailer and an image from the film for use in promotional materials.
True Crime Film Fest does not pay rental fees for submitted work that is programmed.
