The Unspooled Film and Animation Festival strives to be a platform for independent filmmaking and animation, creative expression and multimedia entertainment. By screening content, offering workshops, and hosting guest speakers the Unspooled Film and Animation Festival actively supports emerging and seasoned storytellers. We seek to highlight the convergence of technology and imagination through presentation events, premieres, exhibitions, and outreach.

Independent filmmakers rub elbows with students and members of the local community in this juried annual event held over a three-day period in Menomonie, Wisconsin. Our festival features films and animations made by regional and international independent storytellers. Films will be screened in the recently restored historic Harvey Hall Theatre.

Best Animated Film
Best Narrative Film
Best Documentary Film
Best in the Midwest
Best Student Feature
Best College Student Film
Best High School Student Film

Selected projects from all categories will be presented to the public at the Festival Event, which is currently scheduled for the Spring.

Feature and Short Films/Animations:
Unspooled showcases short, feature, and animation films from emerging talent and established content creators with unique perspectives and audacious new ideas. Films invited to participate in the 2023 Festival Event will be shown in the section determined most appropriate by Festival programmers at their sole discretion.

Eligible projects include feature films/animations (runtime ≥ 40 minutes), short films/animations (runtime < 40 minutes); including documentaries, narratives, commercial projects, animation, and experimental films.

Eligible projects can include virtual, mixed, and augmented reality projects, 360 films, 3D films, interactive digital or multi-platform projects, immersive multimedia installations, immersive audio, augmented live performances, and virtual worlds.

How to enter
Apply online via FilmFreeway.

Entry Materials
All entries must include the following:
1. A private and/or password-protected streaming link of the project.
2. If submitting an IMMERSIVE or INTERACTIVE project, we require a downloadable link for optimum reviewing. For Immersive, you can submit a link to a folder with a master copy (360 video, apk, exe, Steam build, etc.) or a link to a beta version of the experience (web/AR). Games can submit full game links; however, they must submit a minimum of a 10-minute playable demo for consideration.

You are responsible for ensuring the streaming link is functional, and the link and password submitted are accurate.

Multiple Entries
Each project must be individually submitted; please do not send links to multiple projects, as any or all of them may be disqualified.

Re-Entry
If your project was submitted and considered for previous editions of the Festival, you may re-enter it if you have made significant changes and all applicable eligibility requirements are met at the time of entry.

Invited Projects
Invited creators will be notified by email or phone using the information on the submitted entry form. Ensure the festival is updated with new contact information or any other festival invitations before the event.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Mack Martin

    Fantastic films for a fantastic festival. Such a cool experience. Would submit again.

    July 2023
  • It was an AMAZING experience attending the Unspooled Film & Animation Festival. So honored to have two of my films be selected and have one of them win Best Documentary Film for 2023. Thanks to everyone who made this event special.

    May 2023
  • Great first year, excited to see it grow! Big props for providing screening opportunities for film and animation students.

    May 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Student work is a part of our DNA!

  • Joel Sacramento

    I had a great time attending the Unspooled Film Festival. The organizers were genuinely super excited about the festival and about having filmmakers in attendance.

    May 2023
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    Response from festival:

    We were really excited to see you here in Menomonie! We'd love to see you next year, too. First round's on us!

  • maria salvin

    It was ok.thank you fir your help

    May 2023
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    Response from festival:

    "Light" was a great addition to the animated line-up!