Vero Beach Film Festival

📍 Festival Overview
• Festival Dates: April 9–12, 2026
• Location: Vero Beach, Florida
• Final Submission Date: December 31, 2025
• Notification Date: On or before January 23, 2026
• Selected Film Assets Due: No later than February 1, 2026
________________________________________
📋 General Rules
• Film submissions are made via FilmFreeway.com.
• Submitters must provide complete contact information, including a valid phone number, email address, and mailing address.
• Cover letters are encouraged — we love learning more about you and your film.
• Individual Films may be considered for multiple categories. If your film is a fit for more than one category, mention this in your cover letter.
• Premiere status is not required, though we do highlight premieres in promotions when possible.
• Submissions preferably should be final cuts. Works-in-progress will be considered. Please describe in the cover letter. Upon acceptance, filmmakers must deliver completed film for festival screening by set deadline.
• Submission fees are non-refundable, regardless of acceptance status or withdrawal.
• The Festival reserves the right to disqualify any submission that does not comply with our rules or misrepresents eligibility.
________________________________________
🗓️ Selection & Screenings
• Official selections will be notified via email by January 23, 2026.
• If your film is selected and you attend the Festival, you will receive up to two (2) all-access passes to all screenings, panels, parties, and events.
• Additional discounted filmmaker passes will be available for purchase.
• Complimentary home hosting with a local Vero Beach family is available on a first-come, space-available basis.
• Q&A sessions will follow screenings of selected films with attending filmmakers.
• Selected films may be screened up to three times during the Festival. Screening schedules are at the sole discretion of the programming team and are subject to change.
________________________________________
💻 Technical Specifications
• Final exhibition format should be a high-resolution digital file (1080p or 4K preferred).
• DCP is available in limited venues. Selected filmmakers will be informed if a DCP is needed.
• Detailed instructions for uploading your final files and promotional assets will be sent upon selection.
• If selected, all required materials, including promotional assets, must be submitted no later than February 1, 2026.
• The Festival is not liable for any technical issues during the screenings, and no refunds or compensation will be offered due to technical difficulties.
________________________________________
📄 Terms & Conditions of Entry
By submitting your film, you confirm and agree to the following:
1. You own or control all rights necessary to submit the film and authorize its exhibition, including music, visuals, footage, and third-party content. All fees and clearances have been paid for public exhibition at film festivals.
2. Screening your film will not infringe on any third-party rights or laws, and the film is not subject to any actual or pending litigation.
3. You grant Film Vero and the Vero Beach Film Festival the right to exhibit your film publicly and to use excerpts, stills, credits, and name/likeness for marketing, publicity, and festival promotions. This includes the right to capture and use any photographs, video, audio recordings, interviews, or other media featuring you, your cast, crew, and any representatives attending the festival. These materials may be used by Film Vero and the Vero Beach Film Festival in current and future promotional content, marketing materials, archival pieces, or any festival-produced media in perpetuity.
4. If accepted, your film may not screen publicly within the Florida Treasure Coast or Brevard County for 30 days before or during the Festival, without prior written consent.
5. You agree to inform Film Vero and VBFF of any unofficial sponsors, media outlets, or partners that may host events, parties, or promotions associated with your film in the Florida Treasure Coast or Brevard County within 30 days prior and during the Festival.
6. Film Vero and the Festival are not liable for damage, loss, or theft of any submitted materials or for technical failures during screenings. We assume all filmmakers carry insurance for any physical media sent.
7. You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Film Vero, the Festival, it’s board members, employees, volunteers and its affiliates from any and all claims arising from your film, including but not limited to copyright, trademark, or contractual disputes.
8. The Festival reserves the right to disqualify any film for misrepresentation, failure to follow rules, or conduct by the filmmaker that jeopardizes the reputation or integrity of the Festival or its partners.
9. You certify that you are at least 18 years of age, or if under 18, you have included a written release from your parent or legal guardian.
10. No screening fees or compensation will be paid for selected films. Some films may be eligible for jury awards, including cash prizes, which are outlined above.
11. Any legal disputes or controversies will be resolved through binding arbitration in Indian River County, Florida, in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association.
12. The Festival reserves the right to shift to a virtual or hybrid format at any time due to unforeseen circumstances, including public health or safety concerns. Filmmakers will be notified of any changes.
________________________________________
🏆 Awards & Recognition
• The Festival presents awards in several juried and audience-voted categories.
• Some award categories may include cash prizes.
• Finalists will be announced during the Festival.
• Jury Award winners will be announced at the Opening Night Celebration.
• Audience Award winners will be announced at the Closing Night Ceremony.
• Attendance is encouraged but not required to win an award.
________________________________________
❓ Questions?
We’re here to help!
📞 Phone: 772-444-2827
📧 Email: submissionquestions@vbfilmfest.org
🌐 Website: vbfilmfest.org