On February 15-18 2024, the 5th Anniversary of the "Waco Family & Faith International Film Festival" will leverage the power of cinema and storytelling to celebrate our shared compassion for humanity. Set in the charming town of Waco, Texas, this three day event will feature competition films, Hollywood studio releases, "Film & Faith" sessions at area places of worship, a Black-Tie Gala, a Celebrity Golf Classic, a New York City Style Fashion Show, professional workshops presented at Baylor University's Hankamer School of Business, and a Closing Night concert featuring the GRAMMY Award winning band, OZOMATLI. The "Waco Family & Faith International Film Festival" is "dedicated to empowering the creative spirit, serving with heart, and celebrating all!” For more information, visit www.wacofilmfest.org.

For the 5th Annual "Waco Family & Faith International Film Festival," there will be seven award categories and include:
-Grand Jury Prize - Best U.S. Short Film
-Grand Jury Prize - Best International Short Film
-Grand Jury Prize - Best U.S. Student Film
-Grand Jury Prize - Best International Student Film
-Grand Jury Prize - Best Feature Film (U.S. and Internationally)
-Grand Jury Prize - Best Animated Film (U.S. and Internationally)
-GB Lindsey Family Audience Award

Note: All Jury Awards will be presented to the Director and/or a Representative of the winning film at the Festival. Audience Award will be announced 5 days following the Festival.

Additionally,
-Grand Jury Prize - Best U.S. Short Film- Receives $250 in cash, plus Festival trophy..
-Grand Jury Prize - Best International Short Film- Receives $250 in cash, plus Festival trophy.
-Grand Jury Prize - Best U.S. Student Film- Receives $250 in cash, plus Festival trophy.
-Grand Jury Prize - Best International Student Film- Receives $250 in cash, plus Festival trophy.
-Grand Jury Prize - Best Feature Film (Of U.S. and Internationally)- Receives $250 in cash, plus Festival trophy.
-Grand Jury Prize - Best Animated Film (Of U.S. and Internationally)- Receives $250 in cash, plus Festival trophy.
-GB Lindsey Family Audience Award- Received $250 in cash, plus Festival trophy.

"Waco Family & Faith International Film Festival" 2022 Awards & Prizes
Each Selected Competition Filmmaker receives:
• One film screening during February 3-5, 2022.
• 10 tickets to the screening of their film.
• Two tickets to the Opening Night Festival Reception on February 3, 2021.
• Four VIP Festival Badges allowing full access to films, panels, and VIP reception area.
• Film featured in the 2022 Waco Family & Faith International Film Festival Program Book and website.
• Filmmaker featured in the 2022 Waco Family & Faith International Film Festival Program Book and website.
• Film promoted in festival press and media opportunities.

"Waco Family & Faith International Film Festival"

RULES & TERMS:

Film submissions will be accepted in the following categories:
-Family
-Faith
-Freedom
-Military/Veterans
-Disability
-Do-It-Yourself (DIY)

1. The competition is open to U.S. and International entries. (Please check individual categories for additional requirements.)
2. Feature films are 40 minutes in length or longer. Short films are under 40 minutes in length.
3. Films not in English must be subtitled in English. Ultimately, all films screened at Waco Family & Faith International Film Festival will be subtitled. If possible, please provide your film with subtitles.
4. Films that have shown theatrically or been broadcast on television in Waco, Texas prior to the Festival or are available on DVD or VOD are not eligible for consideration.
5. Entries must not have been publicly shown before January 1, 2022.
6. Entries must be submitted for pre-screening on Vimeo or YouTube link. If you use a secured link, you are REQUIRED to keep us updated with passwords or your film may be rejected. You may also send a DVD or Blu-Ray. Should you choose to send a hard copy screener, please send 2 copies.
7. If you are burning a consumer disc, write your Project Title, Film ID# and Contact information on the disc in a clear and legible fashion. Please test your consumer-burned DVD on several makes and models of players before sending it to our offices. Please use recyclable packaging. The DVD’s or Blu-Ray’s will not be returned.
8. Works in progress are not accepted.
9. You may submit multiple entries, but must fill out a separate entry form.
10. Films must may not contain profanity, nudity or excessive violence.

FESTIVAL SCREENING
The individual or corporation submitting the film warrants that they are authorized to commit the film to at least three screenings at any time during the 2022 "Waco Family & Faith International Film Festival," February 3 - 5, 2022. You MUST send a Blu-Ray for exhibition or a digital file. The "Waco Family & Faith International Film Festival" can show DCP only at the Hippodrome Theater and comparable first-run movie theaters that participate with the festival.

LIABILITY
Every possible care will be taken with entries while in our possession, however, we cannot accept responsibility for loss, damage or additional charges incurred en route, or due to normal wear and tear, or due to equipment failure. DO NOT SEND ORIGINAL PRINTS OR MASTER COPIES. Additionally, the "Waco Family & Faith International Film Festival" is held harmless from any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity or screening of any film.

SHIPPING
The cost of shipping an entry to the Festival must be paid by the entrant or preceding festival. All international entries must be sent with all transportation charges, duties, and taxes prepaid by the shipper. For films accepted into the Festival, the entrant is responsible for inbound shipping. In most cases, the "Waco Family & Faith International Film Festival" will pay the cost of outbound shipping of the print to its next destination. However, the Festival will not be responsible for unnecessary expedited or overnight shipping charges to other destinations.

REPRODUCTION AGREEMENT
Entrant agrees to grant the "Waco Family & Faith International Film Festival" permission for accepted films and related marketing materials to be reproduced and distributed – in whole or in part – SOLELY for purposes of Festival Jury review and voting process, educational purposes, and the promotion of the Festival.

ALL OF THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION MUST ACCOMPANY YOUR ENTRY:
-250 Word Synopsis (may be used for the Festival Program and Website)
-Filmmaker headshot and bio
-Students: Include proof of student status at the time of production. (Copy of student ID or transcript)
-At least one digital 300 dpi still photo from the film and at least one web-ready still at 72 dpi and 560×315 pixels.

IMPORTANT DATES & DEADLINES:
-August 15, 2020: Opening Date for Film Submissions
-September 30, 2020: Final Date for Film Submissions
-December 7, 2020: Notification Date
-February 4-6, 2021: Event Date

EACH SELECTED COMPETITION FILMMAKER WILL RECEIVE:
• One film screening during February 4 - 6, 2021.
• 10 tickets to the screening of their film.
• Two tickets to the Opening Night Festival Reception on February 4, 2021.
• Film featured in the 2021 Waco Family & Faith International Film Festival Program Book and Website.
• Two VIP All Festival Badges allowing full access to films, panels, and VIP reception area.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Many thanks to the festival team and the judges who chose my film 'Let's Talk' as the winning film. It's exciting, fun and empowering to have a significant response to the creative work we've invested!

    April 2024
  • Feel very fortunate to have been a part of the festival. Hope to be able to travel in person next time!

    February 2022
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    Response from festival:

    Thank YOUUUUUUU so much!

    We are fortunate to have had the opportunity to present your wonderful work as well.

  • Great concept, sincere communication, integrity.. Faith has no borders...

    February 2022
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    Response from festival:

    Thank YOUUUUUUU so much!

  • Dr. Tyrah and her staff were amazing, and informative. Having a festival during a pandemic is challenging, but they raise the bar of how to do it right. So glad that I drove there oh, and happy that we won. Thank you to everyone.

    February 2021
  • Ramtin Serajpour

    Wonderful International Film Festival. Always grateful with the jury and the team. Thank you so much.

    March 2020