GUTPUNCH is proud to present COUNTERPUNCH Film Festival (CPUFF), an immersive celebration of alternative video art. As an art organization, our mission is to elevate and showcase innovative, thought-provoking horror, science fiction, fantasy, action, Asian, and cult films that challenge the traditional boundaries of art. We believe that video art is a powerful tool for self-expression, and our festival aims to provide a platform for emerging and established artists to share their unique perspectives with a wider audience. We hope to highlight horror, thriller, fantasy & experimental film, as well as elevating lgbtq+, BIPOC voices.

Through COUNTERPUNCH FEST, we hope to bring together artists and audiences from all walks of life to celebrate the power of video art. We are committed to using our platform to amplify the voices of those who have been historically silenced and marginalized. We hope that COUNTERPUNCH FEST will be a catalyst for positive change in our community and beyond.

Awards & Prizes

1. Golden Glove for Knockout Film of the Year:
This award recognizes the film that delivers the most powerful and impactful storytelling punch, leaving a lasting impression on the audience. The winner of this award embodies the spirit of Counterpunch Film Festival, delivering a knockout experience.

2. Golden Glove for Best Cinematic Punch (Cinematography):
Celebrating the visual prowess of filmmakers, this award honors the cinematographer who delivers the most stunning and visually striking punches on the screen. The Golden Glove represents excellence in capturing the essence of the story through compelling and dynamic visuals.

3. Golden Glove for Best Director:
This award recognizes a director that displays an exceptional vision, storytelling prowess, and a mastery of the filmmaking craft. This Golden Glove recognizes the individual who stands guides their film to excellence.

4. Golden Glove Award for Outstanding Performance:
This accolade celebrates the actor or actress who delivers an exceptional and memorable performance, standing out in the cinematic ring. It recognizes the artist's talent, dedication, and ability to leave an indelible mark on the audience, placing them as the best performance of the year at Counterpunch Film Festival.

5. Golden Glove Award for Trailblazing Storytelling:
This award commends films that delivers innovative and groundbreaking storytelling. Thi Golden Glove honors films that go beyond the conventional, offering fresh perspectives, unique narratives, and unexpected twists that resonate with the CounterPunch ethos.

Rules & Terms

1. Eligibility:
a. Submissions are open to filmmakers worldwide.
b. Films must fall within the genres of horror, thriller, suspense, fantasy, or science fiction.
c. All submitted films must be in English or include English subtitles.

2. Submission Fee:
a. A non-refundable submission fee of $25 USD is required for each film submission.
b. Payment must be made online through the festival's official submission platform.
c. Submission fees contribute to the costs associated with the festival, including screening, judging, and promotional activities.

3. Submission Deadline:
a. The submission period begins on December 15 2023 and ends on June 31st 2024.
b. Late submissions will not be accepted.

4. Submission Format:
a. Films must be submitted electronically
b. Submissions must include a high-resolution poster, synopsis, and trailer (if available).

5. Selection Process:
a. All submitted films will be reviewed by a selection committee appointed by the festival organizers.
b. The decision of the selection committee is final and non-negotiable.
c. Selected films will be notified by the first week of July.

6. Festival Screenings:
a. Selected films will be screened during the festival.
b. The schedule and venue details will be communicated to the selected filmmakers in advance.
c. Filmmakers are responsible for their own travel and accommodation expenses.

7. Awards:
a. The festival may present awards in various categories, including Best Film, Best Director, and Audience Choice.
b. Award winners will be announced during the festival and on the festival's official website.

8. Rights and Permissions:
a. By submitting a film, the filmmaker grants the festival the right to screen the film during the festival.
b. The festival is granted the right to use excerpts from submitted films, including trailers, for promotional purposes.

9. Disqualification:
a. The festival reserves the right to disqualify any submission that violates copyright laws, contains offensive content, or is found to be in violation of any other festival rules.
b. No refund of the submission fee will be provided for disqualified entries.

10. Miscellaneous:
a. The festival organizers are not responsible for any lost or damaged materials submitted for consideration.
b. The festival may use submitted materials for promotional purposes.
c. By submitting a film, the filmmaker acknowledges and agrees to abide by these terms and conditions.

By submitting a film to the Counterpunch Genre and Horror Film Festival, the filmmaker acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agreed to comply with the above terms and conditions. The festival organizers reserve the right to amend these terms and conditions at their discretion.

Counterpunch Film Festival
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  • Martina Boothes

    Thank you so much for making “DARE!” a finalist! I’m so honored! I hate that I couldn’t attend the festival but I was there in spirit while rooting at home! The promotion was great as well! ❤️‍🔥 I hope everyone enjoyed the film!

    July 2024
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  • Debbie Vu

    Fun! Amazing! Cool!

    I have been to dozens of film festivals, many of which have selected my films and this one? It is one of the best curated film festivals that I've had the pleasure of attending. Thank you for the love and appreciation. Y'all instill hope into me and I am all for it.

    Congratulations to all my fellow filmmakers. It was a joy to see your work like your heart and soul splayed out before us. Thanks for doing the hard work and leaning into the vulnerability that comes with the territory.

    July 2024
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  • Greg Moran

    Great communication. Honoured to have our film Culicidae screened. Unfortunately we weren’t able to attend in person from Australia.

    July 2023
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  • Christian Gandler

    really lovely indie Festival! A lot of Art and Music and Celebration, you can tell, they love what they do, i was honored to be selected for screening..wish i could have been there, looked like so much fun..thanks a lot!

    July 2023
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  • Kevin Lucero Less

    Exceptional. The event looked like an amazing night of art, video, music, and personality. Very professional and engaging. Thank you so much Counterpunch for giving my film "Boundary of Time" an opportunity in your fantastic event. Cheers.

    July 2023
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