An exciting showcase of world premiere films, the DeSales University Film Festival (DUFF) features the emerging voices of directors, screenwriters, producers, cinematographers, designers, editors, and animators in the DeSales TV/Film major, as well as the talented actors and dancers of the Performing Arts division. DUFF is a platform for young filmmakers taking their first steps toward a professional career, presenting a variety of genres, film forms, and cinematic journeys. Films are selected and adjudicated by television and film industry professionals. This lively, one-night event culminates in the award presentations for Best Screenwriting, Best Cinematography, Best Directing, Best Performance, Best Editing, Best Sound, Audience Choice, and the DUFFY Award for Best Overall Film.

Awards & Prizes

The DeSales University Film Festival features awards for student filmmakers in the following categories:

- Best Overall Film (The DUFFY Award)
- Best Directing
- Best Cinematography
- Best Editing
- Best Sound
- Best Performance
- Best Original Screenplay
- Audience Choice Award

Additionally, the winner of the Photography Contest will be presented the award at the DUFF screening, where the Honorable Mention photographs & photographers will also be recognized.

Rules & Terms

DUFF SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:

- All films must be made between January 2025 and February 2026 to be eligible to screen in DUFF 2026.
- All submitted films must be made by CURRENT DeSales University students.
- Films must not exceed a 25-minute runtime.
- Content that could be considered objectionable by the DeSales University school standards (excessive graphic violence, nudity, excessive profanity, graphic drug use, exploitative situations/themes, etc.) will not be screened.
- A copyright statement must appear at the end of the final credits. Copyright the film to your own branded production company. Do not use DeSales University or your own name for copyright.
- Any music (or other elements in the film) that are copyrighted and/or trademarked must be legally licensed by the filmmaker for use in the film. DUFF reserves the right to require proof of licensing from the filmmakers.
- Music requires both a Sync License and a Master Use License.
- Trademarked elements (such as logos that are prominently featured) require a signed release from the owner of the trademark.
- Logos that appear incidentally, on wardrobe or in the background, are allowed under the Fair Use doctrine.

PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST GUIDELINES:

- All photos must have been taken between January 2025 and February 2026 to be eligible for the photography contest.
- You must be a current DeSales University student to submit photos.
- No more than 3 photos may be submitted per photographer. If a photographer submits more than 3 images, they will be disqualified from the competition.
- Content that could be considered objectionable by the DeSales University school standards (graphic violence, nudity, excessive profanity, graphic drug use, exploitative situations/themes, etc.) will not be included in the contest.
- Photos should not include a watermark or copyright information of the photographer.
- Trademarked elements (such as logos that are prominently featured) require a signed release from the owner of the trademark.
- Logos that appear incidentally, on wardrobe or in the background, are allowed under the Fair Use doctrine.
- All photos submitted to the competition will be judged by an independent jurist/guest artist (a professional photographer and/or filmmaker), who will critique the photos and choose the winners.
- Photos submitted for the competition may be used for promotional purposes for the DeSales University Film Festival (DUFF).