Dragon Con Independent Short Film Festival

We focus each year on showcasing the finest independent short films of the fantastic. We welcome not only Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Horror films, but any film of the imagination that steps out of the slice-of-life category. This includes Mysteries, Thrillers, Film Noirs, Comedies, Slip Stream/Magical Realism, Asian influenced, Surrealistic films, and most dramas, just to name a few, as well as short animated films of all types. We take narrative shorts as well as documentaries and a limited number of features. Combine that with panels, celebrity guests, discussions, concerts, contests, seminars, and the 85,000+ Dragon Con attendees and you have an extraordinary film event

We award prizes for 1st place in each genre category. Specific categories will be determined based on the entries, but in the last 3 years, they have included: Action, Comedy, Fan Films, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Thriller, Horror, Horror Comedy, Documentary, Animated Comedy, Animated Horror, and Animated Fantasy. We also present Best of Fest (Live Action) and Best of Fest (Animation) chosen from the 1st Place winners in each category (excluding features) which includes a cash prize.

I am duly authorized to submit this film to the Dragon Con Independent Short Film Festival. I have read and understood the submission regulations and procedures and agree to comply with them in all respects. To the best of my knowledge, all of the information is correct. I certify that all rights and clearances have been obtained and that this film is not subject to litigation and is not threatened by any litigation. I will not withdraw the film from the Dragon Con Independent Short Film Festival after I have been notified of its selection. I hold the Dragon Con Independent Short Film Festival harmless from damage or loss of physical materials en route to the Festival. Cost of shipping to festival is the responsibility of the entrant. Exhibition copies must be sent to the festival prepaid. All DVDs and cases must be labeled with the title of the entry. Disks/storage materials will not be returned. I agree for a short excerpt to be used in a radio, video program, or cinema trailer for the Dragon Con Independent Short Film Festival. I agree that, if selected for the festival, Dragon Con will screen the submitted film during the four-day event; and, permit accredited press and industry to view the film. The Dragon Con Independent Short Film Festival does not pay rental fees for submitted work that is programmed. I agree to the film being considered for all Festival jury prizes.

Overall Rating

Quality

Value

Communication

Hospitality

Networking

Ayesha Adamo

DragonCon is amazing!!! This is one festival where you won't have to worry about filling seats. There will be a line wrapping around outside the screening room. Had such an amazing time bringing We Are The Prototypes here in 2019 and winning the Spirit Of Dragon Con Award! Matt Foster has a really keen eye when it comes to programming, and I enjoyed so many wonderful films, made some great friends, and even found a screenwriting partner! The Con is also massive and exciting with lots going on. And the audience here totally understands genre films and has a vast knowledge of pop culture. They just get it! Definitely submit if you've got a genre film project. You will love it.

September 2020

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Zachary Stephens

This festival is not to be missed! The staff is fantastic and they really work to foster and facilitate a sense of camaraderie among the filmmakers. Huge thanks to Matthew and Paul and all the staff!!

May 2020

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Timothy Troy

"Abi" would not exist without DragonCon. We met our producer at a previous DragonCon, and that speaks to the value of the networking right there. The screening room is incredible, and it is always packed to the point of Standing Room Only.

Matthew also holds a roundtable discussion about the festival process the last day of the con. Seasoned festival goers will get insight into the festival organizer's process, and if you're new to the circuit, it's absolutely invaluable.

Plus, you're in the middle of DragonCon, so you're toughest decision won't be what to do, it'll be which three other things you're going to miss out on to do it.

HIGHLY recommended.

April 2020

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Tim Driscoll

Dragon Con!!!! These guys make you feel special. It's a great experience!

October 2019

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Rose Meza

This has easily become my new favorite film festival! It was like a filmmaker summer camp and it was a blast! Getting to meet filmmakers from all over the world and having access to the constant stream of film screenings was incredible! I made so many connections that I'm still in contact with and hope to work with in the future. The quality of the films were all very high and every screening was a packed house. Matt and Paul did a fantastic job making it a fun experience for all!

October 2019

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