All films must have been completed after January 1, 2016. Feature films must be at least 60 minutes and short films must be 30 minutes or under, including credits. All non-English language films must have English subtitles, and we strongly encourage everyone to submit subtitle files along with their final films.
All films must be finished, original works, and the filmmaker is responsible for obtaining any necessary permissions for use of trademarks, copyrights or any other properties (including, but not limited to logos, images, characters or music) in their film. All submissions should include a high resolution poster-type image - suitable for printing and display at the festival.
Only digital entries with an online screener available through FilmFreeway will be accepted for submission.
All entries must be received by Sunday, February 15th, 2026 to be eligible.
Employees of the Gaming Manufacturer’s Association (GAMA) and their immediate families are excluded from competition, but films may be considered for exhibition-only screenings.
By submitting my film to the Origins Film Festival I hereby certify that I am duly authorized to submit this film and I hold all relevant rights thereto. I further certify that all of the information contained in my submission is correct, that all relevant rights and clearances have been obtained, and that this film is not subject to litigation or under the threat of any litigation. I will not withdraw the film from the Origins Film Festival after I have been notified of its selection.
Most importantly, I hereby agree to fully indemnify and hold the Origins Film Festival and the Festival Directors harmless from damage or loss of any nature related in any way to screening my movie, regardless of the nature of the cause of action.
I also agree for a short excerpt of my submission (including biographical information) to be used in radio, video program, or cinematic trailers for the Origins Film Festival. I agree that, if selected for the festival, the Origins Film Festival may screen the submitted film (and/or portions thereof) during the annual event or at future events; and permit accredited press and industry to view the film. I agree that the Origins Film Festival is not due any rental or licensing fees for submitted work that is programmed. I agree to the film being considered for all Festival awards.
This document and the agreements contained herein shall be governed by the laws of the United States and the state of Maryland without consideration of conflicts of laws provisions and principles. All claims between the parties, regardless of legal theory and whenever brought, shall be resolved in the state or federal courts of the state of Maryland, Montgomery County, USA, and you stipulate that you expressly submit to the personal jurisdiction of such state and federal courts, and you further agree that any judgment may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. If for any reason a court of competent jurisdiction finds any provision, or portion thereof, of this agreement to be unenforceable, the remainder of this document shall continue in full force and effect.
This document constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the use of films and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous understandings regarding such subject matter. No amendment to or modification of this agreement will be binding unless in writing and signed by an authorized representative of Origins Film Festival. Nothing in this agreement constitutes a waiver of the Origins Film Festival’s rights under United States of America patent and copyright laws or any other Federal or State law nor of any of the Origins Film Festival’s rights under the rules or laws of any country, territory, republic, and/or province. Finally, the Origins Film Festival reserves the right to remove a film from the festival program for any reason, or no reason at all, and shall not be liable for any refund or claims of any kind arising from such removal.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, I hereby waive any right I may have, subject to applicable law, against the Origins Film Festival, its organizers, or other participants, for any claims related to COVID-19 or other medical issues. I understand that my attendance is solely at my own risk.
