The ORIGINS FILM FESTIVAL™ showcases independent feature and short films of any genre related to gaming, sci-fi or fantasy. The festival will be held concurrently in-person at the Origins Game Fair AND streaming online at https://originsfilmfestival.com/online, helping you get more eyeballs on your amazing work.

OFF is presented as part of the ORIGINS GAME FAIR™ (http://www.originsgamefair.com), one of the nation’s largest tabletop gaming conventions. Origins Game Fair features over 4,500 events and games of every variety: tabletop games, miniatures games, roleplaying games, LARPs, traditional games, collectible card games, and even poker.

OGF is run by the Game Manufacturer’s Association (GAMA) and held at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, OH.

Awards will be given for:
BEST FEATURE
BEST SHORT
BEST GAMING FILM
BEST SCI-FI FILM
BEST FANTASY FILM

All filmmakers entered by the Regular Deadline and selected for the festival will be granted two full-access badges to the Origins Game Fair, which offers over 4,500 events, including games, seminars, crafting, costume contest, and more. Winners of the above awards will also receive two full show passes each for next year’s Game Fair!

All films must have been completed after January 1, 2014. 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.

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 his or her film.

Only digital entries with an online screener available through FilmFreeway will be accepted for submission.

All entries must be received by Sunday, June 2, 2024 to be eligible for the in-person and online festivals.

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 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 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. Additionally, I consent to the online screening of my film in its entirety during the dates of the Origins Film Festival.

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.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Bradley Pearce

    OFF looked like a really fun festival! I am super honored that Game On UNCW: Esports + Education was an official selection, and wish I could have attended in person. Maybe next year :D

    July 2023
  • The Origins Film Festival was an awesome showcase of fantasy and adventure content. The Greater Columbus Convention Center is a perfect venue to showcase gaming films, and it was a really cool bonus that creators also got to attend the Origins Game Fair that surrounded the event! Seth and Kelley were also caring, fun hosts. I hope to be back in the coming years!

    June 2023
  • Rebecca Raymond

    Great festival and a very lovely audience! Everyone there is so friendly and enthusiastic about the films, and it's especially great to see so many sci-fi and fantasy films get the love they deserve. Definitely would love to go back!

    July 2019
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks Rebecca! Glad you had a good time!

  • Brett Jubinville

    What a wonderful festival! We were honoured to be a part of it!

    June 2019
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks Brett!

  • Russell Emanuel

    Oh what a wonderful film festival! Not only did they accept two of my films but we won for Best Feature Film for Occupants! Thank you so much for everything!

    June 2019
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you Russell! Glad you were part of the festival!