The non-profit Utopia Film Festival seeks entertaining and engaging works which typify our mission: "Seeking to build a better world through film."

We want films and animation which make us laugh, cry and/or expand our consciousness: works which creatively explore the social, political, cultural and environmental issues which challenge humanity's never ending quest—in all its variables—for the perfect "utopian" existence.

Located between Washington and Baltimore in Greenbelt Maryland. Greenbelt was one of America's first planned communities—a New Deal project built by the Roosevelt Administration in the 1930's. Utopia Films screens at venues throughout Greenbelt, including the historic Greenbelt Theatre and the New Deal Cafe, attracting audiences from throughout the greater Washington, DC, metropolitan area.

We seek cinematic works of all genres and lengths, and present the following awards:

BEST SHORT FILM AWARD: The best film under 40 minutes in length.

UTOPIAN VISIONS AWARD: The best work in any category which reflects Utopia's belief in the value of cinema to help create a better world.

BEST YOUNG FILMMAKER AWARD: The best work produced by a filmmaker under 18.

ELEANOR ROOSEVELT AWARD FOR CREATIVITY: The work deemed most creative by the Utopian Film Festival.

BEST DOCUMENTARY: Best Documentary under 90 min. deemed by Utopian Film Festival.

Entries must be submitted by original creator (or a parent, guardian or instructor of an entrant under 18 years of age).

If your submission is accepted to the festival, we require that two hard copies—either DVDs or Blue-rays—be shipped to us as soon as possible or a downloadable version in MP4 or MOV format.

Official selection screeners will not be returned unless the submission filmmaker provides a self addressed stamped envelope. No exceptions.

A separate fee must be paid for each entry, though multiple entries may be sent together.

If you have a press kit, it should include a one or two-line description or synopsis of your work; it's running time; and photo stills for publicity purposes.

IMPORTANT: If you are a filmmaker under 18 years of age, no submission fees are required. But you must request a fee waiver which includes proof of age in some form. Contact utopiafest2017@gmail.com along with proof of age and your fee waiver request at the time of submission.

Foreign language films must be with English subtitles.

By submitting my film for consideration by the Utopia Film Festival, I agree that:

(1) I am the original creator (or teacher/parent/guardian for youth-produced films).
(2) My film has all necessary clearances and rights to be screened at a film festival.
(3) If my film is selected, it may be screened one or more times at the Utopia Film Festival and other Utopia-related events.
(4) I agree that Utopia has the right to screen all entries and selections of Greenbelt Access Television (GATE), a non-profit community access television station which is the primary festival sponsor.

The Utopia Film Festival is hereby granted the right to utilize an excerpt from any film submitted to use for promotional purposes.
The individual submitting the film hereby warrants that he or she is authorized to commit the film for screening, and understands and accepts these requirements and regulations.

The applicant shall indemnify and hold harmless the Utopia Film Festival from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney's fees, and costs of the court) which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, and loss or damage to screening videos entered.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
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Hospitality
Networking
  • Unfortunately, my plans to attend this amazing festival fell through. However I cannot say enough about the detailed communication, organization and attentiveness to questions. It was an honor for our film, BY MY SIDE, to to be selected, and we deeply appreciate receiving an Honorable Mention for Outstanding Short Film for BY MY SIDE. Thank you Utopia Film Festival.

    November 2023
  • Diane Powell

    "Intersectionality" is the first film I've entered in any film festival. I was thoroughly pleased with EVERYTHING the Utopia Film Festival had to offer. Having the mayor of the city and other dignitaries along with the Utopia Film Festival committee, who attended the opening ceremony, showed how much they really care about what's happening in the community. Also, having the opportunity to meet the relatives of such a famous person (Alex Haley) was just the icing on the cake. Both their customer service and organization was top notch!!! THANK YOU to the UTOPIA FILM FESTIVAL TEAM for an awesome time!!!

    November 2023
  • Jonathan Alexander

    Just such a gem in our area, a really great small film festival that punches above its weight. I really appreciate Frank and his crew and what they do to pull this off. And the old Greenbelt theater is also beautifully restored.

    October 2023
  • We had a wonderful screening with an audience of real live people at the Old Greenbelt Theater Annex on October 22, 2023. The festival staff are terrific, the Q&A session was lots of fun, and we couldn't be happier to have been selected by this cozy little film festival.

    October 2023
  • This festival is fantastic for a lot of reasons. First it's run really well and is so organized. But second, it's just the sense of community that is created leading up to and during the festival! It feels like being around an immensely supportive group of people in watching your own film and others and as an indie filmmaker, and a minority woman, that matters more than anything!

    December 2022