Reel Deal is a short film festival held in Washington DC metro area to celebrate cinema.

Reel Deal is an effort to create a warm and welcoming home for independent filmmakers and fans of cinema in Washington DC metro area. Reel Deal is also committed to train the next generation of film makers and has separate a junior category for our budding filmmakers under 17 years of age.

First held as a short film making competition by Kerala Association of Greater Washington (KAGW) in 2013, we have matured into a film festival. KAGW being the parent organization, Reel Deal is committed in nurturing the cultural aspiration of the Indian community.

Kerala Association of Greater Washington (KAGW) is the pre-eminent is a registered non-profit organization for Malayalees (Malayalam speaking people or the people from the South Indian state of Kerala) in Washington metro area serving them for more than 35 years. It has served as the bedrock for all types of arts, cultural and literary activities for Keralites in this area. Many outstanding individuals and leaders in the community have been associated with this august association in a variety of roles and capacities. Its defining identity is its existence as a stepping stone for many aspiring artists and leaders in the community.

Awards & Prizes

Reel Deal recognizes cinematic excellence in three categories

General - For short films up to 30 minutes in length
Junior - For any film maker under the age of 17
Insta Reel - For any film 60 seconds or under; to be submitted in instagram

Submissions in General and Junior categories are considered for the following awards

Best Film
Best Screenplay
Best Director
Best Editing
Best Sound Design
Best Acting - Lead Role - Male
Best Acting - Lead Role - Female
Best Acting - Supporting Role - Male
Best Acting - Supporting Role – Female
Best Acting - child – Male
Best Acting – child – Female
Best Visual effects
Best Cinematography
Best Original Music
Audience Choice Award (most popular film)
Manipravalam Award (Best Malayalam screen play)
Special Jury Award (award for excellence based on suggestion the members of the jury)
Spirit award (best uplifting message)

Submissions in the Insta Reel category are considered for the following awards.

Best Comedy
Best Dub
Best Original Music
Best Horror
Best imitation
Audience Choice Award
Poplar Vote

Rules & Terms

General / Junior

Your film must be a short film can be of any genre with a running time of 30 minutes or under (including title credits).

Previous Screenings are perfectly acceptable however preference may be given to premiere films when programming festival screenings.

While we encourage Malayalam films, this festival is NOT dedicated to Malayalam films. The movie may be in any language. However, if not in Malayalam or English language, subtitles in english must be provided.

You may submit more than one film as long as each film meets the eligibility requirements.Each entry must be a separate submission.

KAGW reserves the right to reject or disqualify any entries without a refund.

Insta Reel

Reels for Insta Reel category must be under 60 seconds.

You may submit any number for Reels in the Insta Reel category.

Submission for Insta Reel category is free.

Common

Films must not have any objectional content including but not limited to (nudity, anti social message, propaganda etc).

An entry does not guarantee selection.