Midnight Fest

Eligibility:
We accept short films (under 30 minutes), short horror screenplays (20 pages or less) and feature films (40+ minutes). Genres accepted include horror, thriller, dark comedy and sci fi.

Exhibition Rights:
By submitting, you grant Midnight Fest and its organizers a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to publicly screen your film as part of the festival, either in-person or through official virtual events. This license is limited to festival screenings only and does not transfer any ownership or broader rights.

Premiere Status:
We do not require a premiere. Films that have screened at other festivals or are online are still eligible.

Submission Format:
All submissions must be made via a secure online screener through FilmFreeway. If accepted, we will request a higher-resolution file for exhibition.

Rights & Permissions:
By submitting, you confirm that you own or control all necessary rights to the film, including music and images. Midnight Fest is not liable for any copyright claims.

Exhibition:
If selected, your film will be screened at our live event in October. We do not require exclusive screening rights and you may continue to screen or publish your film elsewhere.

Anthology Consideration (Short Films Only):
If your film is selected for anthology consideration, you’ll receive a separate licensing agreement. Only once that agreement is signed will Midnight Fest and its producing partners retain non-exclusive, perpetual rights to include your film in the final feature and promote the completed anthology.
This agreement also entitles you to on-screen credit and an equal share of any profits generated by the anthology.
You do not waive any rights to your film or related intellectual property by submitting to Midnight Fest's Short Film Competition; this license only applies to its use within the anthology.

Refund Policy:
Submission fees are non-refundable. We cannot offer feedback on films not selected.

Warranties and Legal Responsibility:
By submitting, you represent and warrant that:
• You hold all rights necessary for the public exhibition of your film, including music, footage, artwork, and performances.
• Your film does not infringe on any third-party copyrights, trademarks, or publicity/privacy rights.
• You have obtained all required releases from actors and contributors.

Promotional Use:
You grant Midnight Fest the right to use your film’s title, stills, poster, and short clips (up to 30 seconds) for promotional purposes related to the festival (e.g. trailers, social media, press).

Liability:
You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Midnight Fest, its affiliates, and partners from any claims resulting from breach of the above warranties or from rights disputes relating to your film.

Communication & Anthology Invitations:
By submitting, you consent to be contacted by Midnight Fest regarding your submission, selection status, and any additional projects (e.g. the anthology film). If your film is considered for anthology inclusion, you will be contacted and asked to sign a separate license agreement before any use beyond festival screening occurs.

Code of Conduct:
We reserve the right to disqualify films or filmmakers who engage inappropriate conduct, related to the the fest or otherwise, at our discretion.