The MANEstream Film Festival is committed to discovering and celebrating bold, visionary filmmakers from around the globe. We seek out artists who have something meaningful to express through their work and aim to amplify their voices by showcasing and promoting their films on an impactful stage.

Featured Host:
Reginald Ballard, best known for his iconic role as “Bruh Man” from the hit sitcom 'Martin', is a beloved actor and comedian with a career spanning over three decades. In addition to 'Martin', he’s appeared in popular shows like 'The Bernie Mac Show', 'Sister, Sister', 'Menace II Society', 'The Parkers'', and 'NCIS: Los Angeles', showcasing his versatility across comedy and drama. He’s also brought his comedic talent to the big screen in films like 'Horrible Bosses', 'Thick as Thieves', and 'Big Ain’t Bad'. A seasoned stand-up comedian, Ballard continues to tour nationally, and we’re honored to have him presenting the awards at this year’s MANEstream Film Festival.

Awards & Prizes

The winner of each category will win various cash and gift prizes based on their chosen niche.

🎥 Best Narrative (Fiction)
Short Film (under 40 mins)
Feature Film (between 40–120 mins)
Micro-short (<5 mins)
(Drama, suspense comedy, thriller, action, horror, romance, etc.)

📽️ Best Documentary
Short Documentary (under 40 mins)
Feature Documentary (between 40–120 mins)
(Social justice, history, art, personal stories, etc).

🎞️ Best Experimental / Avant-Garde
Non-traditional storytelling
(Heavy use of abstract visuals, soundscapes, or unique formats)

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best Student Film
(Must be created while enrolled in a school or film program. Proof of enrollment is required.)

🧒 Best Youth / Children’s Film
(For or by young filmmakers, family-friendly content, etc.)

🌍 Best International Film
(Made outside the USA or majority filmed in a non-English language)

✊ Best Social Justice / Activism / Human Rights
Short (under 40 mins)
Feature Documentary (between 40–120 mins)
(Societal issues, equity, politics, environmental justice, etc.)

🤖 Best Animation
Short (under 40 mins)
Feature Documentary (between 40–120 mins)
(Hand-drawn, CGI, stop-motion, etc.)

🧠 Best Sci-Fi / Fantasy / Horror
Short (under 40 mins)
Feature Documentary (between 40–120 mins)

🎭 Best LGBTQ+ / Queer Cinema
Short (under 40 mins)
Feature Documentary (between 40–120 mins)
(Center LGBTQ+ experiences)

👩‍🎓 Emerging Filmmaker
Short (under 40 mins)
Feature Documentary (between 40–120 mins)
(New directors/producers ONLY! Must be your first or second project.)

🌐Best Web Series / New Media
Episodic content
(Content made for YouTube, TikTok, or other streaming platforms.)

If you do not see your genre, or if you have any questions pertaining to submissions, please contact _____ before submitting to the festival.

Rules & Terms

Ownership & Rights:
You must either own the rights to your film or have full permission from the rights holder to submit it. Films currently under distribution deals are not eligible for competition. Film may have prior screening, but cannot have a wide mainstream base before the festival.

Submissions & Fees:
You may submit to different genres (max. of three (3) submissions). All submission fees are non-refundable, regardless of the outcome.

Audio, Visual, Language & Subtitles:
Films in languages other than English must include English subtitles to be eligible. All audio and visual components must meet high-quality standards.

Submission Relationship:
All communication and agreements are made directly with the individual or entity submitting the film.

Damaged Materials:
MANEstream Film Festival is not responsible for any damaged or unusable submission materials.

Format for Live Screenings:
A Digital Cinema Package (DCP) is required for all films selected for live screening at the festival.

Official Selection Process:
Submission does not guarantee selection. The first round of selections will be chosen by the public. Our vetted industry professional will choose the winner for each category from the audiences' selections. We do not provide individual feedback on unselected films.

Content Policy:
The festival reserves the right to disqualify any film that it deems inappropriate. If you have questions about a disqualification, please contact us directly.

Fees by Category:
All categories require a submission fee. Please visit our listing on FilmFreeway for pricing details.

Agreement to Terms:
By submitting, you agree to abide by the official Rules & Terms of the MANEstream Film Festival.

Promotional Use:
By submitting, you grant us permission to use your film’s promotional materials (poster, trailer, synopsis, and stills) for festival marketing and publicity purposes.

Runtime:
The maximum runtime for submissions is 40 minutes.

Content Restrictions:
No hate speech, unethical/excessive violence, or content that promotes discrimination. Any entry deemed inappropriate or offensive may be disqualified at the festival's discretion.

Notification: Selected filmmakers will be notified no later than August 1, 2025. All decisions are final.

Privacy & Communications
By submitting, you consent to our privacy policy. We may contact you via email or social media (as provided on your submission) for updates about your film, DCP delivery, event access, or promotional opportunities. You may unsubscribe from promotional communications at any time, but will still receive important updates via FilmFreeway regarding your submission status.

For further inquiries or more details, reach out to us at info@manestreamfest.com or visit our official website.in