The Texas Gold Film and Sport Festival (TGFSF), now under the umbrella of Houston's Art and Fashion Week NGO, is a 501(c)3 non-profit organisation dedicated to showcasing cinema that inspires, transforms, and addresses pressing global issues. Since its inception in Houston in 2022, TGFSF has been a platform for independent filmmakers and storytellers, celebrating diversity and the power of visual storytelling.

Are you a visionary filmmaker passionate about creating impactful narratives that shed light on our world's most urgent challenges? We invite you to be part of the Texas Gold Film and Sport Festival (TGFSF) 2025, where your creativity can make a difference.

Our 2025 Theme: "Lens on Global Resilience: Documenting Hope in Crisis"

For the upcoming Texas Gold Film and Sport Festival, we challenge filmmakers to explore and highlight stories of resilience, innovation, and hope in the face of global adversity. This theme encourages you to address pressing humanitarian concerns while showcasing the indomitable human spirit.

Why You Should Submit:
Global Online Showcase:
Present your film to an international audience through our virtual platform.

Amplify Crucial Narratives:
Bring attention to underreported crises and innovative solutions.

Connect Virtually:
Engage with industry professionals and fellow filmmakers through our digital networking events.

Impact and Opportunity:
Gain exposure to potential funders, distributors, and collaborators in our online film market.

Be a Catalyst for Change:
Join a festival dedicated to using cinema as a tool for awareness and action.

At TGFSF, we believe your films can be powerful instruments for change, fostering understanding and inspiring action on global issues. Join us in creating cinema that not only entertains but also educates and motivates.

Awards & Prizes

Awards & Prizes

Our jury will present awards in various categories, including:
Best Feature Film US
Best Feature Film International
Best Documentary
Best Director
Best Cinematography
Best Screenplay
Best Actor/Actress
Best Student Film
Best Short Film Addressing Global Issues
Innovation in Storytelling Award

Jury Prizes include:
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Industry Memberships
Virtual Trophies and Digital Certificates
Cloud-based Equipment and Software Access
Online Mentorship Programs
Crowdfunding Campaign Support
Distribution Deals with Online Platforms

Join us in this digital celebration of cinema that matters. Let your vision contribute to global understanding and positive change through the power of film.

Rules & Terms

Official Rules and Submission Categories:

General Guidelines:
Films must have been completed after November 1, 2024.
Films must NOT have been previously submitted to TGFSF.
Films under 40 minutes are considered short films.
All non-English language films must include English subtitles.
A separate entry form and fee must be submitted for each film.
Entry forms must be filled out completely.

All selected films will be streamed on the TGFSF online platform unless otherwise specified.

Filmmakers submit to the jurisdiction of Texas state or federal courts for legal matters.

Geo-Restricted Submission Category:
In recognition of filmmakers from regions facing significant currency exchange barriers, TGFSF introduces the Geo-Restricted Submission Category. This category offers filmmakers in disadvantaged financial regions the opportunity to compete on the global stage at a low, accessible submission fee.

Eligibility and Criteria:
Geo-Restricted Regions: Filmmakers from regions like Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America are eligible. Exact criteria and region eligibility will be determined by the TGFSF team based on economic challenges.

Premiere Status: Films must not have been publicly screened or released on streaming platforms prior to submission.

Submission Fees and Deadlines:
Extra Early Bird: $10 (October 19, 2024)

Regular: $25 (January 31, 2025)

Extended Deadline: $40 (May 31, 2025)

Why Submit?
Selected films will be showcased for 18 months on the TGFSF platform, with TGFSF seeking distribution deals to maximize visibility.

Disqualification Note:
Films submitted by creators outside the defined geo-restricted regions will be disqualified without refund.

Standard Film Submission Category
This category is for traditional film submissions, including narrative features, documentaries, shorts, and sports-related films.

Submission Fees and Deadlines:
Early Bird: $35 (November 15, 2024)
Regular: $45 (February 28, 2025)
Late: $55 (April 30, 2025)
Extended Deadline: $65 (June 30, 2025)

Awards and Recognition
TGFSF will present awards across multiple categories, including:
Best Narrative Feature US
Best Director
Best Cinematography
Best Actor
Audience Favorite
Awards will be announced during the online ceremony streamed live in July 2025.

Online Screenings and Content Ownership
All selected films will remain on the TGFSF platform for a minimum of 18 months. TGFSF will actively pursue distribution opportunities on behalf of the filmmakers during this period.
2 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Brady Jacquin

    It was an honor to be included in this great festival!

    November 2022
    Helpful
  • Virginia Egger

    As I first-time filmmaker, I was wowed with the festival's knowledge and support for the art of filmmaking. Even though I was not able to attend, Alex and the staff were engaging and genuinely understanding. As an award winner, I was asked to prepare a video acceptance speech, which I eagerly did because of the value to the festival and its audiences and I wanted to give back to them. I encourage filmmakers to include the Texas Gold Film Festival in their list of festivals.

    November 2022
    Helpful
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you Virginia. TGFF is a film festival organized by filmmakers and we appreciate the effort you put as a filmmaker towards creating the documentary “Dancing With The Scorpions”. We look forward to hearing more milestones achieved.