T.H.E. Film Festival is proudly presented by T.H.E. Show, America's longest-running HiFi Audio Show, now in its 29th year. With the vast expansion into home theater, surround sound, immersive 360 audio, and commerical audio and theater experiences, T.H.E. is delighted to now support filmmakers, content creators, and musicians alike who make their passions into their life's work.

T.H.E. Show takes place multiple times a year across the United States. Currently for 2025, we will be holding T.H.E. Film Festival as part of T.H.E. Show:

May 2-4, 2025 Austin TX Embassy Suites Round Rock, TX

June 6-8 2024 Costa Mesa CA at the Hilton Orange County Costa Mesa

October 24-26, 2025 New York, NY ((venue to be announced shortly via press release)

Best Film / Best Picture (Feature)

Best Director (Male/Female)

Best First-Time Director

Best Young Director (Under 25)

Best Senior Director (Over 60)

Best Actor / Best Actress

Best Supporting Actor / Actress

Best Ensemble Cast

Best Cinematography

Best Editing

Best Sound Mixing

Best Documentary Feature

Best Documentary Short

Best Short Film

Best Animated Feature / Short

Best Original Score

Best Foreign Language Film

Jury Choice Award

Best Sound Design

Best Costume Design

Best Production Design

Best Producer/Production Company

Best Content Creation

Best HiFi-Focused Content

Best Home Theater Focused Content

Best Song

Best Music Video

*Special Awards as seen fit by the Judges and Jury may also be granted*


Films are eligible for entry if they were completed between 2019 and now.

There is no premiere status needed to enter.

Submissions must be provided in specific formats (Youtube or Vimeo link, Film Freeway project link, digital file, or DCP).

Running Time
Short films: under 40 minutes.
Feature films: over 40-60 minutes (depending on the festival).

Language and Subtitles
Films not in English must include subtitles.

Entry Fees
Submission fees are non-refundable.

Rights and Clearances:
By submitting your film or work for consideration, you hereby declare that you have the legal right to enter the film or work because you are the owner of same or have the legal right to do so.
Filmmakers must own or secure rights for all content in the film (music, footage, etc.).

Screening Availability

Filmmakers must ensure the film is available for screening at the festival, including specific formats if accepted.

Genre Restrictions
We are a family friendly film festival so please, no horror or adult themed content.

Copyright

Filmmakers must guarantee that their submission is an original work and that they hold all necessary rights.

If you are under the age of 18 and submit your film, by doing so, you and your parent/legal guardian hereby attest and accept the Festival Rules.