The 11th annual UPTILT Film Fest (North Carolina's ONLY women-centered and gender non-conforming* film festival) is coming from March 19-21, 2027!

*We encourage filmmakers who identify as a woman and gender nonconforming folks who identify with womanhood to submit their films!

We accept narratives, docs, experimental, animation, and any genre – we want to see it all! Join us as we celebrate the power of women filmmakers!! Closed captioning is appreciated but not required.

Proceeds from our event go to scholarships for women and/or gender nonconforming filmmakers. (See website for grant details uptiltfilmfest.org). We award THREE scholarships each year, a $500 emerging filmmaker scholarship, a $2000 filmmaker scholarship and a $2000 North Carolina resident Filmmaker scholarship.

WE REFUND SUBMISSION FEES AND PAY A SMALL SCREENING FEE TO FILMMAKERS FOR ALL ACCEPTED FILMS AND HELP WITH THE COST OF LODGING FOR ATTENDING FILMMAKERS***

NORTH CAROLINA FILMMAKERS SUBMIT FOR FREE!

***must be able to accept screening fee via US fund check, paypal, venmo or zelle

Awards & Prizes

Best Narrative
Best Documentary
Best Animated, Dance, Musical
Best Horror, Sci-Fi, Suspense
Best Comedy

Rules & Terms

Guidelines for submission:

-Films must be completed (no works in progress).
-Must be under 39 minutes
-Must be directed or written by a woman. or gender nonconforming person who identifies with womanhood OR 50% of the following positions must be women/gender nonconforming
-Films and videos of any genre: narrative, documentary, animation, experimental...
-Films must be submitted via an online submission method.
- Films must have been completed in the current or previous year (2024-2026)
- We do pay a small screening fee to all accepted filmmakers AND we will REFUND ANY SUBMISSION FEES PAID to all filmmakers whose films are accepted into our festival (must be able to accept US funds or funds will be refunded through FilmFreeway)
- NORTH CAROLINA Filmmakers can SUBMIT FOR FREE with proof of residency! email Tricia at uptiltfilmfest@gmail.com with your proof of residency to get a waiver code.
48 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Anna Ray

    I'm so thankful I got a chance to screen as a part of UPTILT! Those women have created such a beautiful, inclusive, and empowering space for female and gender expansive filmmakers! I'll definintely attend again.

    May 2026
    Helpful
  • Talia Frank-Stempel

    We had a great experience having Stick Bug be a part of UPTILT Film Festival!! Biggest thank you to the festival team for their wonderful hospitality, enthusiasm, communication and programming!

    April 2026
    Helpful
  • Carol Younghusband

    We were delighted that our film BETWEEN THE PIERS was selected for this great festival and were just sorry that we live in the UK and couldn't get there to enjoy all its marvellous hospitality and networking opportunities. Plus!! It is one of very few festivals that not only give the entry fee back if the film is selected but also provide a small fee for screening it. How lovely is that?! I'm sure the festival will go from strength to strength and we were proud to be part of it.

    April 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Our audience LOVED your film. We hope you have something for us next year!

  • Georgia Reed-Stamm

    Everyone at UPTILT is so amazing! A vibrant, loving community, wonderful films, and incredible vibes. I am so grateful to have screened my film there.

    April 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    It was delightful to meet you Georgia - we can't wait to see what you have for us next year!

  • C. Denise

    My film Meet The Friends was selected in this festival and it was amazing! So many great people and such a good time!

    April 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    It was great meeting you and showcasing your film! We are all still amazed by your shooting schedule. Hope to see you back next year!