Where Your Work Is Seen, Discussed, & Connected to What Comes Next
This festival is built for filmmakers who want their work to be seen, discussed, supported, and connected to what comes next. If you’re tired of your film getting one moment and then disappearing, this festival was built for you.
Community & Network
Surround yourself with indie filmmakers, festival leaders, film communities, and resource partners who understand the challenge of getting a film beyond one screening.
Curated Lineup
We’re hosting a curated lineup across features, shorts, documentaries, web series, and pilot episodes. If your film has something to say, it belongs here.
Beyond the Festival
Through UHTV and our resource partners, we support selected filmmakers with audience growth, monetization, future screening pathways, and licensing potential.
Got a suggestion or want to earn commissions?
Let us know your thoughts in one of our communities, or apply to join our referral program and earn commission for every film you refer to the festival.
Be Part of the Experience
Whether you are submitting your cinematic masterpiece, grabbing an all-access streaming pass, or hosting a local screening, your journey starts here.
Keep on Living: Official Trailer
Directed by Niurka Castaneda and produced by AMOR Umbrella Media & Entertainment, explore a groundbreaking film changing the conversation on suicide prevention and veteran resilience.
Categories for the Inaugural Class
We are accepting narrative features, shorts, and purpose-driven cinematic works for official competition.
Narrative Features & Shorts
Bold, original storytelling that pushes the boundaries of independent cinema across all primary genres.
Documentary & Impact
Compelling non-fiction projects spotlighting real-world issues, human perseverance, and social transformation.
Resilience & Veterans
Creative works centered around military-connected experiences, community strength, and personal triumph.
Inaugural 2027 Founding Gear & Passes
Support the launch year and secure official festival merchandise directly through our multi-vendor marketplace.
Road to the 2027 Premiere
Mark your calendar with our key submission and festival windows.
Submissions Officially Open
Submit your narrative, documentary, or short projects.
Early Bird Submission Deadline
Lock in reduced submission entry fees.
Inaugural Festival Dates
Screenings, panels, and the Keep On Leaving centerpiece premiere.
Filmmaker FAQ
Everything you need to know about our selection process, global screening opportunities, rights, eligibility, and festival rules.
What is your selection process and how many projects are chosen? +
Our panel of judges reviews submissions based on quality, originality, storytelling, and entertainment. We select 6–8 short and feature films for our live, in-person global tour and 3–5 longer projects that will be streamed on our website.
Where will selected films be screened? +
Selected works are shown on 100+ screens in theaters, pubs, running specialty stores, and at trail races all over the world, as well as online for our Online Watch Parties.
What are the eligibility requirements and premiere rules? +
• Completion Date: Films must have been completed within the past five (5) years.
• Language: All submissions must be in English or include English subtitles.
• Premiere Status: There is no premiere requirement. Online releases (including YouTube and Vimeo) are permitted.
• Rights: Entrants must own the rights to the film or have full legal authorization to submit it.
What are the licensing and promotional terms upon submission? +
By submitting your film, you agree to waive licensing fees and related costs for inclusion in the festival. You grant the festival the right to feature your film at tour stops and online viewing opportunities. You also consent to the use of portions of your film’s content (trailers, stills, titles, and excerpts) in promotional materials, tour preview videos, and online watch parties. Once a film is officially accepted, it is committed and may not be withdrawn.
What are the requirements regarding music, footage, and legal rights? +
Entrants confirm they have obtained all necessary consents from individuals featured in the film and secured full rights to all music, audio, footage, and third-party materials. The festival is not responsible for copyright violations, and any legal claims are the sole responsibility of the filmmaker.
Are there specific content guidelines? +
We support creative freedom and do not restrict films by genre or theme. However, submissions must not:
- Promote hate speech or discrimination
- Encourage violence or illegal activity without context
- Contain exploitative or non-consensual material
- Violate any applicable laws or rights
Are entry fees refundable? +
All submissions require a non-refundable entry fee payable at the time of submission. Fees are non-transferable and will not be refunded under any circumstances (including withdrawal, disqualification, or non-selection) unless the festival is officially canceled.
Ready to share your story with our global audience?
Submit on FilmFreeway