For Ticket Buyers

Ticket and Schedule information coming soon.

For Filmmakers

How do I submit my filmS?

Submissions are accepted digitally ONLY through FilmFreeway.com. Submission details, categories, and deadlines are all listed there.

Can I win a cash award?

Yes, but please note: Only filmmakers with valid US tax ID are eligible for cash prizes.

  • Narrative Short = $250

  • Documentary Short = $250

  • Animated Short = $250

  • Tiny Movie = $25

  • Best in Show winner = $350

  • Youth 6-12 = $150

  • Youth 13-17 = $150

Can I get a fee waiver or discount?

Coupon codes for submission discounts are listed on our FilmFreeway.com page. No other waivers or exceptions will be granted.

How long is a short film?

Narrative, Documentary, and Animated Shorts: 40 minutes or less.

Tiny Movies: No longer than 5 minutes.

Youth categories: 30 minutes or less

Albany Filmmakers Showcase: 30 minutes or less

What are your submission categories? Can I win a cash prize?

The following categories are in competition for a cash prize:

  • NARRATIVE SHORT: Comedy, drama, horror, sci-fi, mockumentary . . . Narrative films of virtually any genre qualify for this category. Films must be no longer than 30 minutes.

  • DOCUMENTARY SHORT: Nonfiction films on any topic. Films must be no longer than 30 minutes.

  • ANIMATED SHORT: All animation techniques, styles, genres, and subject matter qualify for this category. Films must be no longer than 30 minutes.

  • TINY MOVIE: Any genre. Web shows are accepted but will be judged according to the parameters of this category. Films must be no longer than 5

  • YOUTH 6-12: A film in any of the above categories. You will be judged with your peers. Filmmaker must be between the ages of 6-12 when the film was made. Films must be no longer than 30 minutes for narrative, documentary, and animated shorts; no longer than 3 minutes for Tiny Movies. Filmmaker must be between the ages of 6 and 12.

  • YOUTH 13-17: A film in any of the above categories. You will be judged with your peers. Filmmaker must be between the ages of 13-17 or a high school senior when the film was made. Films must be no longer than 30 minutes for narrative, documentary, and animated shorts; no longer than 3 minutes for Tiny Movies. Filmmaker must be between the ages of 13 and 17, or high school senior.

  • ALBANY/EL CERRITO FILMMAKERS SHOWCASE: This noncompetitive (no submission fee, no cash award) category is open to Albany residents or former residents only. A film in any of the above categories, no longer than 30 minutes. Please submit your film for this category on FilmFreeway.com only. Some films may be screened at Albany FilmFest and other Albany FilmFest events.

PLEASE READ: YOU MUST BE AN ALBANY, CALIFORNIA OR EL CERRITO, CALIFORNIA RESIDENT OR FORMER RESIDENT to enter Albany Filmmakers Showcase: Please indicate your "Albany/El Cerrito connection" in your Cover Letter. Films that do not meet these specifications will not be considered for screening. PLEASE NOTE: Films submitted to Albany Filmmaker Showcase are not eligible for cash awards. Time constraints mean that submitted films are not guaranteed to be screened.

Should I send a press kit?

No need to rush. If your film is accepted, we will request an electronic press kit.

Can I submit my film if it has distribution or has aired on TV?

No, sorry (but congratulations!).

Can I submit more than one film?

Yes, but each film requires a separate submission and payment.

What screening formats do you accept?

We accept digital submissions only, so you must upload your film for us to screen. If you are accepted we will contact you with information about screening format.

What’s your selection process?

Our selection and programming team watches all properly submitted films. We select films based on originality, production quality, artistic impression, and programming considerations. Our judging panel of film industry professionals watches the selected films and chooses the winners in each category.

Films are also judged according to how well they fit the category requirements, so consider this carefully when you make your submission. Albany FilmFest reserves the right to switch the entry category to fit programming needs and interests (you will not be penalized for the original submission selection).

If you don’t select my film, will you give me feedback?

Sorry, we can't give you feedback on your film. Film selection is always going to be subjective and may also be affected by programming constraints and considerations.

I am not a US citizen — can I still submit my film to your festival?

Yes. If your film is not in English, it must include English subtitles.

I am not a US citizen — am I eligible for a cash prize?

We happily accept film submissions from directors residing outside the United States, and your film is qualified to win in any category. Please note that we cannot award cash prizes to filmmakers who do not have a United States Social Security Number.

Anything else I should know?

Albany FilmFest is in Albany, California, not Albany, New York.

What if I still have a question that isn’t covered here?

Please email your questions to info@albanyfilmfest.org. We’re always happy to connect with filmmakers.