SUBMIT YOUR FILM

The LightReel Film Festival features the very best in independent filmmaking. Showcasing cinematic creativity that ranges from compelling feature-length narrative and documentary films to innovative international shorts, the festival's continuous pursuit of spotlighting excellence in filmmaking results in a diverse and enriching experience for more than 3,000 attendees.

Submissions for the 2024 festival will conclude on March 15, 2024. The LightReel Film Fest will take place June 5-8, 2024.

To submit your film for consideration for the 2024 LightReel Film Festival, visit

The submission period ends on March 15, 2024.

Super Early Deadline
Sunday, October 22, 2023

Early Deadline
Sunday, December 17, 2023

Official Deadline
Sunday, February 18, 2024

Late Deadline
Friday, March 15, 2024

Learn more about submitting your film for consideration for the 2024 LightReel Film Festival at filmfreeway.com.

COMPETITION CATEGORIES

Narrative Features

From side-splitting comedies to heart-wrenching dramas, the narrative feature films selected represent diversity in storytelling, excellence in acting and directing, and exemplary cinematography and editing.

Narrative Shorts

Short films selected for this category are individually paired with a competition feature or documentary and run the gamut of subject matter and style. Shorts are selected on their merits in storytelling and execution.

Documentary

Documentaries selected present compelling stories that illuminate and educate audiences in a unique and timely manner.

Documentary Shorts

In this mesmerizing collection of shorts, filmmakers explore art, history, politics, and personal profiles to offer a captivating panorama of our world.

Full category descriptions are available at filmfreeway.com.

JUDGING

Films chosen for competition are judged by a select panel of jurors who are active industry professionals from various filmmaking fields. Awards are announced at the LightReel Film Festival Closing Night Ceremony, and all competition films are strongly encouraged to have a film representative in attendance.

AWARDS AND PRIZES

The LightReel Film Festival awards "best of" category awards in selected categories as well as additional honors at the discretion of the jury. Also, audience awards will be awarded to the “best” feature and documentary at the festival.