Online Screener Required
Films must be submitted through an online screener and must be downloadable. Projects without an available screener before the event may be disqualified without refund.
Rules and Terms
Clear expectations before you submit.
Review the festival rules, rights language, submission expectations, and category details before sending your work.
Screening and Promotion Rights
By submitting, filmmakers grant The Dark Fest permission to screen and promote the film during the festival year in which it was submitted, including virtual event presentation behind a paywall.
Story Over Budget
Projects are judged on storytelling and impact, not on production budget. Every filmmaker has an equal opportunity to stand out.
Feature Films
Feature films compete for awards. Only the trailer screens at the live event unless the filmmaker approves inclusion in the virtual event.