The ConCarolinas Film Festival, taking place annually during ConCarolinas – North Carolina’s largest and longest-running multi-genre fandom convention – is dedicated to the art of the genre-fiction film and the expression of independent filmmakers. Now celebrating 16 years, the ConCarolinas Film Festival has created a setting for local, national, and international filmmakers to showcase artistic visions surrounding Science-Fiction, Fantasy, Horror, Suspense, Comedy, Drama, Fandom, Animation and Action/Adventure, AND we have recently expanded our submissions to welcome feature films!

The ConCarolinas Film Festival recognizes filmmakers across the globe!

Awards & Prizes

All Selected Films will receive a complimentary 3-Day Pass to ConCarolinas, should they wish to attend the convention/festival (lodging/travel not included, but hotel discounts are available via the ConCarolinas website). Awards include (but are not necessarily limited to) the following:

GRAND PRIZE WINNERS:
Best in Show ($150 Cash Prize)
Best International Film
Best North American Film
Best Feature Film
Best Micro-Short (5 minutes or less)
and
The “Spirit of Indie Film” Award (presented to the regional filmmaker that best exemplifies making positive impacts on the independent film community)

OTHER AWARDS:
Best Actor and Best Actress
Best Genre Shorts (Comedy, Drama, Horror, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Suspense)
Best Cinematography
Best Special Effects
Best Fan Film/Adaptation
Best Animation
Best Original Screenplay
and various others!

Rules & Terms

Entry Rules and Submission Guidelines

• All films must be Fiction and/or Genre-Related (sci-fi, fantasy, horror, comedy, drama, suspense, animation, etc.)

• All Short Films must be no more than 30 minutes in length (including opening and closing credits).

• All Feature Films must be at least 60 minutes in length (including opening and closing credits).

• All entries must be accompanied by a brief synopsis and/or artist statement.

• All footage submitted to the ConCarolinas Film Festival may be used by ConCarolinas for reasons including, but not limited to, promotion, advertising, etc.

• All films must be available to festival management for download in the event of selection into the festival.

• No unsolicited waivers will be granted to any submitter for any reason. Please do not e-mail us asking for a waiver code or you will be blocked and permanently disqualified from the festival.

• Submission fees are non-refundable and will not be returned for any reason. If a submission is not selected or disqualified, entrants will not receive a fee refund.

• We do not pay screening fees, and we never will. Don’t even ask.

• All selections and award winners are chosen by the ConCarolinas Film Festival Jury and their decisions are final.

• By submitting to this festival, you are hereby agreeing to the rules and regulations as laid out by the ConCarolinas Convention Committee as listed on this page and in full on the official website. Furthermore, you also agree to, upon selection, allow ConCarolinas to screen your film, as well as use any and all submitted promotional/marketing materials during the duration of that year’s event. ConCarolinas reserves the right to reject any film, at any time, for any reason. Finally, you certify that you are fully authorized to share the submitted work with us, and acknowledge that in the event of any unauthorized distribution, ConCarolinas will not be held liable for any civil and/or criminal charges you may face as a result.

We ONLY accept film submissions through FilmFreeway. Click the 2025 Film Fest Submission button at the top to submit.