Films must have been produced after January 1, 2011.
Films must have a running time no longer than 20 minutes.
Genres—science fiction, fantasy, horror, superhero/comic book related, nerd culture. Live action narrative, animation, and documentaries are all acceptable.
Films may contain “R-rated” content, but no pornography.
It is permissible to enter films that have screened at other film festivals, but not commercially distributed.
Dates and Fees
Early Deadline – August 15, 2014 $20.00
Regular Deadline – September 12, 2014 $25.00
Late Deadline – October 10, 2014 $30.00
Notification Date – December 15, 2014
Screener Submission Date – January 31, 2015
Screening Date – February 27, 2015
Add 3% processing fee to all entry fees
Submission Procedures
Upload an online screener. Vimeo is preferred but YouTube is also acceptable. It is suggested that links to videos are password protected. Physical media is not accepted for submissions.
Complete the online submission form and provide a link to the online screener, including password if applicable.
Once Pensacon staff receives the submission form, a confirmation email will be sent to the filmmaker with information regarding payment.
Selection Process
Official Selections will be determined by Pensacon staff based on a number of factors, including but not limited to genre, content, quality of filmmaking, and time allotment. All decisions are final.
Pensacon staff and their families are ineligible to enter.
All Official Selections will be announced via email to the filmmakers and on the Pensacon website and social media on December 15, 2014.
Additional Info
A screener copy of all official selections must be received by Pensacon no later than January 31, 2015 or will be disqualified from participating. Films man be submitted on Blu-ray disc, DVD, or digital media file. Specific information will be provided to filmmakers upon acceptance into the festival.
Filmmakers are to provide a synopsis and movie poster. By January 21, 2015. No other publicity material required.
Non-English language films must be subtitled in English.
All Official Selections of the Pensacon Short Film Festival will be shown during a special screening during Pensacon weekend.
One representative for each film chosen as an Official Selection will be provided a free weekend pass to Pensacon and is invited to attend the screening and participate in a Q&A session immediately following the screening.
Admission to the screening will be free to anyone attending Pensacon. Due to the possible content of the films, anyone under the age of 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
The following awards will be presented on the night of the screening:
Best in Show – determined by Pensacon staff
Jury Award – awarded by a panel of filmmakers and celebrity guests
Audience Award – voted on by members of the audience during the screening
Winning filmmakers are invited to participate in an independent filmmaker panel discussion during Pensacon.
