Indie Innovators Film Fest (1)

Festival start: 30 May 2026      Festival end: 31 May 2026

Welcome to the Indie Innovators Film Festival 2026—where creativity meets innovation and every story has a place to shine! We’re thrilled to celebrate bold, original voices from all corners of the indie film world. Whether your film is a gripping drama, a laugh-out-loud comedy, an eye-opening documentary, or and fantasy,

Since it's our First year we're offering Laurels, Certificates, and Trophies.

1. Eligibility

Completion Date:

Films must have been completed after January 1, 2023.


Exhibition Status:

Submissions must not have had significant commercial, theatrical, television, or streaming release (e.g.: Amazon, Netflix, Theatrical release) )in the Bay Area prior to the festival.

Length:

Feature Films: 75 minutes or longer

Featureless: 60 - 74 minutes Not Accepted

Short Films: Under 60 minutes


Genres:

All genres are accepted, including narrative, documentary, animation, experimental, and new media.


Premiere Status:

Bay Area premieres are preferred but not required.

2. Submission Guidelines

Entry Platform:
All submissions must be made via Festhome.

Formats:
Films must be submitted as secure online screener.

Language:
Films not in English must have English subtitles.

Multiple Entries:
Multiple submissions are allowed, but each entry must have its own entry form and fee.

Submission Deadlines and Fees:

Early Deadline: 02/10/26 - $ 10

Regular Deadline: 03/01/26 - $ 15

Late Deadline: 3/31/26- $ 20
(All fees are non-refundable)

3. Selection and Notification

Selection Process:
All films will be reviewed/judged by the festival programming team.

Notification:

Entrants will be notified of selection status via email by 04/01/26 (April 1st, 2026).

Final Program Decisions:
The festival reserves the right to make all final programming decisions.

4. Exhibition Formats

Accepted Formats:
Submission for consideration should be via a secured video-platform (YouTube, Vimeo, etc) - include any passwords if required. If your film is selected as winning entry in the festival, you must provide a high-quality exhibition copy (DCP file)—exact specifications will be provided upon acceptance.
Submission should be provided on a Memory Stick (of exact or greater storage to accommodate the UNCOMPRESSED FILE (422-acceptable) of the ‘Winning Entry’ with USB 3.0 (or later) capability.

Shipping: Filmmakers are responsible for inbound shipping of exhibition materials. The festival is not responsible for lost or damaged items (it is advised you make back-ups).

5. Rights and Clearances

Clearances:
By submitting, the filmmaker/submitter warrants they have obtained all necessary rights and permissions for music, images, and content used in the film(s) submitted.

Promotional Use: By submitting, you grant the festival permission to use excerpts (up to 2 minutes), stills, and submitted film(s) information for promotional purposes of the I2F2 festival.

Promotional Use: By submitting, you grant the festival permission to use excerpts (up to 2 minutes), stills, and submitted film(s) information for promotional purposes of the 12F2 festival.

6. Attendance and Benefits
Passes: Accepted filmmakers will receive festival passes (number to be specified in acceptance letter).

Travel & Accommodation: The festival does not guarantee travel or accommodation for filmmakers, but may provide information on local deals and opportunities.

7. General Terms
Liability: The festival is not responsible for any loss or damage to submitted materials.
Withdrawal: Films may be withdrawn from consideration only via written notice before [withdrawal deadline].

Agreement: Submission of a film constitutes agreement to these rules and regulations.

Questions?
Contact: Submission Admin
Email: i2f2@proton.me


Assumption of Risk and Release:

By attending or participating in Indie Innovators Film Fest (I2F2), you voluntarily assume all risks associated with attendance and participation, including personal injury and exposure to communicable diseases. You release Indie Innovators Film Fest (I2F2) and its affiliates from liability for injury or loss, except for proven gross negligence or willful misconduct.

Force Majeure and Cancellations:

The Festival may cancel, postpone, or move events to an online format in the event of and due to circumstances beyond its control (e.g., natural disasters, pandemics, government orders). The Festival is not liable for costs or losses resulting from such changes. Should the festival be canceled for whatever reason, including the previously mentioned, winners will have their film(s) posted on a video platform TBA, as soon as humanly possible and will be announced within a short period after the original festival dates.

Section 1542 Waiver:

You waive the provisions of California Civil Code Section 1542 regarding unknown claims.
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&sectionNum=1542.

Indemnification:

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Festival and its affiliates from claims arising from your participation, except for proven gross negligence or willful misconduct.