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The Storyteller Universe (2)

Deadlines

11 Jun 2025
Call for entries

14 Jun 2025
Early deadline

01 Oct 2025
Standard deadline

01 Nov 2025
Late deadline

01 Dec 2025
Extended deadline

5
mths

07 Dec 2025
Notification date

27 Dec 2025
28 Dec 2025

Address

OLD NEW BRUNSWICK RD, 08854, New York, NY, United States

Festival description

Short film festival

Feature film festival >45'

Festival requirements

Film festival

Fiction

Documentary

Animation

Fantastic

Terror

Experimental

Music Video

Other

Any Genre

Any Theme

Has submission fees

International Festival

Online and Physical Location

Production date: Any

Production countries: Any

Shooting countries: Any

Director nationalities: Any

Debut Films

School projects

Short Films

Feature Films >45'

Any language

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English

Festival description (Edition: 2)

Festival start: 27 December 2025 Festival end: 28 December 2025

The Storyteller Universe is a global celebration of cinema that honors the soul of storytelling. Rooted in the belief that stories can transform lives, our festival shines a light on bold, original voices from every corner of the world.

We welcome all forms: narrative features, shorts, documentaries, experimental, animation, and web series that reflect powerful storytelling, emotional depth, and creative vision. Whether you are a first-time filmmaker or a seasoned creator, if your story has something to say, this is your stage.

Our mission is to build an inclusive, accessible platform where fresh talent meets opportunity. Selected films will receive widespread recognition, with press coverage, virtual showcases, and awards in categories like Best Feature, Best Short, Breakthrough Storyteller, and Audience Choice.

We are not just a festival. We are a movement. A universe where your voice matters, your story counts, and your film inspires.

Submit your work and become part of The Storyteller Universe, where stories live forever.

Prizes and qualifications

- Grand Jury Prize – Best Film of the Festival
- Audience Choice Award (Voted by festival attendees)
- Best Feature Film
- Best Short Film
- Best Documentary Feature
- Best Documentary Short
- Best Experimental Film
- Best Animated Film
- Best Micro Short
- Best Director
- Best Screenplay (Produced & Unproduced)
- Best Actor & Best Actress
- Best Cinematography
- Best Editing
- Best First-Time Filmmaker
- Diversity & Inclusion Award
- Best Student Film
- Best Music Video

Rules

- All genres & styles are welcome (except for extreme violence, hate speech, or inappropriate content).

- Submissions must be in English or have English subtitles.

- Filmmakers can submit multiple projects, but each requires a separate entry.

- Films must be in high-resolution format (MP4, MOV, or DCP for theatrical screening).

- Films that have premiered in other festivals can still be submitted.

- If selected, filmmakers must provide promotional materials (poster, trailer, behind-the-scenes images).

- Submission fees are non-refundable.

Narrative Feature

Short and Feature Films >40'

Fee

-8%

PRO 58%

Early 20$ 18.4$ 8.4$ 14 Jun 25

Standard 25$ 23$ 10.5$ 01 Oct 25

Late 25$ 23$ 10.5$ 01 Nov 25

Extended 25$ 23$ 10.5$ 01 Dec 25

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Submissions deadline
01 Dec 25

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Fictional films running 40 minutes or longer. Open to all genres that prioritize compelling storytelling and strong character development.

Narrative Short

Short Films 40'<

Fee

-8%

PRO 58%

Early 10$ 9.2$ 4.2$ 14 Jun 25

Standard 15$ 13.8$ 6.3$ 01 Oct 25

Late 15$ 13.8$ 6.3$ 01 Nov 25

Extended 20$ 18.4$ 8.4$ 01 Dec 25

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Submissions deadline
01 Dec 25

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Fictional films under 40 minutes. Perfect for storytellers who make an impact in a limited timeframe.

Documentary Feature

Short and Feature Films >40'

Fee

-8%

PRO 58%

Early 10$ 9.2$ 4.2$ 14 Jun 25

Standard 15$ 13.8$ 6.3$ 01 Oct 25

Late 15$ 13.8$ 6.3$ 01 Nov 25

Extended 20$ 18.4$ 8.4$ 01 Dec 25

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Submissions deadline
01 Dec 25

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Non-fiction films 40 minutes or longer that explore real stories, issues, or individuals with depth and perspective.

Documentary Short

Short and Feature Films

Fee

-8%

PRO 58%

Early 10$ 9.2$ 4.2$ 14 Jun 25

Standard 15$ 13.8$ 6.3$ 01 Oct 25

Late 15$ 13.8$ 6.3$ 01 Nov 25

Extended 20$ 18.4$ 8.4$ 01 Dec 25

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Submissions deadline
01 Dec 25

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5.8$

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Non-fiction films under 40 minutes that inform, inspire, or challenge audiences with real-world content.

Experimental Film

Short and Feature Films

Fee

-8%

PRO 58%

Early 10$ 9.2$ 4.2$ 14 Jun 25

Standard 15$ 13.8$ 6.3$ 01 Oct 25

Late 15$ 13.8$ 6.3$ 01 Nov 25

Extended 20$ 18.4$ 8.4$ 01 Dec 25

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Submissions deadline
01 Dec 25

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Films that push the boundaries of traditional storytelling through form, technique, or subject. Open to all durations.

Animation (Short or Feature)

Short and Feature Films

Fee

-8%

PRO 58%

Early 10$ 9.2$ 4.2$ 14 Jun 25

Standard 15$ 13.8$ 6.3$ 01 Oct 25

Late 15$ 13.8$ 6.3$ 01 Nov 25

Extended 20$ 18.4$ 8.4$ 01 Dec 25

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Submissions deadline
01 Dec 25

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5.8$

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Animated films of any length, genre, or style, including 2D, 3D, stop-motion, or mixed media.

Web Series / Episodic Content

Short and Feature Films

Fee

-8%

PRO 58%

Early 10$ 9.2$ 4.2$ 14 Jun 25

Standard 15$ 13.8$ 6.3$ 01 Oct 25

Late 15$ 13.8$ 6.3$ 01 Nov 25

Extended 20$ 18.4$ 8.4$ 01 Dec 25

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Submissions deadline
01 Dec 25

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5.8$

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Series of at least two episodes, each under 30 minutes. Can be narrative, documentary, or experimental.

Student Film (any genre)

Short and Feature Films

Fee

-8%

PRO 58%

Early 10$ 9.2$ 4.2$ 14 Jun 25

Standard 15$ 13.8$ 6.3$ 01 Oct 25

Late 15$ 13.8$ 6.3$ 01 Nov 25

Extended 20$ 18.4$ 8.4$ 01 Dec 25

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Submissions deadline
01 Dec 25

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Films made as part of an academic program. Proof of student status may be requested. Open to all genres and lengths.

Music Video

Short and Feature Films

Fee

-8%

PRO 58%

Early 10$ 9.2$ 4.2$ 14 Jun 25

Standard 15$ 13.8$ 6.3$ 01 Oct 25

Late 15$ 13.8$ 6.3$ 01 Nov 25

Extended 20$ 18.4$ 8.4$ 01 Dec 25

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Submissions deadline
01 Dec 25

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5.8$

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Original music videos with a strong visual narrative or concept. All musical genres welcome.

First-Time Filmmaker

Short and Feature Films

Fee

-8%

PRO 58%

Early 10$ 9.2$ 4.2$ 14 Jun 25

Standard 15$ 13.8$ 6.3$ 01 Oct 25

Late 15$ 13.8$ 6.3$ 01 Nov 25

Extended 20$ 18.4$ 8.4$ 01 Dec 25

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Submissions deadline
01 Dec 25

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5.8$

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For directors submitting their first-ever short or feature film. A celebration of bold new voices.

Women Filmmaker

Short and Feature Films

Fee

-8%

PRO 58%

Early 10$ 9.2$ 4.2$ 14 Jun 25

Standard 15$ 13.8$ 6.3$ 01 Oct 25

Late 15$ 13.8$ 6.3$ 01 Nov 25

Extended 20$ 18.4$ 8.4$ 01 Dec 25

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Submissions deadline
01 Dec 25

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5.8$

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Films directed by women, across all genres and lengths. Empowering underrepresented talent in cinema.

Social Impact Story

Short and Feature Films

Fee

-8%

PRO 58%

Early 10$ 9.2$ 4.2$ 14 Jun 25

Standard 15$ 13.8$ 6.3$ 01 Oct 25

Late 15$ 13.8$ 6.3$ 01 Nov 25

Extended 20$ 18.4$ 8.4$ 01 Dec 25

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Submissions deadline
01 Dec 25

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5.8$

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Films that address social, environmental, or humanitarian issues. Projects that aim to inspire action or awareness.

LGBTQ+ Story

Short and Feature Films

Fee

-8%

PRO 58%

Early 10$ 9.2$ 4.2$ 14 Jun 25

Standard 15$ 13.8$ 6.3$ 01 Oct 25

Late 15$ 13.8$ 6.3$ 01 Nov 25

Extended 20$ 18.4$ 8.4$ 01 Dec 25

Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees

Submissions deadline
01 Dec 25

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5.8$

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Films that explore LGBTQ+ themes, identities, or stories, whether through fiction, non-fiction, or experimental work.

South Asian Storytelling

Short and Feature Films

Fee

-8%

PRO 58%

Early 10$ 9.2$ 4.2$ 14 Jun 25

Standard 15$ 13.8$ 6.3$ 01 Oct 25

Late 15$ 13.8$ 6.3$ 01 Nov 25

Extended 20$ 18.4$ 8.4$ 01 Dec 25

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Submissions deadline
01 Dec 25

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Films that highlight South Asian culture, characters, heritage, or creators. Open to global submissions with a South Asian focus.

Micro Short (under 5 minutes)

Short Films 5'<

Fee

-8%

PRO 58%

Early 10$ 9.2$ 4.2$ 14 Jun 25

Standard 15$ 13.8$ 6.3$ 01 Oct 25

Late 15$ 13.8$ 6.3$ 01 Nov 25

Extended 20$ 18.4$ 8.4$ 01 Dec 25

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Submissions deadline
01 Dec 25

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Compact storytelling in five minutes or less. Great for punchy, poetic, or experimental concepts.

Mobile Filmmaking (shot entirely on a phone)

Short and Feature Films

Fee

-8%

PRO 58%

Early 10$ 9.2$ 4.2$ 14 Jun 25

Standard 15$ 13.8$ 6.3$ 01 Oct 25

Late 15$ 13.8$ 6.3$ 01 Nov 25

Extended 20$ 18.4$ 8.4$ 01 Dec 25

Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees

Submissions deadline
01 Dec 25

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5.8$

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Films shot 100% on mobile devices. Creativity is key, not budget.

Horror / Thriller

Short and Feature Films

Fee

-8%

PRO 58%

Early 10$ 9.2$ 4.2$ 14 Jun 25

Standard 15$ 13.8$ 6.3$ 01 Oct 25

Late 15$ 13.8$ 6.3$ 01 Nov 25

Extended 20$ 18.4$ 8.4$ 01 Dec 25

Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees

Submissions deadline
01 Dec 25

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5.8$

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Narratives that thrill, scare, or psychologically unsettle. All subgenres within horror or suspense welcome.

Comedy

Short and Feature Films

Fee

-8%

PRO 58%

Early 10$ 9.2$ 4.2$ 14 Jun 25

Standard 15$ 13.8$ 6.3$ 01 Oct 25

Late 15$ 13.8$ 6.3$ 01 Nov 25

Extended 20$ 18.4$ 8.4$ 01 Dec 25

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Submissions deadline
01 Dec 25

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5.8$

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Films that entertain and bring laughter—whether light-hearted, dark, satirical, or absurd.

Sci-Fi / Fantasy

Short and Feature Films

Fee

-8%

PRO 58%

Early 10$ 9.2$ 4.2$ 14 Jun 25

Standard 15$ 13.8$ 6.3$ 01 Oct 25

Late 15$ 13.8$ 6.3$ 01 Nov 25

Extended 20$ 18.4$ 8.4$ 01 Dec 25

Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees

Submissions deadline
01 Dec 25

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5.8$

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Imaginative stories that explore futuristic, supernatural, or otherworldly themes and worlds.

AI-Generated / AI-Assisted Film (New)

Short and Feature Films

Fee

-8%

PRO 58%

Early 10$ 9.2$ 4.2$ 14 Jun 25

Standard 15$ 13.8$ 6.3$ 01 Oct 25

Late 15$ 13.8$ 6.3$ 01 Nov 25

Extended 20$ 18.4$ 8.4$ 01 Dec 25

Get an Annual Pass and get the maximum discount on festival and submission fees

Submissions deadline
01 Dec 25

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5.8$

Submit

This category is for films created using artificial intelligence tools in any part of the process—scriptwriting, voice, visuals, editing, or animation. Open to both experimental and narrative works, as long as AI plays a meaningful creative role.

Festhome holds accountable fees festivals by holding the payment of the fees of most newer festivals until they have viewed the submissions, held their festivals and other methods.

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