CEN-TEX FILM FEST (1)

Inizio del Festival: 03 ottobre 2026      Festival si chiude: 03 ottobre 2026

The Cen-Tex Film Festival is a fully in person and online experience — designed to maximize access, education, and filmmaker growth without geographic barriers. As a sister festival to the Austin Action Fest & Market, it shares many of it's qualities but with a wider range of acceptable subject matter and a more diverse educational focus.

Inspired by the pioneer energy of Texas, Cen-Tex combines curated film programming with practical training sessions for creators at every level. This is not just a streaming showcase. It is a filmmaker development event.

We welcome films of all genres and all voices. While we celebrate bold, genre-forward storytelling — action, horror, thriller, sci-fi, western — powerful filmmaking always comes first. If your project is good, submit!

If your film connects, it belongs here.

At Cen-Tex, the training experience is built around real working professionals from across the filmmaking spectrum. Throughout the event, you’ll hear from independent filmmakers, directors, acting coaches, camera operators, stunt professionals, and other industry voices who bring practical insight from active sets and real-world production.

Sessions are designed to be approachable, encouraging, and grounded in experience — whether you’re just starting out or refining your craft. In addition, sales agents and distributors will be viewing selected films during and after the festival, creating meaningful visibility for projects beyond the screening window. Cen-Tex is about connection, growth, and opening doors.

Short Film 1 - 10
Short Film 10 - 20
Short Film 20 - 59
Feature Film
Best Documentary Film
AI-Generated Film
TV Pilot
Feature Script
Short Script - Under 60 pages
Audio Only Narrative Project
Best Digital Pitch
Best First-Time Filmmaker/Student Filmmaker
Best Experimental / Art Film
Best Veteran Filmmaker / Military Story

1. General Eligibility

The Cen-Tex Film Festival is open to filmmakers worldwide.

All genres are accepted.
1. General Eligibility

The Cen-Tex Film Festival is open to filmmakers worldwide.

All genres are accepted.

Films must have been completed after January 1, 2023.

Films may have screened at other festivals.

Films that are publicly available online (YouTube, Vimeo, etc.) are eligible but may be considered lower priority.

2. Categories

Films may qualify for multiple award categories but must select the primary category during submission.

3. Submission Guidelines

Screeners must be accessible via secure online link.

Rough cuts and works-in-progress are accepted, but final versions must be delivered before the festival screening window.

Non-English films must include English subtitles.

Submission fees are non-refundable.

4. Selection Process

All films are reviewed by the programming team.

Official Selections will be notified via Festhome.

Programming decisions are final.

Cen-Tex does not provide screening feedback.

5. Online Screening Format

Selected films agree to:

Provide a high-quality digital screening file.

Grant the festival non-exclusive streaming rights for the official festival window only.

Participate in optional live or recorded virtual Q&A sessions.

Films will only be available during the official online festival dates and will not remain hosted after the event concludes.

6. Rights & Permissions

By submitting, the filmmaker confirms:

They hold all necessary rights for music, images, performances, and content.

The festival may use trailers, stills, and brief clips (under 60 seconds) for promotional purposes.

The festival is not responsible for copyright violations.

7. Awards

Awards may include:

Best Feature

Best Short

Best Texas Film

Best Genre Film

Best Student Film

Audience Award

Award decisions are final.

8. Nonprofit Status

Cen-Tex Film Festival will operate as a nonprofit organization dedicated to filmmaker education and community development. Submission fees support operational costs, programming, and educational initiatives.

9. Liability

Cen-Tex Film Festival is not responsible for:

Technical streaming interruptions beyond reasonable control

Unauthorized duplication by third parties

Incorrect information provided by submitters

10. Agreement

By submitting to Cen-Tex Film Festival, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to all Rules & Terms outlined above.