Las Vegas Film Festival (1)

Independent feature projects over 40 minutes directed by filmmakers currently enrolled in a college, university, or film school program. This category rewards creative ambition, raw storytelling talent, and technical promise achieved within a student framework. Submitted projects must not have had previous public screenings within the local theatrical market and must remain unreleased on public online streaming platforms or through commercial home-video distribution channels.

Dedicated to feature-length independent projects over 40 minutes that chronicle the lives of real historical figures or contemporary personalities. We seek compelling biographical narratives that balance historical depth with cinematic vision, offering profound insight into the human struggle, triumph, or legacy. Submissions must not have had prior public screenings within the regional theater circuit and comply with the festival's Rules & Terms. Eligible films must remain unreleased on public online streaming networks or commercial home media platforms.

Elevates the vital work of Black directors, writers, and artists shaping modern feature-length independent cinema over 40 minutes. This tier centers on powerful narratives, cultural depth, and exceptional artistic choices spanning all genres from fiction to non-fiction. Films must not have had previous public screenings anywhere within the local metropolitan market and entries must remain unreleased via commercial broadcast networks or public online streaming channels prior to festival dates.

Highlights exceptional feature-length filmmaking over 40 minutes by Latino creators or focusing deeply on Latino cultural themes. This category embraces impactful, independent storytelling across all genres that enriches the global cinematic landscape. Submissions must adhere to our regional premiere policy and cannot be available for public streaming or commercial purchase prior to the festival and comply with the festival's Rules & Terms.

Dedicated to independent narrative or documentary features over 40 minutes, this category centers on diverse queer themes, histories, and characters. We champion authentic storytelling that elevates the depth and nuance of the LGBTQ+ experience across any cinematic genre. Entries must not have had prior public screenings within the regional theatrical market, and eligible films must remain unreleased on commercial streaming platforms or public online viewing channels and comply with the festival's Rules & Terms.

Dedicated to feature-length independent cinema over 40 minutes, this category celebrates projects utilizing animation as their primary medium, including hand-drawn, stop-motion, digital, or hybrid techniques. We showcase outstanding visual artistry, complex world-building, and innovative storytelling that expands the boundaries of the frame. Films must not have had previous public screenings anywhere within the local theater circuit and comply with the festival's Rules & Terms. Additionally, submitted projects must remain unreleased on public online streaming platforms or commercial home-video formats prior to the festival dates.

Tailored for independent projects over 40 minutes, this category honors films that excel in building suspense, intense psychological conflict, and high-stakes tension. We welcome crime dramas, neo-noirs, and mystery narratives driven by sharp pacing and unpredictable plot twists. Submitted projects must not have had previous public screenings within the regional theater circuit and comply with the festival's Rules & Terms. Additionally, entries must remain completely inaccessible to the general public via online streaming or commercial home media platforms prior to the festival dates.

Open to independent feature-length projects over 40 minutes driven by high-energy sequences, stunt choreography, and intense physical stakes. This category highlights adventure, martial arts films, crime capers, and fast paced narratives that maintain visual momentum and strong pacing. Projects must respect our regional premiere guidelines and cannot be available for public streaming or commercial purchase prior to the festival in compliance with the festival's Rules & Terms.

Independent feature-length projects over 40 minutes that explore speculative futures, advanced technologies, and imaginative alternative realities. We look for visionary filmmaking ranging from hard science fiction and space operas to near-future dystopias that challenges intellectual boundaries through creative world-building. To ensure our event delivers an unexposed lineup to the Southwest territory, submissions must not have had prior public screenings within the Nevada market. Additionally, entries must remain unreleased via commercial broadcast or public online consumption and comply with the festival's Rules & Terms.

Dedicated to feature-length independent cinema over 40 minutes, this category honors projects that delve into the uncanny, the supernatural, and psychological terror. We welcome diverse sub-genres including slasher, body horror, creature features, and atmospheric thrillers that push cinematic boundaries. Submitted films must not have screened publicly in the Las Vegas metro area and comply with the festival's Rules & Terms. Entries must not be available for public online streaming, VOD streaming networks, or home media purchase.

Dedicated to independent narrative features over 40 minutes that focus on deep character development, poignant storytelling, and moving thematic depth. We look for projects that explore the complexities of the human experience through strong scripting and exceptional cinematic execution. Film submissions cannot have previously screened publicly within the local metropolitan area or regional cinema networks. Submitted projects must not be available for public streaming or commercial home-video distribution prior to the festival and comply with the festival's Rules & Terms.

Reserved for independent fiction projects over 40 minutes, that celebrate humor, sharp wit, and engaging comedic storytelling. We welcome everything from smart satires and dark comedies to absurd parodies and character-driven ensemble pieces. Entries must not have had previous public screenings within the local market or regional theater circuits. Additionally, projects must remain unreleased on public online streaming platforms or through commercial distribution channels and comply with the festival's Rules & Terms.

Non-U.S. non-fiction projects over 40 minutes that offer unique global perspectives through investigative, historical, or character-driven storytelling. Submissions must derive at least half of their funding from outside the United States. Submitted films must not have screened publicly in the Las Vegas metro area or been made available for public streaming, or commercial purchase prior to the festival and comply with the festival's Rules & Terms.

This category invites domestic non-fiction projects over 40 minutes that explore compelling real-world stories through deep research, journalistic integrity, and immersive visual storytelling. This tier welcomes investigative exposés, historical retellings, character-driven profiles, and essayistic works. Submitted films must not have screened publicly in the Las Vegas metro area or been made available for public streaming or commercial purchase prior to the festival and comply with the festival's Rules & Terms.

Showcasing global independent cinema, this category features non-U.S. scripted fiction, hybrid projects, and experimental works with a runtime exceeding 40 minutes. To qualify, submissions must derive at least 50% of their funding from outside the United States. Eligible films must not have screened publicly in the Las Vegas metro area or been released on commercial platforms or public online viewings prior to the festival.

Celebrating fresh domestic voices, this category highlights independent American fiction, non-scripted work, and improvisational narratives with a running time of 40 minutes or more. To preserve eligibility, submitted projects must derive at least half of their financing from within the United States. Additionally, the work must not have screened publicly in the Las Vegas metro area, aired on U.S. television, had a commercial theatrical run, or been available for public online viewing, VOD or streaming service prior to the festival and comply with the festival's Rules & Terms.

This state-wide honor celebrates exceptional filmmaking across the state of Nevada, highlighting the diverse voices, independent talent, and unique landscapes of the Silver State. Open to any cinematic genre or runtime, entries must either be produced or directed by a current Nevada resident or have been prominently filmed on location within Nevada. All projects must comply with festival Rules & Terms.

This premier regional award honors outstanding feature-length independent cinema over 40 minutes that highlights the unique spirit, talent, or landscapes of Las Vegas. Eligibility requires that the film either features a current Las Vegas resident in a primary creative role (such as Director, Writer, or Producer) or was prominently shot on location within the local metro area. All entries must comply with festival Rules & Terms.

Filmmaking from the vibrant creative community within Las Vegas, this award recognizes exceptional independent short-form projects with a total runtime of 40 minutes or less. To qualify for this regional honor, the project must either be produced or directed by a current Las Vegas resident or have had a fifty percent (50%) of its production filmed within the local metropolitan area. All entries must comply with festival Rules & Terms.

This category marries sonic art with striking cinematography to create a standalone visual experience built around a specific song or musical track. We prize innovative concepts, flawless synchronization, and videos that redefine or elevate the musical artist’s vision within a short format. While public online availability is completely acceptable, submissions must not have screened theatrically within the regional market, and all entries must comply with festival Rules & Terms.

Dedicated to ultra-short cinematic bursts with a total runtime of three minutes or less, including credits. This category challenges filmmakers to establish characters, build tension, and deliver a satisfying conclusion or punchline in the blink of an eye, and all entries must comply with festival Rules & Terms.

Sheds light on creators using digital-first video to champion social justice, environmental issues, or community action. This category honors impactful short-form content that educates the public, drives real-world change, and inspires meaningful conversations across social platforms, and all entries must comply with festival Rules & Terms.

Digital creators using social media feeds as an avant-garde digital gallery. We look for abstract animations, satisfying edits, or surreal visual loops that push creative boundaries and hypnotize viewers through digital-first mediums. All entries must comply with festival Rules & Terms.

Submissions that are educational and real-world stories thriving within concise, digital-first formats. This category honors creators who distill history, journalism, news, or human-interest stories into highly engaging, informative non-fiction clips optimized for online feeds. All entries must comply with festival Rules & Terms.

Comedic sketches, reels, and short-form content that captures the fast-paced, viral nature of modern internet humor. We look for relatable concepts, sharp comedic timing, and engaging editing optimized for scrolling mobile feeds. While active online publication and broad social media distribution are expected, all entries must comply with festival Rules & Terms.

Tracks daily life, vlogging, fashion, and personal journeys shared across digital platforms. This category rewards authentic storytelling, charismatic presentation, and high production value in everyday lifestyle content optimized for online audiences. While existing online publication and digital streaming are expected, all entries must comply with festival Rules & Terms.

For creators breaking the traditional "two people sitting at microphones" mold by using green screens, virtual sets, or immersive editing. This category honors boundary-pushing visual layouts, surreal aesthetics, and unique formats that redefine what a video podcast can be. While existing online distribution is expected, all entries must comply with festival Rules & Terms.

Designed for short-run, narrative video podcasts or official video "after-shows" created to accompany an existing television series or film. This category values deep-dive storytelling, episodic thematic exploration, and supplementary visual commentary that enriches the core media experience. While existing online distribution is expected, all entries must comply with festival Rules & Terms.

Dedicated to unscripted, conversation-driven digital series centered around engaging interviews, panel discussions, or talk-show formats. This category highlights charismatic hosting, dynamic guest dialogue, and compelling real-time discussions that move away from scripted audio dramas or theatrical fiction. While existing online distribution is expected, all entries must comply with festival Rules & Terms.

Melds the intimacy of episodic audio drama with a compelling visual layout, setting, or performance capture. This category seeks out scripted, fictional stories that rely on top-tier voice acting, rich sound design, and clever visual elements to build immersive worlds. While broad online distribution across streaming platforms is expected, entries must comply with festival Rules & Terms.

Highlights talk, interview, essay, or docu-style formats that deliver real-world information through a distinct visual and sonic identity. Winners excel at keeping audiences tuned in through charismatic hosting, smart graphics, and engaging, informative conversations across multiple episodes. While broad online distribution is entirely expected, all entries must comply with festival Rules & Terms.

Tailored specifically for independent cinema captured in a 9:16 vertical format, this category is optimized for modern mobile viewing. We reward filmmakers who creatively leverage the structural constraints and unique composition of the vertical frame to tell a compelling narrative. While online or social media availability is permitted, all entries must comply with festival Rules & Terms.

Episodic non-fiction or docuseries that explore real-world topics, investigative journalism, or historical events across multiple installments. We welcome multi-episode concepts with deep research and compelling visual storytelling designed for broadcast or digital platforms, and all entries must comply with festival Rules & Terms. Submit one episode or a representative episode. Episode runtime may not exceed 60 minutes.

Serialized, episodic storytelling focusing on deep character development, intense conflict, and gripping narratives across multiple installments. This category awards high-stakes dramatic tension and emotional depth optimized for broadcast, cable, or independent streaming platforms, and must comply with festival Rules & Terms. Submit one episode or a representative episode. Episode runtime may not exceed 60 minutes.

Episodic or serialized narrative comedy engineered to deliver sharp humor across multiple installments. This category looks for comedic writing, brilliant ensemble chemistry, and consistently paced humor tailored for either broadcast networks or independent digital streaming platforms. All projects must comply with festival Rules & Terms. Submit one episode or a representative episode. Episode runtime may not exceed 60 minutes.

Episodic narrative, improvisational, or non-fiction projects presented in a multi-episode format, including web series, pilot presentations, or single/multiple episodes, with an overall runtime of 60 minutes or more. This category welcomes global submissions from both broadcast networks and independent digital platforms. Multi-episode entries must be combined into one single, continuous video file or link under 10GB, and all projects must comply with festival Rules & Terms.

Episodic narrative, improvisational, or non-fiction projects presented in a multi-episode format, including web series, pilot presentations, or single/multiple episodes, with an overall runtime of 60 minutes or less. This category welcomes global submissions from both broadcast networks and independent digital platforms. Multi-episode entries must be combined into one single, continuous video file or link under 10GB, and all projects must comply with festival Rules & Terms.

Highlights the most promising independent work from next-generation talents currently enrolled in an accredited film program or educational institution. This category rewards creative ambition, raw storytelling energy, and technical promise achieved within a runtime of 40 minutes or less, and all entries must comply with festival Rules & Terms.

Elevates the vital work of Black directors, writers, and artists shaping modern short cinema with a running time of 40 minutes or less. This category centers on powerful narratives, cultural depth, and exceptional artistic choices spanning any and all genres from fiction to non-fiction, and all entries must comply with festival Rules & Terms.

Independent work of 40 minutes or less by Latino creators or diving deep into Latino cultural themes. This category prioritizes distinct perspectives, rich storytelling tradition, and authentic cultural resonance across any short film genre, and all entries must comply with festival Rules & Terms.

Amplifies vital, authentic queer perspectives spanning a runtime of 40 minutes or less, inclusive of credits. This tier embraces bold character studies, unique histories, and urgent stories focusing on the depth of the LGBTQ+ experience across all cinematic genres, and all entries must comply with festival Rules & Terms.

Brings high-octane momentum, stunt choreography, and intense physical sequences into an independent format of 40 minutes or less. We look for dynamic editing, visceral energy, and sharp pacing that delivers maximum excitement without sacrificing narrative clarity, and all entries must comply with festival Rules & Terms.

Journeys into speculative futures, advanced technologies, and imaginative alternative realities within a brief format of 40 minutes or less. We look for visionary concepts that challenge the intellect and stretch the imagination through inventive, short-form world-building, and all entries must comply with festival Rules & Terms.

Primes the audience for sharp wit, absurd scenarios, and flawless comedic timing within an independent format of 40 minutes or less. We look for clever writing and memorable performances that establish a punchline and leave a lasting impression in a short window, and all entries must comply with festival Rules & Terms.

Welcomes short-form independent projects of 40 minutes or less that weaponize atmosphere, creative scares, and supernatural or psychological dread. This category crowns brief films that deliver maximum terror, horror themes, monster stories, uncanny tension within a condensed timeline, and all entries must comply with festival Rules & Terms.

Reserved for short form independent cinema of 40 minutes or less, this category is designed to spike the adrenaline and grip audiences. We seek out high-stakes tension, psychological conflict, and razor-sharp pacing that maximizes suspense before the credits roll, and all entries must comply with festival Rules & Terms.

Spotlighting brief animated independent projects of 40 minutes or less that utilize hand-drawn, stop-motion, digital, or hybrid animation techniques. This tier values imaginative concepts, visual artistry, and meticulous craftsmanship that brings unique worlds to life within a compressed timeframe, and must comply with festival Rules & Terms.

Celebrating the power of non-fiction, this category honors compelling, real-world stories that spark massive change within a brief format. We seek work that demonstrates deep journalistic integrity, engaging subjects, and immersive storytelling with a running time of 40 minutes or less, and all entries must comply with festival Rules & Terms.

This category celebrates domestic U.S. independent fiction projects with a total runtime of 40 minutes or less, including credits. We seek submissions that showcase tight scripting, efficient pacing, and high-impact storytelling designed for the brief format.

This category features short-form projects originating from outside the United States with a total running time of less than 40 minutes, including credits. This inclusive global tier welcomes non-U.S. scripted or improvisational fiction, nonfiction, experimental film or video, animation, music video, or any other short-form media. To qualify, at least half of the submitted project's financing must originate from outside of the United States, and all entries must comply with festival Rules & Terms.