Feature Film Submission

  • Submissions Now Open: February 2025
  • Closing Date: February 20th
  • Notification Date: February 28th
  • Cash Prize: $2,000 Grand Jury Award for Best Feature at the annual Ridder Film Festival every October.

Submit your feature film using the form below. If your film is nominated or wins, you will be notified via email on February 28th. The results will also be published on this website. Monthly submissions automatically qualify for the annual festival event with a live screening.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of feature films do you accept?
We accept feature films across all genres, including narrative, documentary, animation, and experimental. Films must demonstrate exceptional storytelling, originality, and strong cinematic vision.

What is the minimum and maximum runtime for a feature film?
Feature films must be at least 40 minutes long, including credits.

What is the submission fee?
The submission fee is $75 per film, per category. Submission fees are non-refundable.

What awards are available for feature films?
The following awards are available for feature film submissions:

  • Best Feature Film
  • Best Director
  • Best Screenplay
  • Best Cinematography
  • Best Actor/Actress
  • Blake Ridder Special Award

Award winners will receive official laurels, recognition, and promotional exposure, with awards announced during the festival’s annual event.

What is the Blake Ridder Special Award?
The Blake Ridder Special Award is a prestigious honor personally selected by Blake Ridder. Each month, all submitted films are automatically eligible, and one standout film—short or feature—is chosen for its exceptional storytelling, originality, or emotional impact. The selected film will also be highlighted on Blake Ridder’s social media platforms, providing exposure to a large audience of industry professionals and fans. This award celebrates bold and innovative filmmaking that stands out from the competition.

Will my film be screened at the festival if selected?
Not every film gets a spot, since we only screen a curated selection at our annual event. Monthly winners are recognized and then consolidated as nominees, and from this group, only a few films make the final screening lineup. It’s a great chance to get your work in front of cinephiles, fellow filmmakers, and industry pros, even if it means waiting for the nomination announcement.

What happens at the annual awards ceremony, and what awards are presented?
The annual awards ceremony is the centerpiece of the Ridder Film Festival, celebrating the best films of the year. Awards include the Grand Jury Prize, Best Feature Film, and category-specific awards such as Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, and Best Actor/Actress. Winners of the Grand Jury Prize and Best Feature Film are eligible for cash prizes of $2,000, in addition to receiving official laurels, trophies, and promotional exposure.

Are cash prizes awarded for monthly selections?
No, cash prizes are only awarded during the annual event for winners of specific categories such as the Grand Jury Prize and Best Feature Film. Monthly selections receive recognition and exposure but are not eligible for cash prizes until the annual awards ceremony.

Are there restrictions on when the film was made?
Yes, all submitted films must have been completed within the past two years to be eligible.

Can I submit a film that is already available online?
Yes, we accept films that are available online. However, preference may be given to films that have not been widely distributed.

Will you accept multiple submissions from one filmmaker?
Yes, you can submit multiple films, but each must be submitted separately.

Can I update my submission after submitting?
We allow minor updates, such as corrected files, before the submission deadline. Contact us with your updates.

When will I know if my film has been selected?
Notification dates are listed above. If selected, you will be contacted via email with next steps.

What happens if my film is selected?
If your film is selected, it will be nominated for the current month’s awards, with winners chosen for each category. Selected and winning films receive an official laurel, are listed on our website, shared on social media, and automatically entered into the Grand Jury Awards for the annual event.

Are you on FilmFreeway, or can I submit my film there?
No, we’re not on FilmFreeway. The Ridder Film Festival takes a unique, direct approach to submissions through our platform to ensure a more personalized experience for filmmakers. This allows us to curate submissions with care, highlight standout films to our audience, and offer exclusive opportunities like the Blake Ridder Special Award. By submitting directly, you’re not just entering a festival—you’re joining a filmmaker-focused community.

I have more questions. Who do I contact?
For further inquiries, please contact us.

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