DEFF 2023 is open for submissions!
Opening Date | June 23, 2023
DEADLINES
Early-bird | July 8 Regular | July 29 Extended | August 26 Notification Date | October 14
Festival Dates November 16 – 19
About the Festival:
Down East Flick Fest (DEFF) is a festival for short and feature-length independent films. This juried event is for experienced and emerging filmmakers of all genres, with winners in each category. Drama, comedy, sci-fi, fantasy, horror, animation, experimental, and documentary are our usual categories. We include categories that represent trends in the industry and audience favorites such as Poetry Films, Child-friendly, Faith-based, and Unapologetic for films by and about marginalized individuals and populations. Be sure to read the descriptions for each category and submit accordingly. All filmmakers will receive notification of the status of their films.
As always, we will celebrate all the collaborative arts. Promote your craft, network, and learn from industry professionals at DEFF 2023. We will host in-person screenings with your safety in mind. Nothing replaces the synergy of a live screening. In addition, we will also offer a special screening training on film financing options, online screenings, workshops, and panels. Details about our selected screening venues and accommodations will be shared as soon as possible.
Our Mission:
Down East Flick Fest is dedicated to providing an annual user-friendly showcase for independent filmmakers, writers, actors and other artists. We hope to discover, support, and inspire independent filmmakers as we introduce our audience to their new works. Our goal is to create opportunities that support new talent and entertain audiences on an ongoing basis.
We are growing and evolving. We are now accepting sponsors. Contact us at info@downeastflickfest.org for details.
You got questions? We got answers.
Visit our FAQ page.
The Sweet Tea Award Winner
DEFF’s new Sweet Tea award is designed for films that depict North Carolina traditions and art, build a sense of community, and promote cultural awareness while celebrating our state’s heritage. This year’s award goes to Mojoman: The Blues Journey of William “Mojo” Collins starring William Collins by Producer Michael Raab and Editor Patrick Ogelvie. Click here to find out more.
DEFF 2023
Among the categories to be awarded will of course be the overall winner, Best of the Fest!
The Community Impact Award (NC), a National Community Impact Award U. S.), and an International Community Impact Award for films that significantly address social justice issues. These films may be any genre and may or may not be submitted for competition but selected by the DEFF Team. There will also be a winner of the Unapologetic Award for filmmakers from marginalized groups who produces a documentary or other genre to share their communities’ stories.
We are also excited to continue the Poetry Films category, a fusion of literary or spoken word poetry, visual images, and sound to create powerful presentations and interpretations of the meaning being conveyed. Also expect live performances and panel discussions with special guests.
The Down East Flick Fest, It’s A Powerful Way to Showcase YOUR film.
DEFF gives you the ability to build an audience for your work. Get exposure to industry professionals and grow your career. Designed as a portal for emerging filmmakers to get feedback on their craft and for experienced filmmakers to grow and share their expertise, it is unique. We understand the value of each individual creative force. Every film selected for the fest is included because it offers a creative vision that will connect with an audience that will love it or appreciate it.
Take Control of Your Filmmaking Future. Join Us.
Stuff You Need to Know:
Down East Flick Fest will provide a great way to get your film (and you!) exposure in the industry. Generally, film festivals are highly competitive. However, we are committed to supporting emerging filmmakers by giving as many entries exposure as we can, which increases your chances of acceptance. The best films will be selected based on their creative vision and execution of the film itself. Our judges will give your film a fair consideration.
You, the entrants, are screenwriters, producers, cinematographers, or any individuals who have a legal right to submit the film.
Our main goal is to provide a real-world feedback and a launching platform for independent filmmakers.
You’re free to submit your film throughout the submission period, but the truth is… the later you wait, the harder it may be to land a spot. Festival programmers will begin viewing and choosing films before the end of the submission period. As the slots fill, it will become more competitive for late applicants. The submission process is relatively painless so you need to submit early when the judges and programmers are fresh and less stressed. If there is an issue with your submission, you may have a better opportunity to address it before the submission process ends. (However, do not send more than one submission or submission form for the same film.)
As an added benefit, we offer a discounted submission fee for early applicants.
Follow the Down East Flick Fest Rules and follow the rule of law.
It may seem elementary, but it’s just too easy to let a simple oversight ruin your chances for entry. It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to secure clearance from the copyright holders of any copyrighted materials included within the submitted film. Down East Flick Fest will not be held responsible for the unauthorized inclusion of any copyrighted materials within or relating to the submitted Film. Down East Flick Fest reserve the right to disqualify, without refund of any or all submission fees previously collected from the Applicant/Entrant, for any film with any unauthorized inclusion of any copyrighted materials. You will be contacted if we a question or make a determination about your film.
