DAFF Filmmaker Submission Rules :

Direct Action Film Festival accepts documentaries in only MP4 and MOV format. Via download links only. All non-English language films must be subtitled in English. Submission does not guarantee acceptance into the festival. Submissions WILL NOT be returned. We also accept submissions that have premiered elsewhere and that may have distribution agreements already in place. Rough cuts and incomplete projects are not accepted. Multiple entries are allowed, however a separate submission form must be submitted for each. 

EXHIBITION & SCREENING :
Screenings are scheduled during the Festival at the discretion of Direct Action Film Festival. Whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the published schedule, Direct Action Film Festival reserves the right to make changes at any time for any reason. Direct Action Film Festival will not be liable for any costs claimed as a result of a change in scheduling. No film may be withdrawn from the festival program after its selection. If chosen as an official selection, Direct Action Film Festival is granted the permission to exhibit the film at the Direct Action Film Festival and all associated screenings. Location and timing of any screenings of the film shall be the sole decision of the organizers of the Direct Action Film Festival. Filmmakers will be solely responsible for all costs resulting from the submission of the film to the Festival including but not limited to postage or insurance of the film, and expenses of your staff or any representatives of the film. Producer will indemnify the organizers of the Festival against all claims, demands, costs, damages, expenses (including legal fees), proceedings and losses resulting from the screening of the film at the Festival or from claims by any third parties.

LOSS OR DAMAGE :
Although every precaution will be taken to prevent loss or damage to materials while in the possession of the festival, The Direct Action Film Festival is not responsible should any materials be damaged while in transit to or from, downloading, or while in the possession of the festival.

ENTRY LIABILITY : 
The filmmaker holds the Direct Action Film Festival, its management, juries, subsidiaries, agents, sponsors, affiliates, and etc. harmless from any and all claims of liability resulting from entry. The filmmaker certifies to have full rights. Producer will indemnify the organizers of the Festival against all claims, demands, costs, damages, expenses (including legal fees), proceedings and losses resulting from the screening of the film at the Festival or from claims by any third parties.

SCREENING FEE
The festival does not offer screening fees for its films. By submitting through FilmFreeway you are agreeing to NOT request a screening fee as a requirement for your film's participation in the festival, should your film get selected for the program.

WAIVER REQUESTS
Since the festival only requires a nominal entry fee, we will NOT accept requests for other entry fee waivers.

FilmFreeway Dates
Opens: 11/10/2024
Early Deadline: 12/01/2024
Deadline: 01/05/2025
Late Deadline: 02/02/2025
Extended Deadline: 03/02/2025
Notification Date: 04/06/2025
Event Date: 06/14/2025

Awards:
Best Feature
Best Featurette
Best Short
Best Student Short
Crowd Favorite 
Merit Award(s)

Submission Fees:

Feature: (70min-120min)
$20 Early Deadline
$30 Deadline
$35 Late Deadline
$40 Extended Deadline

Featurette: (30min-70min)
$15 Early Deadline
$20 Deadline
$25 Late Deadline
$30 Extended Deadline

Short: (01min-30min)
$10 Early Deadline
$15 Deadline
$20 Late Deadline
$25 Extended Deadline

Student: (01min-30min)
$5 Early Deadline
$10 Deadline
$15 Late Deadline
$20 Extended Deadline

Festival Details:

• In-Person

• Online Streaming