Current Competition

open call film fest 2025

film & Screenplay Competition Submission Open

Final Submission Deadline: 07 Feb 2025
SUBMIT now

about uS

The Open Call Film Fest (OCFF) is a festival that celebrates the best in film and screenwriting locally and abroad. As the name implies, “Open Call” showcases films from established masters and emerging storytellers. The festival welcomes films and scripts from around the world, created by all ranging from youth to adults. The Film Festival is an in-person screening and presentation bringing films both domestic and international to the silver screen in Phoenix, Arizona. Open Call Film Fest hosts an annual film festival, that includes a Screenplay Competition and a Youth Filmmaker Competition. The OCFF committee is comprised of a variety of backgrounds, interests, and talents. No individual filmmaker’s vote is valued more than any other. FESTIVAL SECTIONS 
 The Festival is dedicated to the discovery of new voices. We are inclusive in our programming, embracing and uplifting a wide range of identities, cultures, genres, aesthetics, and perspectives. Films are programmed in a variety of sections as we present a festival that is designed to excite, provoke, enrich, and entertain. The Film Festival is a 1- day in-person event. Festival programming includes the Youth Filmmaker’s Competition presented by the Inside And Out Project and screens films produced by youth ages 9-17. The Winners of each category and Official Selections will be programmed for in-person screenings. All Screenplay Competition Winners will be announced during the festival. The Festival features a host of screenings, panels, educational events, and Q&As that foster cultural understanding and artistic engagement. Film screenings are organized into categories at the discretion of the Film Festival and its programming staff.
Film CompetitionThe annual film competition includes Feature Films, Documentaries, Short Films, Pilots, and Web Series/Episodic. Each section has submission categories, including Narrative, International, and Rising Phoenix. The “Rising Phoenix” celebrates Arizona’s rich filmmaking tradition, showcasing the best features, documentaries, pilots, web series/episodic, and short films with their roots right here in Arizona.
Youth Filmmakers CompetitionThe Youth Filmmakers competition presented by the Inside And Out Project includes submission categories for Narrative, Animation, Episodic, and Documentary films. This competition is for Youth ages 9-17 at the time of submission. Films are a Maximum of 50 minutes.
Screenplay CompetitionThis competition takes place in conjunction with the film competition, and all entry deadlines and announcements are the same. This competition includes scripts for Features, Shorts, and Pilots (1hr and 1/2 hr). Each section has submission categories to include, Narrative, Comedy, Thriller/Suspense, and LGBTQIA+.
Refer to each competition page for more information on eligibility, submission requirements, deadlines, and prizes.
The Film Festival accepts films and screenplays in every genre, on any topic, from every country around the world. We do not disqualify any films based on premiere status or date of completion.
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Events & Deadlines

Early Entry Submission - 28 June 2024
Accepting submission to all competitions. Come on early bird!
Regular Submission Deadline - 27 September 2024
Regular entry deadline for all competitions. You're making good time.
Late Submission Deadline - 27 December 2024
Late entry deadline for all competitions. Yep, cutting it close.
Extended Submission Deadline - 7 February 2025
Extended entry deadline for all competitions. Procrastination wins again.

Open Call Film Fest Competitions

Film Competition
FEATURE FilmsDOCUMENTARY Films SHORT FilmsPILOT EpisodesWEB SERIES/EPISODICS
*Includes International films
Screenplay Competition
FEATURE ScriptsSHORT Scripts 1-HR PILOT Scripts1/2-HR PILOT Scripts
Youth Filmmaker NARRATIVE FilmsANIMATION Films DOCUMENTARY Films EPISODIC Films *Presented by the Inside And Out Project (IAOP)

  • JOIN OUR SPONSORS

    As Open Call Film Fest grows, so does our need for support. Contact us at opencallff@gmail.com if you would like to be a sponsor, donate or volunteer for the festival.

  • SPONSOR

    The Inside And Out Project is a nonprofit organization that focuses on Youth Outreach. Part of their mission is to provide underserved youth with exposure, experience, and options. www.insideandoutproject.org

  • SPONSOR

    Marmera Films is an Arizona-based film production company with a global reach. We are proud to have them onboard. www.marmerafilms.com

  • SPONSOR

    The ARTS Advocate is a Texas-based nonprofit organization with global reach, advocating for the cultivation and culmination of creativity. They are dedicated to aiding in the survival of the arts. www.theartsadvocate.com
Open Call Film Fest
Casa Grande AZ 85122 US
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