Flatland Film Festival

The 23rd Annual Flatland Film Festival will accept short film submissions from all genres for our 2026 festival, taking place September 24-26. In addition, the festival is excited to accept feature film submissions that spotlight stories from Texas and the Southwest region. The festival committee will select one feature film from these submissions to be featured at the 2026 Flatland Film Festival!

Entries will be accepted until June 30, 2026.

Awards & Prizes

Short Film Awards
The Flatland Film Festival celebrates excellence in short filmmaking with the following categories:

Up on the Caprock Awards (BEST IN FEST - SHORT FILM)
- Narrative: $200
- Documentary: $200

Lone Star Legacy Awards (BEST DIRECTOR)
- Narrative: $100
- Documentary: $100

Lubbock Lights Award (BEST PERFORMANCE)
- Narrative: $100

Flatland Favorite (AUDIENCE CHOICE)
- Narrative OR Documentary: $150

Feature Film Award
High Plains Hero
From submissions highlighting Texas and Southwest Region stories, the festival committee will select one feature film to be showcased at the 2026 Flatland Film Festival.
The selected feature film will also receive a cash prize of $150.

Filmmaker Perks
Accepted filmmakers will receive two full-festival passes, which include:
- Access to all festival screenings
- A filmmaker swag bag
- Invitation to the Red Carpet Reception and Afterparty
- Entry to the Filmmakers Networking Event
- Access to the Flatland Awards Ceremony and Afterparty

Rules & Terms

Film Duration: Short films must have a runtime of 25 minutes or less. Films shorter than 25 minutes are especially encouraged to allow for a more diverse program.

Submission Format: Submit an unlisted or password-protected Vimeo or YouTube link to your film. If selected, you’ll be asked to provide a brief synopsis, production stills, a Pro-Res export, and a film poster.

Eligibility:
Films must be the original work of the filmmaker(s).
Filmmakers must hold all necessary rights. The festival is not liable for any rights issues.
No premiere status is required.
Films must be either in English or subtitled in English. Foreign language films without subtitles will not be considered.
Films previously screened on television or available publicly online are ineligible (password-protected links are acceptable).
Entry Fee: All submission fees are non-refundable. Each entry requires its own fee.

Film Selection & Notification:
Selections will be notified by July 28, 2026.
If selected, you must acknowledge your acceptance within 14 days. Failure to do so may result in revocation of the selection.
Exhibition Format: If your film is selected, you must provide a digital file (.mov, .mp4) for exhibition.

Festival Rights:
By submitting, you grant the festival permission to screen your film if selected.
You also grant the festival permission to use excerpts, posters, and promotional materials from your film for marketing purposes, both during and after the festival.
The Flatland Film Festival reserves the right to change programming and the screening schedule at its discretion.

Additional Notes:
We accept submissions in all genres.
You may submit multiple entries, but each must have a separate fee.
The festival does not cover transportation or lodging costs, though discounts may be available closer to the event.
Filmmakers are encouraged, but not required, to attend the festival.