Submissions Open Now!

Event Dates:

The 2025 Red Rose Film Festival is November 6-9th

Submission Process:

All submissions must be made through our FilmFreeway Festival Page. Films are evaluated through a three-stage jury process by university film professors, producers, policymakers, and film enthusiasts.

Deadlines:

• Early Bird Deadline: July 25, 2025

Regular Deadline: August 15, 2025

• Late Deadline: September 5, 2025

• Notification of Selection: September 15, 2025

Award Categories

• Best Picture: Celebrating the best feature film with character-driven narratives.

• Best Short Film: Honoring outstanding short films (live-action or animated) with character-focused or culturally relevant content.

• Best Documentary: Awarded to the best non-fiction film.

• Best Student Film: Recognizing exceptional work by current college students. Proof of student status required.

• The Red Rose: Recognizing the best film directed by a Central PA Filmmaker 

• Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress (specific awards determined by jury)

Rules & Terms

1. Final Decisions: All programming and jury decisions are final.

2. Submission Materials: Submissions will not be returned. Include the Film Freeway tracking number and all required information.

3. Press Kit: Official selections must submit press kits promptly after notification. RRFF assumes no responsibility for marketing without proper materials.

4. Format: Selected films must be hosted on Vimeo, YouTube, or a competent streaming platform with permissions granted to RRFF. FINAL Screening Format must be in DCP to screen @ Penn Cinema

Upon Selection RRFF will provide filmmakers with an address to Drop DCP Files.

5. Content Standards: RRFF does not accept films promoting hate, violence, or obscenity. Gratuitous content may result in disqualification.

6. Rights & Usage: By submitting, filmmakers grant RRFF non-exclusive rights to use film excerpts for promotional purposes. Filmmakers retain full rights to their work.

7. Attendance: Attendance is strongly encouraged for nominees. RSVP by October 17, 2025.

For detailed terms, visit our FAQ page.

How to Submit

Visit FilmFreeway to submit your film and view complete submission details.

Student Filmmakers: Upload a valid student ID at submission or email it to info@redrosefilmfestival.com with your film title in the subject line.

Thank you for your hard work and dedication—happy submitting!