RULES AND TERMS

1. ELIGIBILITY

Genre: Only Horror films are accepted (all subgenres accepted).

Premiere Status: No premiere requirements, but priority given to new work.

Completion Date: Films must be completed within two years of the current festival date. Example: If you're wanting to submit to the 2026 festival, then films must have been completed in 2024

Language: Non-English films require English subtitles.

2. SUBMISSIONS

Deadlines: Earlybird (Date), Regular (Date), Late (Date).

Formats: Digital submissions only. Please only submit through FilmFreeway

Fees: Non-refundable. Fee waivers at the organiser’s discretion.

Multiple Entries: Allowed, but each requires a separate fee.

3. SELECTION & SCREENING

Programming: All decisions are final—no feedback provided.

Screening Format: Selected films must provide DCP. If selected, please send the film through either Dropbox or your preferred service.

Screenings: Films will be shown at Dendy Cinemas in Southport on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. If you are selected or would like to attend the festival, please note that all patrons must park in the underground parking to receive a discounted parking rate. Alternatively, you can catch the G Link Tram, which stops outside the movie theatre and links up to the Helensvale Train Station. If you have any questions or concerns, please email darrenmarshallproductions@gmail.com

4. RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

Ownership: Filmmakers retain all rights.

Licensing: By submitting, you grant us non-exclusive rights to:

Screen your film during the festival.

Use clips (<2 mins) and stills for promotional purposes.

Music/Clearances: You confirm that all rights (music, likeness, etc.) are secured. Any films that are found to be violating any copyright will be immediately disqualified.

5. AWARDS & PRIZES

Grand Prize ("Best Horror") qualifies for the Cinematic Film Festival (Gold Coast). The winning filmmaker/s may decline the secondary festival slot if they choose.

Physical trophies will be shipped to winners or presented to you at the event; shipping costs are covered by the festival.

6. GENERAL

Disqualification: For incomplete materials, fraud, or failure to comply with rules.

Agreement: Submission constitutes acceptance of these terms.

Contact: darrenmarshallproductions@gmail.com for questions.

Delivery of DCP:

Your film must be delivered and in DCP format one month before the event in order for us to test and properly communicate with you about any issues that may arise. Any films that haven't been delivered by the 27th of July 2026 will be immediately disqualified with no refund. By submitting your film to us, you accept that all material, including DCP, will be delivered by this date.

Assistance with DCP creation:

Although we prefer the filmmaker/s to handle a DCP creation themselves, we are able to assist you at an extra cost. Please email us if you need our assistance, and we'll give you a helping hand.

Thanks. And hope to see your creations.