All film submissions are accepted digitally through our FilmFreeway page. Simply click the FilmFreeway button on our website to view current submission guidelines, deadlines, and entry requirements.

Entry fees vary by submission deadline. Early Bird deadlines offer the lowest rates, with fees increasing incrementally through the Regular and Late submission periods. For current deadlines, fees, and submission requirements, please visit our FilmFreeway page.

Entry fees are paid securely through FilmFreeway as part of the online submission process. Please visit our FilmFreeway page for current payment options and submission details.

No. All entry fees are nonrefundable. We encourage filmmakers to review the festival guidelines carefully before submitting and to contact us with any questions in advance.

If you need to withdraw your film, please contact Down East Flick Fest as soon as possible. Requests received before the final programming decisions are made will be considered whenever possible.

Filmmakers retain full ownership and copyright of their work. By submitting a film, you grant DEFF permission to use approved stills, trailers, excerpts, titles, and related materials for festival promotion and publicity..

By submitting a film, you represent that you own or have secured all necessary rights and permissions to enter the work and accept any awards for which it may be eligible. Any disputes regarding ownership, copyright, or permissions are the sole responsibility of the submitter. If you are uncertain about your rights to the film or any of its content, please resolve those issues before submitting.

Yes. All filmmakers will be notified of the status of their submission. Due to programming considerations, the festival's curatorial vision, and limited screening time, not every film can be selected for screening. We sincerely appreciate every submission and are grateful to all filmmakers for sharing their work with Down East Flick Fest.

Yes. Public screenings are a hallmark of Down East Flick Fest and are designed to bring filmmakers, artists, and audiences together to celebrate independent film. Receptions and other special events may vary from year to year. Please visit our website and FilmFreeway page for current festival details.

No, not really. As artists, we are very open. However, we reserve the right to reject any film that we deem inappropriate.

Yes. Awards are presented within each of DEFF's signature story collections, including Poetry Films, Storyteller Cinema, Southern Gothic and Southern Surreal, Sweet Tea Films, Moments That Matter, Community Impact Films, Child-friendly Films, and Unapologetic Films. Films are evaluated alongside others within the collection to which they are submitted.

DEFF is designed to help filmmakers share their work with new audiences, build meaningful connections, and celebrate the art of independent filmmaking. Depending on the festival season, participants may receive promotional opportunities through our website and marketing channels, filmmaker profiles, audience engagement, online screenings, and other festival features.

Award recipients are announced as part of the festival's awards celebration. Following the festival, winners will be notified by email and published on the DEFF website and FilmFreeway page.

Yes. Selected films may be considered for future Down East Flick Fest screenings, special programs, educational initiatives, or community partnerships, with the filmmaker's permission when applicable. As DEFF continues to grow, we remain committed to creating new opportunities to showcase exceptional independent filmmaking.

We're happy to help. If your question isn't answered in our FAQs or submission guidelines, please contact us through the information provided on our website, and we'll respond as soon as possible.