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Spotlight Documentary Awards
Home
Submissions
Winners
  • Awards
  • Nominees
Explore
  • Filmmakers
  • FilmFestivals.tv
Contact
More
  • Home
  • Submissions
  • Winners
    • Awards
    • Nominees
  • Explore
    • Filmmakers
    • FilmFestivals.tv
  • Contact
  • Home
  • Submissions
  • Winners
    • Awards
    • Nominees
  • Explore
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Spotlight Film Awards - Film Submissions

Spotlight Film Awards Submissions

Spotlight Film Awards is a year-round film discovery and awards program by FilmFestivals.tv and curated by the Atlanta Film Series.

Throughout the year, we select outstanding films to feature in curated Spotlight showcases on FilmFestivals.tv. Selected films receive dedicated film pages, promotion through our website, social media, and email campaigns, and eligibility for Spotlight nominations and awards.

The year's top Spotlight selections are invited to compete at the annual Spotlight Awards Ceremony in Atlanta, where filmmakers are recognized with jury awards, audience awards, and custom crystal trophies.

Submit Your Film → Get Featured → Get Promoted → Earn a Nomination → Compete for Awards

Click to Submit

Submission Guidelines

Running Time

Short Films: 40 minutes or less

Feature Films: 41 minutes and over

Accepted Genres & Topics

We accept short and feature-length films of all genres: 

• Narrative Features
• Narrative Shorts
• Documentary Features
• Documentary Shorts
• Horror Films
• Animation
• Experimental Films
• Music Videos
• Web Series & Pilots
• Micro Shorts (under 6 minutes)
• Vertical Shorts
• AI & Emerging Media Projects

Films from all countries are welcome. There are no premiere requirements.

Multiple Entries

Multiple submissions are allowed. A separate entry and fee must be submitted for each film.

Works in Progress

We accept works in progress only if the final version will be available for judging before the official announcement date. Please indicate if your film is unfinished at the time of submission.

Language

Films in languages other than English or Spanish must include English subtitles.

Submission Format

All entries must be submitted exclusively through FilmFreeway.  

Premiere Status

There are no premiere requirements. We welcome previously screened films and films that are currently available online or elsewhere, as long as you retain the rights to submit. 

Award Nominations

The highest-rated and most celebrated films of the year advance as Official Nominees and receive invitations to our annual awards ceremony. 

FestFlix.tv - our online platform

FestFlix Exhibition Information


What is FestFlix?

FestFlix.tv is a streaming platform dedicated to independent film. Powered by Vimeo OTT, FestFlix showcases award-winning films, festival selections, and special online events for audiences around the world.


Do I have to participate?

No. Participation in a FestFlix showcase is completely optional. Selected filmmakers will receive an invitation and can decide whether they would like their film included.


How long will my film be available?

Most Spotlight Film Awards showcases stream for approximately two weeks. Specific dates will be provided before each event.


Is my film protected?

Yes. FestFlix is hosted through Vimeo OTT, a professional streaming platform used by filmmakers, festivals, and content creators worldwide. Films are presented behind a secure paywall and are not available for public download through FestFlix.


Can my film be geo-blocked?

Yes. FestFlix supports geographic restrictions, allowing films to be limited to specific countries when necessary. If your film has distribution requirements or territorial restrictions, please let us know.


Will my film be available for free?

No. Showcase films are generally available only to viewers who purchase a pass. Selected filmmakers will receive a free online access and we will provide a discount code for you to share with fans.


Do I keep ownership of my film?

Absolutely. Filmmakers retain all ownership and rights to their work at all times. Participation does not transfer ownership, distribution rights, or exclusive rights of any kind.


Can I continue screening or distributing my film elsewhere?

Yes. FestFlix is an exhibition platform, not a distributor. Participation does not prevent filmmakers from screening, distributing, licensing, or selling their work elsewhere.


Can I remove my film?

Yes. Participation is voluntary. If you would like to stream for less than our two week run, you're welcome to set your own dates.


Do filmmakers receive payment?

FestFlix showcases are promotional exhibition opportunities. Filmmakers do not receive screening fees or revenue sharing unless otherwise agreed in writing.


Why should I participate?

FestFlix gives filmmakers an opportunity to:

• Reach new audiences

• Receive audience feedback and ratings

• Compete for Audience Choice recognition

• Gain additional exposure beyond traditional festival screenings

• Become eligible for Spotlight Film Awards nominations and recognition and compete in the live event at the end of the year.


Can FestFlix screenings lead to awards?

Yes. The highest-rated and most celebrated films featured on FestFlix throughout the year may advance as Official Nominees for the annual live awards show.


What happens if my film is nominated?

Official Nominees are invited to attend our live year-end awards ceremony, where filmmakers from around the world gather to celebrate outstanding achievement in independent film. Category winners receive custom crystal trophies and recognition alongside some of the year's top independent filmmakers.


What makes Spotlight Film Awards different?

Spotlight Film Awards is built around ongoing recognition and promotion.

Throughout the year, we select outstanding films to feature in curated Spotlight showcases on FilmFestivals.tv. Selected films receive dedicated film pages, promotion through our website, social media, and email campaigns, and the opportunity to reach new audiences beyond a single screening.

Outstanding Spotlight selections become eligible for year-end nominations, awards, and invitations to our annual Spotlight Awards Ceremony in Atlanta.

Rather than waiting until the end of the season, filmmakers have the opportunity to be featured, promoted, and recognized throughout the year.


Click to Submit

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Spotlight Films Featured on FilmFestivals.tv

Top-scoring films from the Spotlight Film Awards are invited to screen for a two week period on FestFlix.tv, our curated streaming platform for outstanding independent films.

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Spotlight Film Awards by FilmFestivals.tv

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