Do yourself a favor and read all the rules.

You agree to the following terms and conditions of the Waco Independent Film Festival (Waco Indie):

• You do not talk about Fight Club.
• The Waco Independent Film Festival does not accept or consider works in progress.
• In order for submissions to be considered for competition, a premiere within the Waco area is required - meaning your film has not already screened publicly in the 254 area code.
• Misrepresenting your film's runtime is grounds for automatic rejection. Your listed total runtime must include all credits.
• All films must be the original work of the filmmakers, and all filmmakers must have the necessary rights. The festival is not liable for any rights issues.
• Submitted films must be no older than July 2021. Yes, that is a generous 5-year window.
• As per the Waco Independent Film Festival policy, the submission fee is non-refundable.
• By submitting a film to Waco Indie, if said film is officially accepted into this year's lineup, you grant the Waco Independent Film Festival permission to screen your film in a theatrical venue.
• Only completed entries (including entry form, payment, and final exhibition film copy) will be considered.
• Can we talk about Kurt Russell for a second? Nine times out of 10, if you start a Kurt Russell movie, you will enjoy it. A truly underrated talent!
• Short scripts of all genres are welcome to submit. Scripts must be unproduced as of the date of the film festival. (July 17, 2025)
• We accept digital submissions ONLY. Unless requested, do not send us DVDs, Blu-rays, press kits, dirty laundry, or unruly children.
• The selected films will be exhibited in a theatrical venue, via a digital file (backups are Blu-ray & DCP).
• Keep reading… there’s a promo code in here somewhere...
• All entries must either be in English or subtitled in English. Submitting a foreign language film without English subtitles is grounds for automatic rejection.
• If your film has been selected, you will have 14 DAYS TO ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR ACCEPTANCE. If we do not hear from you within 14 days of notification, your film’s status as an official selection may be revoked.
• Your film will not be screened unless you agree to abide by the terms and conditions of the Waco Independent Film Festival.
• High school or college ID is required for student-made short film submissions that matches the dates your film was created.
• We accept music video submissions in their own category.
• We accept unproduced short scripts in their own category.
• We accept unproduced feature scripts in their own category.
• Each submission will be considered for all appropriate award categories.
• Films that have screened on television or are available publicly on the internet or streaming services may not be eligible for competition. (Password-protected and private links are acceptable).
• If you know Matthew McConaughey, and you have him commit to attending our festival, then your film is an automatic "in." Just sayin'.
• The Waco Independent Film Festival reserves the right to change our programming without notice. The official selections and screening schedule are at the sole discretion of the festival.
• Sorry, but we are not responsible for free transportation or lodging for the event. Hotel and shuttle discounts may become available as the festival approaches.
• Entrants are responsible for all costs incurred to attend this festival.
• You may submit as many entries as you like. Each entry requires its own entry fee. Entry fees will not be refunded.
• Official selections each year will receive TWO free passes to that year's film festival for the duration of the film festival.
• Filmmakers with Official Selections are highly encouraged to attend the festival. Seriously, check out our past festivals and you'll see that it's worth it! http://www.wacoindie.com
• Exceptions to these rules will not be made unless we make an exception.
• Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!
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Permissions

Upon submission of your film you grant the Waco Independent Film Festival the following:
• Permission to exhibit your film in a theatrical venue. Films must be available for screening during the festival.
• Permission for photos, posters, highlights, or excerpts of your film (e.g. a trailer) to be placed on the Waco Independent Film Festival website and/or social media and used for other marketing and promotional purposes. You also must agree to allow Waco Indie to promote the following year's festival with the material listed above. Waco Indie will never solicit or screen elements of your film outside the promotion of the event.

Screenplay Details

SCREENPLAY GRANT DETAILS

Eligibility:

Waco Independent Film Festival is dedicated to supporting fresh voices and providing new film opportunities in Waco. Judges may select one short screenplay for the Waco Indie Screenplay Grant. Staff members from Waco Independent Film Festival and personnel affiliated with the connected production company are not eligible to win.

The Screenplay Grant provides:
• Up to 4 nights of complimentary hotel stay. These nights may be used for pre-production scouting or during the production.
• Up to $2,500 in rebates provided by the Waco Independent Film Festival. These purchases must go toward McLennan County people, places, and things. You can pay for cast, crew, catering, costumes, and all sorts of filmmaking goodies. But the purchases must be made in McLennan County, the filmmaker must provide receipts.
• Production Package consisting of camera, lighting, and equipment to assist you with producing your short film in Waco.

Requirements:
• The winning screenplay must have originally been entered into the Short Screenwriting Contest for this year’s film festival.
• Screenplays must be no longer than 30 pages.
• Screenplays must be original works, please no adapted screenplays.
• 50% of your film must be shot in McLennan County.
• Your film must complete production within 18 months of winning the screenplay award.
• $2,500 will be paid as rebates. The Screenplay Grant will refund you up to $2,500 on people, places, and things related to your shoot. (Eligible items include, but are not limited to, cast, crew, catering, etc.). Items purchased in Waco, but shipped from elsewhere are not eligible. (For example, a shirt purchased online but shipped to Waco would not be eligible). Receipts must be provided.
• The Screenplay Grant logo must be added to the credits of the film.
• The connected production company must be recognized as Associate Producers of the film
• Filmmaker will be required to provide a short summary (150-200 words) of how the funds were used, their experience of filming in Waco, and the impact of the Screenplay Grant on this production.

For further questions and inquiries about any of the Rules and Terms, please email info@wacoindie.com