Waiver Policy
Thank you for your interest in Waco Indie.
We appreciate filmmakers who seek us out to share their work. We understand that not everyone has the means to submit to every festival, and while we do consider fee waiver requests, please note that we prioritize programming from paid submissions.
How We Program:
Waco Indie curates films into thematic blocks based on what’s submitted. We look for connections between films and create a cohesive, engaging lineup. Occasionally, we have a gap—a need for a specific tone, genre, or perspective—and in those cases, we may consider unsolicited submissions from fee waivers. However, paid submissions are always reviewed and programmed first. We feel that it’s the most fair thing for people who have paid for their submission.
Why Submission Fees Matter:
Our festival emphasizes the in-person experience: filmmaker connections, community, and celebrating great stories together. Like filmmaking, festivals have hard costs, and submission fees help us provide an unforgettable experience for attending creators. Your support helps make that possible.
Requesting a Waiver:
If you would still like to request a waiver, please fill out the form in the link below. Incomplete questionnaires will not be considered. Information collected includes and include the following:
Film title
Total run-time
Logline
Short description
Trailer link
Social media links
List of festivals your where THIS FILM has been selected
List of festivals you have ATTENDED in person in the past year
Brief statement on why your film fits Waco Indie programming
Please note: Submissions entered by free waiver may not be reviewed until after the final selections meeting, or potentially not at all, depending on programming needs. One waiver per submitter.
Thank you again for considering Waco Indie. We wish you the best on your storytelling journey.