What This Is
Midnight Reels started as one night, one room, and four films that deserved a real audience. The festival is that same instinct, running every month of the year.
We're looking for local and independent short films — the ones that don't always get a shot at a real screen and a real crowd. No velvet rope, no gatekeeping. Just good work, seen the way it was meant to be seen.
Why Submit
A real screening
Selected films are featured on our monthly Showcase — not buried in a folder, actually watched.
Two shots at recognition
Win your category that month, and you're automatically entered into The Midnight Reel — our annual awards, decided once a year from twelve months of winners.
An audience that shows up
Midnight Reels built its name on a packed room. The festival brings that same crowd to your work online.
Straightforward entry fees
[PRICING TABLE / LINK] — tiered by category, cheaper the earlier you submit. Full pricing lives on FilmFreeway.
The Midnight Reel
Every month, we crown winners across our categories. Once a year, all of that year's monthly winners face off — one final time — for the festival's top honor.
Submission Guidelines
Runtime
60 minutes max, all categories. Micro-Shorts should run notably shorter — see FilmFreeway for exact category limits.
Language
All languages welcome. Non-English films must include English subtitles.
AI-assisted work
Allowed, but must be disclosed at submission if AI tools were used at any production stage. Undisclosed use can revoke selection or award status.
Selection ≠ screening
Monthly Official Selection, nomination, or award status doesn't automatically guarantee a public screening — see full terms on FilmFreeway.
Watch & Win
Submit Your Film
Local and independent work welcome, every genre, every month. Tell your story — we'll get it in front of the room.