Information for Filmmakers
The 2024 Festival in Wolfsburg
Underdog Film Festival is an annual competitive festival dedicated to the often unheard voices in motion pictures. Launched in 2023, it is now entering its second year running an submissions for the 2024 competition are now closed.
Our first event was a great learning experience and we are very grateful for all the conversations we have had with audience and filmmakers alike. For our next edition, we have made some adjustments based on said conversations. These include a slimmed down list of sections, but also the addition of a (narrative) feature film section. You can find out more below, but bear in mind that we will continue to update this website, so it helps to drop by every now and then.
If you have any questions, however, do not hesitate to reach out to us!
How we roll
COMPETITIONS
For our 2nd year running we have merged some of the sections and added a feature film category. However, as we are aiming to provide a platform for those who often fund their own projects or have limited funding available to them, we are looking to attract submissions from micro budget feature film productions. The following awards will be part of our 2024 line-up:
Please note: Student shorts have been distributed among the other categories. The submission category only served the purpose of making free submissions easier for students!
• B Reel (Shorts) (max. budget 10,000 EUR)
• Fictional Shorts (min. budget 10,001 EUR)
• Micro Budget Feature Length Films (max. budget 100,000 EUR)
• Short Docs
In addition to the section awards, there are the following awards categories:
• Best Actor in a Leading Role
• Best Actor in a Supporting Role
• Best Director
• Best Cinematography
• Best Editing
• Best Production Sound
SCHEDULE
We will be operating over the course of two days again. Screenings will be shown at different time slots in different screens, so visitors get the chance to watch everything they are interested in seeing. In addition to this there will be a filmmaking clinic and other events, both for filmmakers and audience alike. The foyer will be a place to meet and greet people or to simply hang out and enjoy the atmosphere. There will be a small opening gala as well as an awards ceremony, just like last year.
SPECIAL FEATURES
Of course, 2024 will also include a number of special events for film buffs, ink lovers and those who simply love good company. Only this year everything will be in one place at the same time with a screenign schedule.
On the weekend of 24th February and 25th February, you can also take part in (free) film workshops (advance registration mandatory) at the Faculty of Automotive Engineering at Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences.
Check our programme page for more detailed information!
RULES & TERMS
... we can only accept submissions via Filmfreeway ...
1- In order to submit a film, you must own the rights or have power of attorney from the owner.
2- All fees are non-refundable.
3- The Festival relationship will exclusively be related to the film submitter.
4- Maximum length allowed for shorts is 20 minutes, for feature films the minimum running time is 60 minutes and the maximum running time is 100 minutes.
5- Any Foreign film that is not in German or English must have English subtitles.
6- UNDERDOG FILM FESTIVAL and its affiliates will not be responsible for damaged copies.
7- A DCP, BlueRay or DVD copy of the film might be required for the screening.
8- A screening copy will be requested for the live Events with English and/or German subtitles.
9- Students must present a valid Student ID in order to receive our student discount.
10- Not all the submissions are selected for the Official Competition.
11- UNDERDOG FILM FESTIVAL can consider any film to be disqualified if the festival considers the content inappropriate.
12- Filmmakers must submit their project in any of the Official Competitions. All films submitted in any OFFICIAL COMPETITION will be considered in all Technical & Performance Categories with no extra cost.
13- A fee is required for the official Competitions Submission. For our payment structure visit FILMFREEWAY.COM
14- Submitting your film, you authorize UNDERDOG FILM FESTIVAL to use, distribute and share the film poster, trailer, synopsis and movie stills in our social media.
15- The applicants (submitters) must accept UNDERDOG FILM FESTIVAL’s Rules and Terms.