FILM SUBMISSION INFO & RULES
SUBMISSION REGULATIONS
- All film submissions must be original and unpublished content and owned fully by the presenting party or have documentation supporting the submission by any other ownership entities.
- Submissions are encouraged to be between eight and 12 minutes in length with a minimum of five minutes and a maximum of 15 minutes. Any submissions that fall outside of the time criteria will not be considered.
- Film submissions cannot be entries into any other “festival” or “film tour” within North America during 2026 or 2027.
- All entries must have copyrighted materials (i.e., supplemental footage, public use footage, still photos, etc.) cleared and documentation presented via email during the submission process. A music cue sheet will not be needed, but for any licensed music, an agreement for usage is required.
- Films must have a strong presence of highlighting the NWTF and its mission: The conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of our hunting heritage, or films must tell a story relating to NWTF’s vision statement: A nation united by the life-changing power of the outdoors. Each submission must tell a complete narrative.
- Credits are acceptable with a limit of 15 seconds at the end of the film and limited to the bottom third of the screen. Credits should be clearly legible in font choice, placement and sizing.
- Submissions will need to be made via a private or unlisted link through platforms such as Vimeo or YouTube. Selected finalists will be notified for a full resolution file delivery of their submission in any high-quality video format.
REQUIREMENTS WITH SUBMISSIONS
- Presenting party and/or film maker photograph
- Five photo still images pulled directly from the film submission
- A one-to-two paragraph written introduction about the film itself
- A one-to-two paragraph filmmaker or production company biography
- Any filmmaker or production company logo as a transparent .PNG file
- A two-minute teaser/trailer depicting the film’s story as a highlight reel submitted with the full length film
PROMOTIONS
- Each selected film will be promoted on NWTF’s Film Fest website.
- Each logo and/or film makers photograph will be featured on NWTF’s Festival website.
- NWTF social media coverage and promotion leading up to the event date.
- Film maker and film submissions to be mentioned on appropriate PR materials such as e-blasts and applicable membership promotional events.
- The six selected finalists will receive two VIP passes to the festival event.
DATES & DEADLINES
- April 10, 2027 at 12 p.m. EDT: final submission date
- April 15, 2027: top six films will be selected for presentation at the NWTF Film Fest
- May 22, 2027: NWTF Film Fest held at The Refinery — 1640 Meeting Street Rd., Charleston, South Carolina, 29405