Enter WorldFest60

Independent filmmakers from any country, working in any language. Your project must have been completed after April 1, 2024, and it must be finished. Works in progress, rough cuts and unfinished edits are not eligible. Films that have already screened at other festivals are still fully eligible to compete for a Remi Award.

Entries opened July 1, 2026. The Early Bird deadline was August 31, 2026. The Main deadline is November 15, 2026, followed by the Late deadline on December 15 and the Final deadline on January 15, 2027. Entering earlier costs less. The 60th edition runs April 30 to May 8, 2027.

Whichever you prefer. The deadlines are the same and the same jury reviews every entry, so neither platform gives your film an advantage. One difference matters: screenplay categories are available on FilmFreeway only, so screenplay entries must go through FilmFreeway.

Every entry is scored on a 100-point scale using the WorldFest Creative Excellence Matrix, which weighs originality, storytelling, technical execution, artistic impact, emotional resonance and overall impact. Awards are earned by meeting a standard, not by filling a quota, so there is no fixed number of winners. A score of 95 or above earns a Special Jury Remi, 90 to 94 a Platinum, 85 to 89 a Gold, and 80 to 84 a Silver. Ten Grand Remi Awards are presented each year.

You provide an exhibition copy in an approved format, either DCP, Blu-ray or a digital file. WorldFest does not screen from screener links, so this is a real step worth planning for. You will also be asked for an electronic press kit with stills, poster artwork, a synopsis, a director biography and headshot, and credits. One thing worth knowing: an award and a screening are separate. Films that have screened elsewhere compete fully for awards, while screening slots are generally reserved for films making their first appearance in Houston.

A personalized award notification, a VIP invitation to the 60th edition, complimentary Platinum Festival Credentials, discounted passes for cast, crew, friends and family, official WorldFest laurels, and a framed Remi Award Certificate. The WorldFest Remi statuette goes to the ten Grand Remi winners. Additional certificates, duplicate awards and commemorative pieces can be ordered from the WorldFest shop, with winners covering shipping.

Yes. WorldFest is an international festival and we welcome entries from any country in any language. Foreign-language projects must include English subtitles. We encourage captions or subtitles on every entry, which makes your film accessible to more of our audience and our jury.

You can update your submission materials through January 15, 2027. If you make significant changes after entering, let us know so we can coordinate with the jury process. One practical note: your screening link needs to stay active and accessible, including any password, through May 2027.

Entry fees are non-refundable. You can withdraw a project any time before notification. Once a film has been accepted into the festival programme, withdrawal requests are only considered in extraordinary circumstances.

Not at present. As part of our 60th edition preparations we are actively pursuing Academy Award qualifying status in select categories, alongside a wider review of our competition structure and premiere policies.