Getting Reel is a brand-new collaborative event between Fresno Filmworks and Goldstein’s Mortuary & Delicatessen to bring short films by Central Valley filmmakers to the heart of Fresno’s Tower District.
Submissions must be made by filmmakers who live or work in the Central Valley region of California. Filmmakers must live or work in the following counties: Butte, Colusa, Fresno, Glenn, Kern, Kings, Madera, Merced, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tehama, Tulare, Yolo, Yuba
All films must be 20 minutes or under in runtime, including credits.
Films may have been previously screened or submitted to other festivals.
Films must have been completed after January 1, 2023. Films may be submitted starting May 1 through November 1. Winners will be notified by November 6, and the winning films will be screened on November 19.
Awards and prizes will be announced at a later date.
The categories are:
- Short Narrative: Fiction films telling a story through character, dialogue, and dramatic structure.
- Short Documentary: Nonfiction films exploring real people, events, or ideas through a cinematic lens.
- Short Animation: Animated films in any style — 2D, 3D, stop-motion, or mixed media.
- Central Valley Spotlight: Open to all genres. Films must feature a story rooted in the region’s people, culture, or landscape.
The festival is free to submit and free to attend.
Submission Requirements
All submissions must be made through FilmFreeway.
Films must be submitted in English or include English subtitles.
Submission files must be high-definition (1080p minimum).
A still image and a short synopsis must accompany each submission.
Filmmakers must be able to provide a download of the film.
Selection & Judging
All submissions will be reviewed by the programming committee.
Finalists will be evaluated by a panel of judges.
Decisions of the judges are final.
Filmmakers will be notified of their selection status by email.
Screening Rights
By submitting, filmmakers grant the festival non-exclusive rights to screen the film during the festival.
The festival may use short clips or stills for promotional purposes with filmmaker credit.
No monetary compensation is provided for screening.
General Information
The festival reserves the right to disqualify any submission that does not meet eligibility requirements.
Films containing hate speech or content that demeans individuals based on race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation will not be considered.
Films containing explicit sexual content or material deemed grossly offensive will not be considered.
The festival director’s decision regarding content suitability is final.
The festival is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and operates on a volunteer basis.
Deadlines are final. No exceptions.
Film must be complete when submitted – No “works in progress” nor changes after submission. No exceptions.
No vertical, portrait or 9:16 ratio submissions.
Got Questions?
Information: info@fresnofilmworks.org or goldsteinsevents@gmail.com