How do I submit?
We only accept submissions on FilmFreeway and can't accept physical CD's or storage devices. Follow the link above to submit!

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My film fits into multiple categories - which one should I submit to?

Submit your film into any one applicable category, and our screeners will make sure the film is considered in every relevant category. You'll only pay once!

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How much does it cost to submit a film?

Films submitted before the Early Bird deadline - June 30th - are priced at $25. Film submissions after this deadline are priced at $30. A submission in the Young Filmmaker (6 - 12) category is just $5. Fees are added by and go to FilmFreeway/our event venue, not the festival. Gold FilmFreeway members receive a 10% discount on all submissions.

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I'm not from Oak Park, can I still submit my film?
An "Oak Park Connection" can mean many things, not just calling it our home. This connection could be through cast, crew, shooting location or subject matter. Let us know the connection when you submit your film.

What kinds of films are accepted?
OPILFF accepts all sorts of films: shorts, features, documentaries, narrative across all genres, including animation and music videos. Check out our FilmFreeway page for specific categories!

Do you accept late submissions?
We will not accept submissions after our July 31st deadline. You may submit films from any year to our festival, so don't sweat it; there's always next year!

Can films be submitted more than once?
Yes, films can be submitted a second time.

Is there a maximum length for films?
Short film submissions must be 40 minutes or under.  Features must be under 2 hours and stand a better chance if closer to an hour and a half or under.

Do they have to be submitted in DCP format?
DCP format is not required, though welcome! Otherwise common video file formats such as MP4, MOV, and ProRes are preferred.

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Do film submissions need to be recent?
We encourage you to submit any film that meets our other requirements, regardless of when it was filmed!

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Does being at another film festival or posted online disqualify a film?
It does not - we're excited to have your film at our festival!

Are there monetary prizes for winners?
There is currently no monetary compensation for our festival awardees.

Is there a script writing competition?
Not currently.

Does the festival help with travel expenses?
Not currently.

Do filmmakers get free admission?
Yes, filmmakers whose films are accepted to the festival receive 2 weekend passes. The kickoff event is ticketed separately and not included in the free filmmaker pass.

Who are the judges?
Films submitted the festival are screened and judged by the members of the OPILFF Board. 

Why Is there sometimes not a "Best of..." winner in every category?
We require there to be at least 3 entries shown in a category to qualify for an award. However, the board, at its discretion, may award Certificates of Merit to certain entries that don't qualify when there are fewer.

Why did an especially worthy performance or aspect of a film not win an award?
In order to recognize numerous filmmakers the board has adopted a policy that a film cannot win more than one award plus on performance award.
 

Is the OPILFF on IMDb?

We're a young festival and IMDb requires a 5-year history to appear. Get in on the ground floor and support local film!