Independent Short Film Festival  ◊   Submitting Your Film  ◊   Entry  ◊   Entry Form  ◊   Shipping  ◊   Awards  ◊   Features  ◊   Sponsors  ◊   Panels   ◊   Contact Us  ◊   Main Info Page

The Annual Dragon*Con Independent Short Film Festival

Director: Matthew M. Foster

Each year we focus on showcasing the finest independent short films of the fantastic.  We welcome not only Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Horror films, but any film of the imagination that steps out of the slice-of-life category.  That includes short animated films of all types.

The Dragon*Con Independent Film Festival is a four day event of film screenings and panels, with directors, producers, writers, actors, SFX & makeup artists all sharing their expertise. The Festival competition is for short films (under 60 minutes). A few independent features are shown (out of competition).

Please go to the Main Festival Page for more information on the Dragon*Con Film Festival and on Film Panels at Dragon*Con.

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Submitting Your Film

Film submission is closed for 2008. If you'd like to learn about the films we accepted for 2007, take a look at the descriptions by clicking here.

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Entry & Fees

Our Entry Fee is: $35. However, you can receive a $5 discount by using an “upgraded project” on www.withoutabox.com. (see below)

• Each film must have a entry form filled out online (see below) and fee.
• Entries must be submitted on DVD (preferred) or VHS videotape (½" at SP 2-hr speed) in NTSC format. Foreign-language work must be dubbed or subtitled in English.
• You need not attend the convention to participate.
• Checks or money orders should be made out to “Dragon*Con, Inc.”

More information is available here.

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Entry Form

The Dragon*Con Independent Short Film Festival prefers paperless entries submitted via The International Film Festival Submission System on the Web at: www.withoutabox.com.

Withoutabox provides cost-saving, online entry to major film festivals throughout the U.S. and in Europe with one master entry form, allowing you and us to enter your film more quickly and with greater accuracy. This method is free and easy.

Withoutabox offers the advantages of EXTENDED DEADLINES, ONLINE PAYMENT, and an ONLINE PRESS KIT with submissions.

More information on submitting your film is available here.

During the extended deadline period, we are only accepting submissions through Withoutabox.

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Shipping

Cost of shipping is the responsibility of the entrant. Exhibition copies must be sent to the festival prepaid. The festival cannot accept responsibility for damage or loss of materials while in transit. Disks/tapes will NOT be returned. Please protect your disk with a plastic case, and label it with your name and address, your email address, and the film's title and running time.

Please use only plastic or bubble pack cases when shipping entries. Do not use fiber envelopes as they tend to break and release fibers that can damage our equipment.

All entries must be mailed to:

Dragon*Con
ATTN: 2008 Independent Short Film Festival
PO Box 16459
Atlanta, GA 30321-0459

Please be sure to include your contact information with your film.

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Awards

The Dragon*Con Independent Short Film Festival presents Best of Festival awards to films selected as:

• Best Short
• Best Animation

Also, the jury will select a 1st place film for each genre. Specific categories will be determined based on the entries, but in the last 3 years, they have included: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Science Fiction Comedy, Thriller, Contemporary, Horror, Extreme Horror, Horror Comedy, Comedy, Parody, Magical Realism, Documentary, Animated Comedy, Animated Horror, and Animated Fantasy & Science Fiction.

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Features

The Dragon*Con Film Festival is known for presenting the best short films, but we also make room for a limited number of features. Since we show so few, these are special films not to be missed. Generally these are shown late night, so don't plan on sleeping.

If you are a filmmaker and would like your film shown during the festival, contact Matthew M. Foster.

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Sponsors

Be a part of the Dragon*Con Independent Film Festival. Your sponsorship supports short film, and helps us create one of the best film festivals in the world. Find more information at filmfest.dragoncon.net/sponsorship.htm.

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Panels and Programming

With all our great films, you might forget our panels. Don't. We'll have directors, producers, and actors passing on their experiences. More information will be available on the festival site later in the summer.

If you are a skilled professional and are interested in participating on a panel, email Matthew M. Foster.

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Volunteering

I'm looking for a few good volunteers to join the Dragon*Con Film Festival staff. If you are interested, contact For information Matthew Foster.

For more information:
Film Festival Staff page
Dragon*Con Volunteer Information

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How To Contact Us

For more information email our Film Festival director, Matthew M. Foster, or our office, or call our office Monday thru Friday, 9:00 PM - 5:00 PM EST at (770) 909-0115.

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