About/ Rules

Founded in 2015, One-Reeler is a unique international awards competition that recognizes and promotes quality short films with a runtime of 12 minutes or less. Attracting filmmakers from all over the world, the competition emphasizes original, concise and impactful storytelling – the same qualities film festivals and distributors look for. With thousands of short films submitted every year, placement in our competition signifies to the film community that your “one-reeler” is exceptional.

WHERE OUR FILMMAKERS ARE FROM:

The One-Reeler Short Film Competition is international in scope and has recognized filmmakers in Argentina, Australia, Canada, France, Hungary, Ireland, Mexico, Sweden, United Kingdom, the United States and more!

WHAT KIND OF MEDIA:

One-Reeler is an ideal venue for live-action, documentary, and animated short films. As long as your entry is 12 minutes or less and tells a story, it is eligible for submission.

JUDGING:

Judging takes place by in-house staff and a committee of industry professionals. There is one primary category: Best Short Film. In addition to the primary category, all submissions will be considered for Awards of ExcellenceMeritHonorable Mention and Special Mention. Subcategories can be selected for an additional fee.

There can be only one winner per primary category and subcategory. All submissions will be considered for Awards of Excellence, Merit, Honorable Mention, and Special Mention. A submission to the One-Reeler Short Film Competition does not guarantee placement. We receive hundreds of submissions from all over the world and not everyone can place. Winners are announced twice a year with deadlines on June 30th and December 31st. Submissions are accepted year-round.

NOTIFICATION:

All submitters will be contacted via electronic mail. After judging has concluded, winners in all categories will be notified of their placement (or no placement) and are given the opportunity to acquire awards and other keepsakes to commemorate their achievement.

RULES/ ELIGIBILITY:

• Submissions must be 12 minutes or less (excluding end credits).

• Submissions in other than English must be subtitled English.

• Screenplay submissions must be uploaded as a PDF file, typed in English, and properly formatted using 12-point Courier font. Most screenwriting software will do this for you. CLICK HERE to display an industry format guide.

• Multiple entries are allowed for each filmmaker and each entry may be entered in multiple categories.

• Please provide an online link to your submission and be sure to include the password on our submission form if applicable. DVDs are not accepted.