USA Film Festival — Festival Description

Mission & Objective

The USA Film Festival is a long-running, Dallas-based nonprofit film arts organization dedicated to encouraging and recognizing excellence in film and video arts.

Through its year-round programs, special events, filmmaker discussions, educational initiatives, and annual festival, the organization provides audiences with opportunities to discover new films while engaging directly with filmmakers and established artists.

The festival places a strong emphasis on filmmaker interaction, curated programming, and the celebration of emerging, mid-career, and master filmmakers.

About the Festival

The 57th Annual USA Film Festival will take place in Dallas in April 2027.

The festival is a curated event featuring selected new feature films and short films, including U.S. and international productions. Programming includes narrative, documentary, experimental, animated, and other forms of filmmaking, alongside tributes and retrospectives honoring influential artists.

Since its founding in 1971, the USA Film Festival has presented thousands of studio and independent films and has welcomed filmmakers and film professionals from around the world.

Selected filmmakers have the opportunity to present their work to audiences and participate in discussions following screenings.

Filmmaker Support

Selected feature filmmakers may be eligible for air travel assistance for U.S. filmmakers and lodging for participating filmmakers to attend the festival. These resources are limited and are distributed as films are booked.

Filmmakers are also honored through festival receptions and on-stage discussions surrounding their work.

Programming & Tributes

The festival presents curated programs featuring:

• Narrative and fiction films
• Documentary films
• Animated films
• Experimental films
• Short films
• Feature films
• U.S. and international cinema
• Filmmaker discussions
• Master artist tributes
• Retrospectives

Tributes and retrospectives may recognize notable directors, actors, screenwriters, cinematographers, composers, editors, art directors, and other influential film artists.

Short Film Submission Rules

• Short films must be under 60 minutes in length.
• The running time is calculated from the first frame through the final frame of the end credits.
• Each submission must be accompanied by the applicable entry fee.
• Entrants must select one primary category:
  • Narrative/Fiction
  • Nonfiction
  • Student
  • Animation
  • Experimental
  • Texas
• Animated films should identify the animation method or methods used, such as AI, illustration, or stop motion.
• Short films must have been completed between January 1, 2026 and February 1, 2027.
• Films containing uncredited or unauthorized copyrighted music, literary material, or other copyrighted properties are not eligible.
• The competition is open to both professional and nonprofessional filmmakers.
• Films must be submitted in the completed form in which they will be reviewed.
• Work-in-progress films may be accepted, but the final version must be submitted by the festival’s extended late deadline.

Feature Film Submission Rules

• Feature films of all genres are accepted.
• U.S. and international productions are eligible.
• Features are generally considered to be 60 minutes or longer.
• Professional and nonprofessional filmmakers may submit.
• All shooting formats are accepted.
• Feature films must have been completed between January 1, 2025 and February 15, 2027.
• Work-in-progress films may be submitted, provided the final version is completed by the applicable deadline.
• Selected feature filmmakers may be eligible for air travel and local lodging assistance, subject to limited availability.
• Filmmakers may participate in festival receptions and on-stage discussions.

Festival Requirements

All screenings take place in Dallas as part of the Annual USA Film Festival.

Films must not have premiered previously in the North Texas area before the festival.

Applicants are notified of their submission status by the festival’s stated notification date.

Important Festival Note

The USA Film Festival is a noncompetitive event. Films selected for inclusion are not prevented from subsequently being considered for competitive festivals or awards at events such as the Cannes Film Festival.

Festival Highlights

Founded: 1971
Location: Dallas, Texas, USA
Format: Curated film festival
Program: Short films, feature films, tributes and retrospectives
Eligibility: U.S. and international filmmakers
Short Film Runtime: Under 60 minutes
Professional Status: Open to professional and nonprofessional filmmakers
Festival Type: Noncompetitive