Submission Form for Juried Short Films

Live screening of all jury selections & winners: May 8th, 9th & 10th, 2026
Online Screening Access: May 11th onward

Final Round Submission Deadline: Sunday March 15th at midnight!
Notification date: Sunday April 5th, 2026
*For CCBC Students: Final Late Submission date is Monday April 10th - apply here*
(Submissions opened January 26, 2026)
 SUBMISSIONS ARE BEING TAKEN THROUGH OUR FILM FREEWAY PAGE at   https://filmfreeway.com/OverleaArtsFestFilmFestival 

 

Thank you for submitting your films to the Overlea ArtsFest/CCBC Short Films Festival! All information fields must be filled out completely. You may submit up to TWO short films between 1 minute and 30 minutes in length for consideration in any category.

NEW INFO THIS YEAR:

  • This year’s film festival will be a separate 3-day event held at the CCBC Essex campus, and in partnership with the CCBC Digital Media Department.  
  • Filmmakers must be 16 years of age or older to enter.
  • You may enter in multiple film genres, but you must fill out a separate application for each genre category. 
  • There is a no fee to submit your films. But we are happy to accept a few hours of volunteer service at the film screening event. Please indicate your interest in volunteering below.
Click here to read the 2026 Fine Print policies.
Click here to review our 2026 Judging Criteria.

Thank you for submitting your films to the 2026 Overlea ArtsFest/CCBC Short Films Festival! If you have any issues with your submission, please email contactus@OverleaArtsFest.org for assistance. 

Good Luck!

The Overlea ArtsFest Board & the CCBC Essex Digital Media Department

Social Media Links (please include all that apply)
List the info about your submission pieces below.
You may enter up to 2 films total. They may be in different film genres, but you must fill out a separate application for each genre category.
Share up to two Vimeo or YouTube links for your films below:
Submission #1
Is this film created primarily using artificial intelligence content (e.g., for scriptwriting, visuals, animation, voice, or other major creative contributions)?
NOTE: Use of AI tools for routine editing tasks (color correction, audio cleanup, subtitling) is permitted for any standard categories. Any significant use of AI in the creative process must be disclosed below in your reply to the following question.
Do you certify that the film and all its elements (including but not limited to music, footage, images, text, audio, graphics, and artwork) are either: 1) My original creation, OR 2) Used with proper licenses, permissions, and clearances from the copyright holders, OR 3) In the public domain?
Do you certify that all music contained in the film is: 1) Originally composed for this film with proper agreements, OR 2) Licensed from legitimate sources (library music, sync license, Creative Commons, etc.), OR 3) In the public domain?
I have obtained all necessary releases, permissions, and clearances for: 1) On-screen talent and recognizable individuals, 2) Private property and trademarked locations, 3) Copyrighted artwork, logos, or branded materials visible in the film, 4) Stock footage, archival materials, or found footage.
Submission #2
Is this film created primarily using artificial intelligence content (e.g., for scriptwriting, visuals, animation, voice, or other major creative contributions)?
NOTE: Use of AI tools for routine editing tasks (color correction, audio cleanup, subtitling) is permitted for any standard categories. Any significant use of AI in the creative process must be disclosed below in your reply to the following question.
Do you certify that the film and all its elements (including but not limited to music, footage, images, text, audio, graphics, and artwork) are either: 1) My original creation, OR 2) Used with proper licenses, permissions, and clearances from the copyright holders, OR 3) In the public domain?
Do you certify that all music contained in the film is: 1) Originally composed for this film with proper agreements, OR 2) Licensed from legitimate sources (library music, sync license, Creative Commons, etc.), OR 3) In the public domain?
I have obtained all necessary releases, permissions, and clearances for: 1) On-screen talent and recognizable individuals, 2) Private property and trademarked locations, 3) Copyrighted artwork, logos, or branded materials visible in the film, 4) Stock footage, archival materials, or found footage.
Please answer the following questions:
Overlea ArtsFest Inc. and CCBC reserve the right to feature jury-selected and winning films on our websites, share them on our social media platforms, and screen them in our public festival events. Overlea ArtsFest Inc., CCBC and Baltimore County and the State of Maryland are not responsible for any loss or damages resulting from the promotion and screening of this film. I agree to indemnify and hold harmless Overlea ArtsFest Inc., CCBC, Baltimore County and the State of Maryland, their staff, volunteers, sponsors, and seminar facilitators from any claims, damages, or legal action arising from: 1) Copyright infringement or unauthorized use of materials in my film, 2) Violation of rights of privacy or publicity, 3) Defamatory, inaccurate or unlawful content in the film.