Dates & Deadlines
About festival
Welcome to the Indie Innovators Film Festival 2026—where creativity meets innovation and every story has a place to shine! We’re thrilled to celebrate bold, original voices from all corners of the indie film world. Whether your film is a gripping drama, a laugh-out-loud comedy, an eye-opening documentary, or an fantasy, sci-fi, or experimental masterpiece, we want to see your vision come to life on our screens.
At Indie Innovators, we believe film-makin is a thrilling adventure, and we’re here
Festival Amenities
Filmmaker pass
Indie Innovators Film Fest (I2F2)
8 perks included
Amenities
Filmmaker Lounge
Dedicated lounge space
Green Room
Private backstage area
Events
Filmmaker Events
Filmmakers networking events
Press Events
Media opportunities
Q&A Sessions
Audience interaction
Access
All Access Badges
Full festival access
Priority Seating
Reserved seating
Marketing
Social Media Spotlight
Online promotion
Accepted Content
Submission Categories
FeatureCloses within 7 days or closed
75 - 140 mins
Deadline: April 8, 2026
ShortCloses within 7 days or closed
60 mins of shorter
Deadline: April 8, 2026
Festival Rules
Eligibility:
Completion Date: Films must have been completed after January 1, 2023.
Exhibition Status: Submissions must not have had significant commercial, theatrical, television, or streaming release (e.g.: Amazon, Netflix, Theatrical release) )in the Bay Area prior to the festival.
Length: Feature Films: 75 minutes or longer Featurettes: 60 - 74 minutes (Not Accepted) Short Films: Under 60 minutes
Genres: All genres are accepted, including narrative, documentary, animation, experimental, and new media.
Premiere Status: Bay Area premieres are preferred but not required.
Submission Guidelines:
Entry Platform: All submissions must be made via Hiike.
Formats: Films must be submitted as secure online screeners (Vimeo, Hiike, or similar).
Language: Films not in English must have English subtitles.
Multiple Entries: Multiple submissions are allowed, but each entry must have its own entry form and fee.
Submission Deadlines and Fees: Short Early Deadline: 02/10/26 - $ 20 Feature Early Deadline: 02/10/26 - $ 30 Short Regular Deadline: 03/01/26 - $ 30. Feature Regular Deadline: 03/01/26 - $ 40 Short Late Deadline: 3/31/26- $ 40. Feature Late Deadline: 3/31/26- $ 50 (All fees are non-refundable)
Selection and Notification:
Exhibition Formats:
Accepted Formats:
Submission for consideration should be via a secured video-platform (YouTube, Vimeo, etc) - include any passwords if required. If your film is selected as winning entry in the festival, you must provide a high-quality exhibition copy (DCP file)—exact specifications will be provided upon acceptance.
Submission should be provided on a Memory Stick (of exact or greater storage to accommodate the UNCOMPRESSED FILE (422-acceptable) of the ‘Winning Entry’ with USB 3.0 (or later) capability.
Shipping: Filmmakers are responsible for inbound shipping of exhibition materials. The festival is not responsible for lost or damaged items (it is advised you make back-ups).
Rights and Clearances:
Clearances: By submitting, the filmmaker/submitter warrants they have obtained all necessary rights and permissions for music, images, and content used in the film(s) submitted.
Promotional Use: By submitting, you grant the festival permission to use excerpts (up to 2 minutes), stills, and submitted film(s) information for promotional purposes of the I2F2 festival.
Attendance and Benefits:
Passes: Accepted filmmakers will receive festival passes (number to be specified in acceptance letter).
Travel & Accommodation: The festival does not offer travel or accommodation for filmmakers, but may provide information on local deals and opportunities.
General Terms:
Liability: The festival is not responsible for any loss or damage to submitted materials (memory sticks, and any other requested collateral)
Withdrawal: Films may be withdrawn from consideration only via written notice before 04/01/26.
Agreement: Submission of a film constitutes agreement to these rules and regulations
Questions?:
Our main contact point is: Email: I2F2@proton.me
Assumption of Risk and Release (Live Event):
By attending or participating in Indie Innovators Film Fest (I2F2), you voluntarily assume all risks associated with attendance and participation, including personal injury and exposure to communicable diseases. You release Indie Innovators Film Fest (I2F2) and its affiliates from liability for injury or loss, except for proven gross negligence or willful misconduct.
Force Majeure and Cancellations: The Festival may cancel, postpone, or move events online due to circumstances beyond its control (e.g., natural disasters, pandemics, government orders). The Festival is not liable for costs or losses resulting from such changes. Should the festival be canceled for whatever reason, including the previously mentioned, winners will have their film(s) posted on video platform TBA, as humanly possible and announced within a short period after the original festival dates.
Section 1542 Waiver: You waive the provisions of California Civil Code Section 1542 regarding unknown claims. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV§ionNum=1542.
Indemnification: You agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Festival and its affiliates from claims arising from your participation, except for gross negligence or willful misconduct.
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