PRESENTS

OUR 6th ANNUAL

ARTS FEST

FILM CHALLENGE SHOWCASE

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

THEME FOR 2026 FILM CHALLENGE

"DISCOVERY"

WHAT DOES "DISCOVERY" MEAN EXACTLY?

We're accepting all types of genres! Even though the festival's theme is "Cosmic Voyage," our film challenge is centered around a noun that can be up to your own interpretation! "DISCOVERY" can be a place, an item, or even a feeling such as self-discovery. Ultimately we encourage you to create a film that not only fits the theme, but a film that can live on beyond our festival that you and your team can continue to celebrate and be proud of!

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GUIDELINES

RUN-TIME: 4 MIN (MAX WITH CREDITS)

GENRE: Up to you!

CREDITS: Include Eccentric Artists Logo stating "This film was made for the 2026 Shameless Plug: Film Challenge Showcase."

If you are submitting a film that was previously made, then you DO NOT need to include our logo in the credits. ONLY original films made for the showcase.

NOTE: We will consider films that were made prior to the challenge that fits the theme — however it will be stated as a pre-made film and will be noted during judging status.

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AWARD CEREMONY

WILL TAKE PLACE RIGHT AFTER Q&A WITH ALL THE FILMMAKERS!

AWARDS WILL BE GIVEN TO:

1ST PLACE (CASH PRIZE)

2ND PLACE

3RD PLACE

AUDIENCE AWARD WINNER

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SUBMISSION TIMELINE

MILESTONE #1

FILMMAKER REGISTRATION:

Apply and notify us before the 2nd milestone on if we'll anticipate a preview of your film on Sun. Sept 6th!

MILESTONE #2

FILM PREVIEW DEADLINE:

Sun. Sept 6th, 12 PM PT

*This will be our official selection phase. Rough Cuts can be submitted! All original concepts are more likely to be admitted first, but will undergo supervision before selection. Once SELECTED, then filmmakers will be given an additional 2 weeks to finalize their film in post-production and submit a final copy at the next milestone.

MILESTONE #3

FINAL POLISHED FILM DELIVERY:

Sun. September 20th, 11:59 PM PT

This registration form is FREE. Only films that are OFFICIAL SELECTIONS will be issued a $25 Filmmaker Fee in order to screen at our festival.

2026 Filmmaker Registration Form

Film Theme: DISCOVERY

Although our festival theme leans toward sci-fi with "cosmic voyage", what we want filmmakers to embody in their films is a sense of DISCOVERY which can be interpretted in any genre of your choosing. Whether it's an adverture like Indiana Jones, or a slice of life film about self-discovery—all these still lead back to the film challenge theme!

First name

Last name

Phone

Social Media Handle

Department Position (Producer, Director etc)

What type of film will you be submitting?

I'll be submitting an ORIGINAL film specifically made for this challenge.

I have a previous film that fits the theme!

Tell us a lil bit about yourself and why you'd like to participate in this year's Film Challenge!

TERMS & AGREEMENTS:

I understand that it is FREE to register my interest in sending in a film challenge short film, only AFTER my film has been selected will a fee be issued to officially participate our screening.
I understand that by sending in this registration that I will be receiving emails from Eccentric Artists pertaining to the 6th Annual Shameless Plug: Film Challenge Showcase (which WILL contain a follow-up form for the collection of my film).
I understand that 2026 Shameless Plug Arts Festival is a FREE public event that encourages a friendly, collaborative space for everyone and that I will be MINDFUL of this when creating my film.
I understand this registration does not guarantee me an official spot at the 2026 Shameless Plug Arts Festival unless my film submission is directly approved by Eccentric Artists.
I understand that depending on the influx of anticipated submissions, there is still a guranteed fixed programming time. All films will still undergo supervision and selection in our Official Selection phase. A cap may be placed on registration to gurantee screening.
I understand that the 2026 Shameless Plug Arts Festival film submissions still undergo an official selections process by Eccentric Artists. Not all Film Challenge submissions are guaranteed a spot by submitting.
- *HOWEVER PLEASE NOTE that film challenge submissions that are ORIGINAL and made specifically for our challenge will get screening priority in the selection process. Originals are likely to screen and are supervised to ensure its acceptable to screen in our venue space.
As a Filmmaker, I understand that schedule changes may occur leading up to the Festival.

After registration:

I understand that I will be responsible for following the guidelines/deadlines of the Film Challenge Showcase.
- FILM SUBMISSION (Preview): Sunday, Sept 6th at 12 PM PT (Previews can be Rough Cuts or proof of concept, please explain what is missing from the cut we're reviewing & what we would expect with the final product if selected).
  - At this time, we would appreciate at least ONE STILL IMAGE for marketing or a Film Poster for promo.
  - Films that are approved for selection will be given TWO WEEKS to finalize their film.
- POLISHED FILM DEADLINE (IF SELECTED): Sunday, Sept 20th at 11:59 PM PT
  - We strongly advise following these milestone deadlines so our team behind the scenes can prep your film for our screening with ease! ✨

Once your film is approved as an OFFICIAL SELECTION by Eccentric Artists, only then will the Filmmaker be charged with a $25 Filmmaker Fee in order to participate in the Film Challenge Showcase screening. This fee will secure your spot at our festival and also provide marketing of your involvement on our website & social media.
- Please note that processing fees will be distributed under Eccentric Artists, LLC only— no one else should be invoicing you. This will be sent soon after official selections are emailed to you.