About

MSF was created with one purpose in mind. Embracing, recognizing, and showcasing independent films. Films that slam an edgy topic in less than forty minutes are true masterpieces and should be commemorated as such.

Of course, traditional and mainstream shorts are also valuable. Everyone loves a great comedy or an informative documentary. There are a myriad of genres that our team of industry professionals are eager to see and evaluate. Our reviewers have knowledge and experience in the genre of films they evaluate. They also understand the complexities and challenges associated with creating independent films.

In addition, winning films are screened by the public. These individuals are your target demographic. They give valuable insight to both the quality of your film and its potential marketability. When you win here, you are winning with the public.

AWARDS:

All winning entries are promoted through our social media and website with any combination of log line, synopsis, film stills, poster, and/or trailer.

For this purpose, we recommend that projects must be fully entered on FilmFreeway, including film stills, production pictures, downloadable poster, and trailer or teaser.

All projects officially selected in each season receive an Awards laurel and custom digital certificate. Some of the award-winning films are screened at the Screening Room Springboro, Ohio. We accept .mov and .mp4 files that are converted in DCP with no fees.

Award winners in each cycle are eligible for the nominations for the annual awards ceremony. Additionally, our committee can decide to nominate other award-winning or finalists projects. Annual Awards ceremony is contingent on participation. As with all festivals, participation varies each year. Economy, industry events, and many other factors impact festival participation.

As an additional reward, the award winners from each category will receive the opportunity to be included in a short film package with other winners to be considered for distribution by a major film distributor. Distribution opportunities apply only to overall genre awards (i.e. best drama, best comedy, etc.) and NOT to talent recognition (i.e. best actor, best supporting actress, best ensemble cast, etc.) OR technical/crew/promotion awards (i.e. best sound, best trailer, best director, etc.)

Special Content Award:

The "on the edge award" is an ANNUAL committee-selected award. This SINGLE film is selected from all entries in all categories/genres submitted throughout the year. The criteria for this award may be any combination of: controversial/timely subject matter, innovative technical components, appropriate use of illustrative imagery, language, human behavior, or social exploration.

Please note that there is a fine line between "on the edge" and "over the edge". Films celebrating or glorifying hate, abuse, violence, prejudice, exclusion, sexism, racism, ableism or other offensive content will be disqualified.

Some categories may have no winners if there are no/inadequate submissions meeting the requirements. If low submission count occurs, MSF reserves the right to move films to the general category for consideration.