Filmland 2026 Short Film Pitch Contest Application

The Arkansas Cinema Society invites emerging filmmakers to participate in our Short Film Pitch Contest during Filmland 2026. The winning filmmaker will receive a film equipment grant from Film Gear Rentals and a $5,000 cash prize to bring their vision to life, with the completed film premiering at Filmland 2027. Applications due by July 31, 2026.

Eligibility Requirements

• Contestants must have prior filmmaking experience, either as a director or key crew member
• Must be a narrative short film
• The proposed film must be shot entirely within Arkansas
• Filmmakers must be able to complete their project within 10 months of winning the grant
• Only films with a maximum total budget of $25,000 are eligible

Application Requirements

1. Application
   1. Script (if completed)
   2. Pitch Deck. (No more than 10 slides.)
      1. Deck should include:
         • Project synopsis/treatment
         • Creative vision
         • Production timeline
         • Budget overview
2. Live Pitch
   • Each contestant will have exactly 3-5 minutes to pitch their project and present their pitch deck
   • Pitches will take place live during Filmland 2026
   • No additional visual aids or materials may be presented during the live pitch beyond the submitted deck

Judging Process

• Projects will be evaluated by a panel of industry professionals
• Judges will consider:
  • Creative merit and originality
  • Feasibility within the timeline and budget
  • Filmmaker's experience and capability
  • Project's connection to Arkansas

Winner Benefits

• Film equipment grant provided by Film Gear Rentals
• $5,000 cash prize, terms and conditions apply
• Technical support and mentorship throughout production
• Guaranteed premiere screening at Filmland 2027
• Networking, marketing and promotional support from ACS

Equipment Grant Details

• Total grant value: $5,000 
• Equipment package includes: 
  
  • 1 Ton Sprinter Package w FGR provided Grip/driver
  • Lights (TBD based on need and availability)
  • Dollies/Sliders (TBD based on need and availability)
  • Generators/Power 9 (TBD based on need and availability)
  • Production Supplies/Walkies (TBD based on need and availability)
• Grant administration:
  • Equipment can be accessed for a total of 3 days 
  • Gear must be reserved in advance
  • Insurance requirements: FGR requires customers renting vehicles and large packages carry current production insurance and provide a
  • Certificate of Insurance (COI) showing their coverage limits. Specific requirements will be provided to the winner.
  • Additional technical support:  
    • In addition to the provided grip/driver on set, FGR will also help in pre-production to determine what they will need.
  • Camera and Audio Equipment will not be provided, (but FGR can help the recipient access and rent the necessary equipment)

Timeline

• Pitch decks must be submitted during application process
• Live pitches will take place during Filmland 2026 this August at AMFA
• Production must be completed by Filmland 2027
• Film will premiere at Filmland 2027

Terms and Conditions

• The winning filmmaker must provide monthly progress updates to ACS
• The completed film must credit ACS and Film Gear Rentals in opening and closing credits
• ACS reserves the right to use the film for promotional purposes
• The filmmaker retains all other rights to their work
• The cash prize may only be used on qualified production expenses as determined by ACS 
• Previous winners are not eligible to pitch in two consecutive years

For questions and submission details, contact: Grace Olson, Executive Assistant at execasst@arkansascinemasociety.org

RELEASE

I or we, as the author(s) of the screenplay mentioned above, hereby submit it to the Filmland Pitch Contest (the "Competition").

I or we exclusively own all rights to the screenplay and have the full right and authority to submit it to the Competition.

I or we will indemnify the Competition, its Judges, and hold them harmless, defending against any claims, demands, losses, costs, damages, judgments, liabilities, and expenses (including attorneys' fees) arising from claims by third parties, whether or not groundless, based on any stories submitted to the Competition or any screenplay developed from such stories.

I or we acknowledge that the Competition assumes no liability for non-receipt or loss of my/our screenplay, and I or we agree to remain fully liable in connection with it.

I or we understand that the Competition is not obligated to return my/our screenplay (or any other materials submitted) to me/us.

I or we agree to abide by the decisions of the Competition judges.

I or we grant the Competition the nonexclusive right to use my/our name(s), photograph(s), and likeness(es) in connection with publicity and promotional activities regarding the Competition.

I or we have read, understood, and complied with all guidelines and rules herein, and failure to do so may lead to disqualification.