Side Hustle Film Fest

animated GIF of light from a projector

the low-down

Side Hustle Film Fest (SHFF) is a new experience bringing together independent filmmakers and movie buffs for an entertaining evening of tasty brews and cinematic views. SHFF provides an opportunity for anyone to make a film of their choice and share it with the Denver community.

an illustration of a hand holding a Braun Nizo film camera

nerdy stuff

Submissions must abide by the following:

An original film of your own creation (get creative, go wild!)
All genres and styles welcome (live action or animated)
Rated G–R (no NC17, extreme violence, pornographic scenes, or hate speech)
Captured with any recording device (digital or analog)
Color or B&W
Shot and produced between September 2024 and June 2025
Not be publicly premiered prior to SHFF
Applicant is responsible for getting all proper licensing permission(s)
Applicant resides in the US and is 18+ years old

SHFF reserves the right to deny any film submission for any reason.

All formats are allowed if produced in landscape orientation. Some common examples:

an illustration of a tv with a 16:9 aspect ratio

16:9

an illustration of a tv with a 4:3 aspect ratio

4:3

an illustration of a movie theater screen

Other

1920x1080 (Standard HD)
2704x1520 (2.7K)
3840x2160 (4K Ultra HD)

640x480 (480p - VX1000 Footage)
1440x1080 (4:3 HD)
2880x2160 (4:3 Ultra HD)

2.39:1
1.85:1
etc.

an illustration of a mini DV tape in a vice grip

H264 or H265

an illustration of a film scene marker

Between 3 min 03 sec and 9 min 69 sec (aka 10:09)

an illustration of a hand holding a Sony VX-1000 film camera

awards

What's a film fest without some friendly competition? We created three rad awards to bestow on the chosen few.

an illustrated trophy case with the three Side Hustle Film Fest awards on display

the Side Hustle Film Fest "Prized Pig" award illustrated to look like a gold coin with a piggy bank icon

prized pig

Awarded for best film — voted on by the community — and includes a $500 cash prize!

the Side Hustle Film Fest "Slappin' sound" award illustrated to look like a gold coin with a speaker icon

slappin' sound

Awarded for best soundtrack — voted on by the community

the Side Hustle Film Fest "Poppin' Visuals" award illustrated to look like a gold coin with an eye icon

poppin’ visuals

Awarded for best visuals — voted on by the community

deadlines

11/1/2024

Applications due

12/1/2024

Applicants notified

4/1/2025

Rough draft due

summer 2025

Final film due

an illustration of a film strip with a hand planting a seed and then the seed growing into a flower

registration

Side Hustle Film Fest registration is now closed.
Follow us on Instagram for the latest updates.

an illustration of a hand pointing up