Khalim Jacob

Watch 2025 716 & Art Recap

Submission deadline ends on

December 31, 2025 at 6PM EST

Frequently Asked Questions

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

• First-time filmmakers, self-taught visionaries, AND those with formal training who are pushing boundaries outside of conventional norms
• Independent filmmakers with limited access to traditional film funding or industry networks
• Filmmakers who have faced barriers in traditional film spaces—regardless of education or background
• Creators from historically underrepresented communities
• Visionaries who use film as rebellion, healing, protest, dream, or experiment

Whether you’re fresh out of film school or you’ve never stepped foot in one—if your work challenges norms and speaks truth from the fringe, this is your space.

WHAT TO SUBMIT

• Shorts/Features (15 minutes and under)
• Experimental Documentaries
• Hybrid, collage, and mixed-media film
• Silent or sound-based visual projects
• Vertical or non-traditional format films
• DIY analog formats (Super 8, VHS, camcorder, phone footage, etc.)

All genres are welcome—as long as the work is experimental in form, message, or process.

Audio Note:
We understand that experimental and DIY work can get gritty—that’s part of the beauty. That said, all films must have audio that is properly mixed—dialogue, sound design, and music should be clearly audible and not overpower one another. If your work is intentionally chaotic, please include a note explaining your choices in the artist statement.

ELIGIBILITY

• Films must be independent—no major studio backing.
• Films must be completed as of the submission date.
• English subtitles are required for non-English dialogue.
• Work must be the original creation of the submitting artist or team.
• You do not need a film degree, agent, or previous credits to apply.
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We especially encourage submissions from those who have never screened at a major festival.

KEY DATES

• Submissions Open: 9/1/2025
• Early Deadline: 11/30/2025
• Final Deadline: 12/31/2025
• Festival Date: 1/31/26

SUBMISSION FEES

We believe in access. Our fee structure is:

• Early Bird: $20 (ends 11/30)
• Regular: $35

HOW TO SUBMIT

Please submit via the form below.
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Each submission must include:
• A streaming link (Vimeo, YouTube, etc.) with password if applicable
• Brief filmmaker bio (100–200 words)
• A short artist’s statement or intention behind the work (max 300 words)
• Optional: Any personal context you'd like us to consider (background, process, obstacles)

WHAT WE OFFER

Selected films will receive:
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• Official selection laurels
• Screening at our in-person and/or virtual festival
• Inclusion in filmmaker Q&As or artist panels
• Eligibility for audience + jury awards
• A space to be seen, heard, and celebrated without compromise

AND ONE LAST THING

Fee waivers available, no questions asked.

Just email us at leem.film@gmail.com to learn more.

No one will be turned away due to financial hardship.