Submit Your Films
Rūng Film Festival is now accepting short and long form independent films for submission into our film festival. Deadline is December 1, 2023. Winners will be awarded cash prizes and their films will be featured at our festival.
LEARN MORE
Supported By Celebrities
Rūng Film Festival is supported by Pakistani American Hollywood celebrities, Faran Tahir and Kamran Shaikh as committee advisors. Winners will receive their film awards from these and other well known Pakistani artists and filmmakers.
SUBMIT YOUR FILM
Deadline: December 1, 2023
Early submissions of independent films to Rūng Film Festival ends December 1, 2023.
Don't miss the deadline. Submission fee increases after the deadline.
SUBMIT YOUR FILM
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Fostering an inclusive and equitable film industry culture by amplifying films and filmmakers of color, focusing on Pakistani American creatives who shatter stereotypes and challenge biases—cultivating connections with the global creative community.

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What is Rūng Film Festival?

Rūng Film Festival aims to empower minority communities by supporting marginalized filmmakers of Pakistani-American Heritage and offer a platform for thoughtful dialogue. The film festival aspires to play a crucial role in enhancing representation, promoting diversity, connecting creatives, and contributing to a more inclusive and equitable film industry across Texas and beyond.

The Urdu word “rūng” means “color.” Color is our visual interpretation of how light bounces off surfaces. Films can mirror this facet of the visible spectrum by broadcasting narratives about people of color, thereby conveying their unique perspectives. 

Professional and Career Opps

This first of its kind festival in Houston, Texas, Rūng Film Festival will be more inclusive and equitable in our selection of films and provide invaluable resources through education and workshops. The project will feature scholarly guest speakers from film, media, and related artistic disciplines for an enriched audience experience. The feedback to participating filmmakers will specifically enhance career opportunities for minority filmmakers.

Economic Impact

The festival also plans to economically impact and promote tourism for the State of Texas. Rung Film Festival is excited to offer opportunities for educational initiatives such as workshops, panels, and interactive discussions. Integrated educational programs promoting media literacy and encouraging representation and dialogue on social issues lend the festival a vital force for conversations surrounding diversity, inclusion, and social justice.

RFF is planned for May 2024 in Houston, TX. In-person attendance at the Rung Film Fest & Awards is encouraged. Tickets for RFF will be available at a later date. Check back for festival date and tickets soon.

Early deadline

DEC 1, 2023
11:59 p.m.

CST-USA

Eligibility

All filmmakers are eligible to participate with the following parameters:

  • The cast or crew member of the film includes at least 1 individual of Pakistani heritage (from any country) or a minimum of 2 Urdu language sentences in the script, scene, song, and/or even as part of the background score.
  • Films must be completed within the last three years, from 2020 – 2024.
Submission Format

RFF will only accept digital submissions through FilmFreeway.com. All submissions must include the film title, director’s name, duration, and any additional materials requested.

Submission Fee

RFF requires a fee for each submission, which ranges from $20 – $35 USD. We’re also offering Student and Gold member discounts. Fee for each category increases closer to the entry deadline. Learn more about the categories and fees.

If submitting a student film, a valid student ID is required at the time of submission on Filmfreeway website.

Submission fees are nonrefundable.

Deadlines

Submission Begins:
Sep 1, 2023

Early Submission ends:
Nov 1, 2023

Regular Submission ends:
Jan 1, 2024

Final submission ends:
Jan 30, 2024

Festival submission notification: Feb 29, 2024

Film Festival: May 4 – 5, 2024

Submission Begins: Sep 1, 2023

Early Submission ends: Nov 1, 2023

Regular Submission ends: Jan 1, 2024

Final submission ends: Jan 30, 2024

Festival submission notification: Feb 29, 2024

Film Festival: May 4 – 5, 2024

Rights & Permissions

Submissions must have rights and permissions for all content in the film, including music, images, and other copyrighted media. RFF may ask for proof of clearance during the submission process.

Language & Subtitles

Films with audio recorded in a language other than English must provide English subtitles when submitting the films.

Supporting Materials

RFF may request additional materials such as a director’s statement, synopsis, stills, banners, social media tags, or a trailer. It is recommended that submissions include these materials in the required format to enhance the chances of selection.

Awards & Prizes
  • Grand Jury Award includes trophy, cash and gift certificate prizes.
  • Honorable Mention for Short, Feature, and Student films
  • Audience Choice Award for Short, Feature, and Student films.

Learn more about the awards and prizes.

Privacy Policy

We at Rung Film Festival (RFF) are committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal information. Your submission authorizes RFF to use, distribute, and share the film poster, trailer, synopsis, and movie stills on our social media.

DEADLINE:
DEC 1, 2023
11:59 p.m.

TIME ZONE:
CST-USA

Support
us

Sponsor the Rung Film Fest

We invite the Houston businesses and professionals to sponsor the Rung Film Festival. For details contact: admin@indusartscouncil.org

Sponsor the Rung Film Festival

We invite the Houston businesses and professionals to sponsor the Rung Film Festival. For details contact: admin@indusartscouncil.org

Contact

Shahid Iqbal

+1 800.959.5204

admin@indusartscouncil.org

Monday – Friday 
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
CST U.S.A.