Introduction to the film festival
Welcome to the Neo-South Independent Film Festival, where independent filmmaking takes centre stage.
We are committed to showcasing up-and-coming talent and creating a welcoming environment for independent filmmakers as a local production company run by a group of filmmakers.
The Neo-South Independent Film Festival is a celebration of friendship and collaboration.
Its purpose is to bring to exposure and attract attention to high-quality works in order to nurture cinematic abilities and inspire the filmmaker's continuous improvement in a specific genre and visual narrative known as Neo-Noir.
Come join us for two nights of inventive and diverse storytelling on October every year
Be a part of the revolution by submitting your movie.
Sfilmmaker is our contract submission platform in China, and we look forward to your films.
Awards
DESTAR AWARD (In Competition - Asian Independent Feature / Shorties)
Best Picture
NEOSOUTH AWARD (In Competition - Asian Independent Feature)
Best Director
Best Story
Best Cinematography
Best Original Score
Best Film Editing
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FILMUDA AWARD (In Competition - Asian Independent Shorties)
Best Director (Shorties)
Best Story (Shorties)
Best Cinematography (Shorties)
Best Score (Shorties)
Best Shorts Editing (Shorties)
Rules
"In Competition" Category
Submission Eligibility:
- All entries must be Asia or South East Asia independent productions and have not been previously released theatrically or broadcast on television. To qualify for nomination for the Best Picture award, each production must have been released in 2026. Films released in the previous year or in 2025 are not eligible to compete for the Best Picture category.
Submission Deadline:
- The final submission deadline is on August 16, 2026.
Submission Format:
- All entries must be submitted in digital format via Sfilmmaker screener.
Language:
- All entries must have English subtitles or be in the English language.
Selection Process and Notification:
- The screening and selection of finalists will be conducted by a panel of local and international jury members. Selected filmmakers will be notified by September 16, 2026.
Submission Liability:
- By submitting your film to the Neo-South Independent Film Festival, you attest that you have all the legal authority to exhibit, share, and derive revenue from the film. You also attest that the film is not involved in any legal proceedings, disputes, or claims, and that the festival will not be held responsible for any claims or losses resulting from the film's screening.
By adhering to these terms and conditions, you agree that the purpose of the "In Competition" category is to emphasize the quality of high-level works in the Neo-Noir genre, in line with the festival's goal of nurturing cinematic abilities and inspiring filmmakers to continually enhance their performance in this genre.
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"Out Of Competition" Category
Participants:
- Films in this category may include special screenings, retrospectives, or works by renowned filmmakers.
Submission:
- The final submission deadline is on August 16, 2026.
Format:
- All entries must be submitted in digital format via Sfilmmaker screener.
Language:
- Films can be in any language, but English subtitles are recommended.
Judging:
- Selection of films for screening in this category will be done by a panel of curators.
Notification:
- Participants whose films are selected will be notified by the organizers.
Screening Materials:
- Participants whose films are selected must provide downloadable copies of their films for promotional and screening purposes during the festival.
Acceptance of Terms and Conditions:
- By submitting their films, participants acknowledge acceptance and compliance with the terms and conditions.
Liability:
- The organizers are not liable for any claims or losses arising from the submission or screening of films.
- Participants agree to defend and indemnify the organizers from any liability.
Final Decision:
- The decisions of the curatorial panel are final.
Broadcasting Rights:
- The organizers reserve the right to use part or all of the films for promotional purposes of the festival.
| Jury Name | Judge photos | Jury Profile |
|---|
Authorization type
Authorization Letter
Duration (several sessions)
Film Festival Features
Dates & Deadlines
2026-01-01
Submission start time
2025-04-16
Earlybird Deadline
2025-06-16
Regular Deadline
2025-07-16
Late Deadline
2026-04-16
Earlybird Deadline
2026-06-16
Regular Deadline
2026-07-16
Late Deadline
2026-08-16
Extended Deadline
2026-08-16
Submission end time
2026-09-16
Finalist notification start time
2026-09-16
Finalist notification end time
2026-10-18
Award ceremony start time
2026-10-19
Award ceremony end time
Categories and fees 优惠
2026/04/16
Earlybird Deadline
Standard: 5 Dollar
Student： 5 Dollar
2026/06/16
Regular Deadline
Standard: 8 Dollar
Student： 8 Dollar
2026/07/16
Late Deadline
Standard: 10 Dollar
Student： 10 Dollar
2026/08/16
Extended Deadline
Standard: 15 Dollar
Student： 15 Dollar
2026/04/16
Earlybird Deadline
Standard: 5 Dollar
Student： 5 Dollar
2026/06/16
Regular Deadline
Standard: 8 Dollar
Student： 8 Dollar
2026/07/16
Late Deadline
Standard: 10 Dollar
Student： 10 Dollar
2026/08/16
Extended Deadline
Standard: 15 Dollar
Student： 15 Dollar
2026/04/16
Earlybird Deadline
Standard: 5 Dollar
Student： 5 Dollar
2026/06/16
Regular Deadline
Standard: 8 Dollar
Student： 8 Dollar
2026/07/16
Late Deadline
Standard: 10 Dollar
Student： 10 Dollar
2025/04/16
Earlybird Deadline
Standard: 5 Dollar
Student： 5 Dollar
2025/06/16
Regular Deadline
Standard: 8 Dollar
Student： 8 Dollar
2025/07/16
Late Deadline
Standard: 10 Dollar
Student： 10 Dollar
Related film festivalMore
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