The Rockport Film Festival (RFF) celebrates the best of independent cinema on the Texas Coast. Showcasing shorts, features, documentaries, animations and student films, Rockport Film Festival is a welcoming four-day event that highlights talent from Texas and all over the country and world.

RFF offers an affordable retreat where art meets environment, where filmmakers and attendees can network and relax, enjoying films that are rarely seen elsewhere without having to wait in long lines or navigate multiple theater venues. The Festival plays host to filmmakers, producers, industry professionals and film aficionados all in the relaxing environment of Rockport, Texas, named a "Top-10 Coastal Art Community" by Coastal Living Magazine.

Alumni include Richard Linklater (BOYHOOD), Kat Candler (HELLION), Cindy Meehl (UNBRANDED, BUCK), Niav Conty (SMALL TIME), Ben Masters (UNBRANDED, THE RIVER AND THE WALL), Tamara Saviano (WITHOUT GETTING KILLED OR CAUGHT), Robert Espericueta and Joshua Moroles (THE COLLAPSE), and Courtney Ware (SUNNY IN THE DARK).

Awards & Prizes

Best of Category Awards are presented after the festival concludes, as well as People's Choice. Special Jury designations are also often awarded: Best of Fest Award, Creative Spirit Award (for visual, performing or literary arts) and the Rotary International Humanitarian Award.

Rules & Terms

1.Submissions may be made through FilmFreeway.com

2.All genres are welcome! International films must be either be in English or have English sub-titles.

3.Films must be available for screening during the festival, October 31 - November 3, 2024.

4.By submitting a film to RFF, you agree to allow highlights or excerpts of your film (e.g. a trailer) to be placed on the RFF website and used for other marketing and promotional purposes. You also agree to allow RFF to promote the future year's festivals by using your film, in whole or part, in promotional "Best of" screenings. RFF will never solicit or screen your film outside the promotion of the RFF.

5.You may submit as many entries as you like. Each entry requires its own entry fee.

6. RFF does not accept DVDs for submission copies.

7. Secure Vimeo/You Tube links, etc. are accepted as submission copies. Secure Vimeo downloads are accepted as exhibition copies. Please provide a link and password (if applicable) to access the video. You may send link via email to karen@rockportartcenter.com.

8.The selected works will be exhibited in digital format. Exhibition submissions should be Quicktime (.mov) files in H.264 codec or secure Vimeo downloads. Blu-Ray is available for feature length films only.

9.Exhibition copies will not be returned unless explicitly requested with a pre-paid mailer included. RFF is not responsible for lost or damaged DVDs or drives. DVD screeners are not returned.

10.The entry fee is non-refundable and constitutes agreement with RFF terms and conditions.

11.Filmmaker must have obtained all clearances for exhibition and must certify that the work is original and no disputes regarding ownership exist on the film. RFF is not liable for any infringement of copyright, and is granted rights to exhibit the film as part of the RFF program.

12. Notification of selection will occur on or before October 1, 2024. RFF does not offer paid transportation or screening fees. Complimentary lodging is typically available to attending filmmakers on a first come, first serve basis.

13.Awards will be presented to the posted categories and announced after the festival concludes.

Terms & conditions: By entering the Rockport Film Festival, entrants release, and hold the promoter and host and other contest entities harmless from and against any and all losses, damages, rights, claims and action of any kind arising in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from the Rockport Film Festival. The Rockport Film Festival is neither responsible nor liable for any claim involving copyright, trademark or royalty infringements related to any film entered or exhibited at the festival. The applicants are responsible for their own insurance and are not covered by the festival's insurance. Filmmaker certifies and agrees with these terms upon completion of entry application.
27 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Matthew Thornton

    What a great festival and hub for the arts. The town, the festival creators and organizers, and the filmmaker participation… all of it was a joy. We had such a great time. Thanks so much!

    November 2023
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  • Erika Sanz

    It’s a great festival with very attentive organizers.

    November 2023
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  • Justin Rodriguez

    This Festival should be on everyone's list. Great Location and well managed. Had a great time on beach before the festival and had a seafood boil I still dream about at night. The audience was packed and their new art venue is superb. The locals are welcoming too.

    February 2023
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  • Adrian Corona

    Really enjoyed the Rockport Film Festival this year. This is the second time I've attended and hope to return in the future either as a participant or part of the audience. Great selection, great ambiance, and it's always a pleasure to visit Rockport.
    Highly recommended!

    November 2022
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  • Daniel Golovnya

    Thank you for an opportunity to show our short film on your festival! We are happy to be presented in Rockport city and share our film with your audience.
    Cheers!

    November 2022
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