Submit a Film

Film submissions for the 2026 festival are now open.

Submit Today

The WYO Film Festival accepts film submissions from first-time filmmakers, established directors, and storytellers of all backgrounds who are creating bold independent work. Held in Sheridan, Wyoming, the festival showcases narrative features, documentaries, short films, Indigenous stories, Wyoming-made work, and family-friendly animation and genre films while creating meaningful connections between filmmakers and audiences. Explore deadlines, submission categories, and filmmaker perks, then submit through FilmFreeway.

Who should submit?

First-time filmmakers?

YES!

Seasoned filmmakers?

YES!

Over-seasoned filmmakers?

Yeah, sure, you can apply too.

Slightly under seasoned filmmakers?

Absolutely!

You if you've made it this far?

What are you waiting for!?

Submission Categories

A fiction film with a runtime of 60 minutes or longer. Open to all genres and styles that showcase strong storytelling, direction, and performance.

A nonfiction film with a runtime of 60 minutes or longer. Open to films exploring real stories, people, and places through creative and compelling documentary craft.

A narrative, documentary, or experimental film with a runtime under 40 minutes. Open to filmmakers of all backgrounds and styles.

Films of any length and genre created by Native or Indigenous filmmakers, or centered on Indigenous culture, identity, or experience.

Short genre films that embrace the bold, bizarre, and boundary-pushing — including horror, thriller, sci-fi, or cult cinema. Films selected in this category may screen in our After Dark Short Block.

Open to films that are set, at least in part, in Wyoming and/or are made by Wyoming residents. The category is open to films of any length.

Animated short films suitable for all ages with a runtime under 20 minutes. Selected films screen during our Saturday morning “cartoon breakfast” — complete with cereal, coffee, and PJs encouraged.

5 good reasons to submit

Submit Today

Travel and lodging

Filmmakers selected will receive an invitation for a trip to Sheridan, Wyoming to participate in the WYO Film Festival where we cover a portion of travel and lodging expenses. Not convincing enough? Keep reading…

Parties and social events

We organize nightly social events and parties, giving filmmakers an opportunity to network and fest attendees the opportunity to connect with our attending filmmakers.

A celebration of film

You won’t find any fancy red carpet to strut your stuff down here. We’ve opted for a more laid-back environment in celebration of all things film.

Engaging discussion

We invite our attending filmmakers to participate in engaging discussions after your film has been screened and give our audience the opportunity to ask questions.

Explore our backyard

Sheridan sits at the base of the stunning Bighorn Mountains in Wyoming. We’ve arranged afternoon mountain excursions with local guides for our filmmaker friends in the past. Or if going solo is more your style there’s no shortage of wilderness to explore.

Key Dates & Deadlines

Opening Submission Date

November 3, 2025

Earlybird Deadline

January 5, 2026
Closed

Regular Deadline

May 11, 2026
Submit Today!

Extended Deadline

June 15, 2026
Upcoming

Notification Date

July 13, 2026
Upcoming

9th Annual Fest

October 1-4, 2026
Upcoming

What Filmmakers Are Saying

Mike Overton

Filmmaker, Los Angeles

Yadid Hirschtritt Licht

Filmmaker, Chicago

“A one of a kind festival held in one of the most beautiful places on earth — seriously. Its organizers have clearly poured their hearts and souls into making WYO something special for anyone lucky enough to attend. 6/5 across the board. Thank you, WYO– looking forward to your bright future ahead!”

“Thank you again for including Kid President in your most recent festival! I had the most incredible time!! Breton and the rest of the organizing team were warm and welcoming. The Saturday Morning Cartoons block was so fun, as kids arrived to the screening in PJs and enjoyed the films while eating cereal!

The WYO Film Festival team put on a truly special festival and fostered a community of filmmakers and aficionados over the course of the weekend. 10/10 would recommend submitting. This festival was truly unlike any other I’ve ever been to before!”