This year, in celebration of Pride month, we’re expanding the festival to include a number of documentary films that speak out against injustice, book banning, and the stifling of free speech.

We hope the films we air will reach hundreds of thousands of activists and will inspire them to join us in our fight to save public education.

Festival Focus & Categories

The Defense of Democracy Film Festival showcases films that address key democratic issues, including but not limited to:

THE IMPACT OF EXTREMISM ON PUBLIC EDUCATION (PREFERRED FOCUS)
BOOK BANS, CENSORSHIP, AND THE FIGHT FOR INTELLECTUAL FREEDOM
TEACHERS, PUBLIC SCHOOLS, EDUCATION

Filmmaker may submit in one or two categories:

SHORT FILMS (UNDER 40 MINUTES)
FEATURE-LENGTH FILMS (40+ MINUTES)

Key Dates & Submission Details

Submission Deadline: Early Bird - April 15, 2025
Regular Submission - May 1, 2025
Film Festival Dates: June 20-22, 2025
Selection Process: A panel of industry professionals will review submissions, select films for screening, and name one standout film Best in Show.
Satellite Screenings & Q&A: Select films will be screened in-person in cities like Dallas, New York, Massachusetts, with live discussions featuring filmmakers and experts.

FF Film Submission Form