Dates & pricing.
Submissions are open now. Final close September 20. Three categories, three chapters, one FilmFreeway listing.
Submit by June 30 to lock the lowest price.
Micro-Shorts start at $24 · Shorts at $26 · Features at $32. Prices climb after.
Founders’ Thirty · 30% off Submission Waiver
The first 30 filmmakers to submit to Reel Seasons receive 30% off on their first entry across any chapter — Reel Fear, Reel Pulse, or Reel Wonder. Apply the code at FilmFreeway checkout.
Limited to the first 30 entries · One waiver per filmmaker · While supply remains
Festival calendar.
| Chapter | Genre | Dates | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reel Fear | Horror | Oct 23 – 24, 2026 | A Historical Theatre · Jacksonville |
| Reel Pulse | Drama & Documentary | Nov 20 – 21, 2026 | A Historical Theatre · Jacksonville |
| Reel Wonder | Black Cinema & Fantasy | Dec 9 – 10, 2026 | A Historical Theatre · Jacksonville |
Official venue announcement coming soon.
Reel Fear & Reel Pulse · Submission feesSubmission fees.
Length-tiered pricing for Reel Fear (horror) and Reel Pulse (drama & documentary). Reel Wonder pricing — by strand — appears below.
| Category | Early Bird May 15 – Jun 30 | Regular Jul 1 – Jul 31 | Late Aug 1 – Aug 31 | Extended Sep 1 – Sep 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Micro-Short · under 10 min | $24 | $28 | $36 | $42 |
| Short · 10 – 39 min | $26 | $32 | $38 | $45 |
| Feature · 40 min + | $32 | $38 | $45 | $55 |
Reel Wonder submission fees.
Reel Wonder programs two strands. Pricing follows the strand, not the runtime — any length is welcome within each.
Kwanzaa Celebration · Black Cinema Any length
| Filmmaker | Early Bird May 15 – Jun 30 | Regular Jul 1 – Jul 31 | Late Aug 1 – Aug 31 | Extended Sep 1 – Sep 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | $24 | $28 | $36 | $42 |
| Student | $18 | $22 | $28 | $34 |
| FilmFreeway Gold | $20 | $25 | $32 | $36 |
Fantasy · Animation · Holiday Spirit Any length
| Filmmaker | Early Bird May 15 – Jun 30 | Regular Jul 1 – Jul 31 | Late Aug 1 – Aug 31 | Extended Sep 1 – Sep 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | $26 | $32 | $38 | $45 |
| Student | $20 | $25 | $30 | $36 |
| FilmFreeway Gold | $23 | $28 | $34 | $40 |
Student rates require valid student ID at delivery. FilmFreeway Gold rates apply automatically when logged in as a Gold member.
Discounts & waiver codes.
- FOUNDERS30 — the first 30 filmmakers to submit receive a 30% off waiver on their first entry across any chapter
- Reel Wonder · Student & FilmFreeway Gold rates — already built into the Reel Wonder pricing table above. No code needed; rates apply automatically when eligibility is detected at FilmFreeway checkout.
- Reel Fear & Reel Pulse · Students — 20% off already built into FilmFreeway checkout (current student ID required at delivery)
- Reel Fear & Reel Pulse · FilmFreeway Gold members — 10% off, applied automatically at checkout
- Jacksonville & local Florida filmmakers — 15% off any chapter with code JAXLOCAL15
- One discount per submission. Discounts do not stack with the Founders’ Thirty waiver.
How to submit.
Submissions are managed through FilmFreeway. Upload a ProRes 422 HQ or H.264 master at 1080p minimum (4K UHD preferred), 23.976 or 24 fps, AAC stereo or 5.1 audio. Non-English dialogue requires English subtitles, burned-in or as an SRT.
Rules & Terms.
Films must fit one of the three chapters (Reel Fear, Reel Pulse, Reel Wonder) to be eligible. Selected films must deliver a screening master (H.264 or ProRes) for theatrical projection. All submission fees are non-refundable. Selection is at Lumina’s sole discretion; submission does not guarantee screening. Filmmakers indemnify Lumina Media Group, LLC for any third-party claim arising from their work. Reel Seasons is a first-year festival.
The first 30 filmmakers submit for 30% off.
Use code FOUNDERS30 at FilmFreeway checkout. After the 30 fills, Early Bird pricing opens at $24 standard. Don’t wait for Extended.