Welcome to GENiUS

DIFF GENiUS - Audience AwardGENiUS (formally COVIDaVINCI) is a branded ultra-short program presented by the DaVinci International Film Festival; originally launched in 2020 as “COVIDaVINCI” — a “Shelter-In-Place” film competition for those under strict mandates during quarantine.

ANYTHING GOES AT GENiUS. Well, within [creative] reason and interpretation, of course …

We have made his program extremely affordable with huge upside and visibility for our Selections. It costs $10 to submit — always has — always will.

We are looking for bold. beautiful, and creative voices in this program. Voices that break boundaries with creative expression and explore new ways of storytelling. And all in 5 minutes or less, which we all know is part of the discipline.

Over the last two years, this program has seen thousands of entries and showcased hundreds of incredible projects that were in competition for DaVinci’s “Audience Award”. Our online-live hybrid model offers exponential visibility for our filmmakers to global audiences.

Our GENiUS Selections will screen online ahead of the live event with an integrated voting system for ticketed guests. The ultra-short with the most amount of votes will be awarded the Audience Award and screened at DIFF 2020 live event.

AWARDS
  • Audience Award (pictured above)
  • Selection laurel from DaVinci International Film Festival
  • Block screening at AMC Theatres, The Grove in Los Angeles
  • Program inclusion
RULES & TERMS

PLEASE READ THE RULES & REGULATIONS BELOW BEFORE SUBMITTING.

If your project is over 5 minutes (TRT) even by a second, please DO NOT SUBMIT, as it will be disqualified and not reviewed.

GENiUS at DaVinci International Film Festival honors 100 ultra-short films with Official Selections and a shot at an Audience Award and prizes.

CLEAN AND SIMPLE:

  • No longer than 5 minutes TRT (including credits)
  • All non-English speaking films must be presented with English subtitles.
  • In the event of a film is withdrawn, DIFF will not refund or return any materials.
  • Submit as many projects as you’d like! Each film requires its own entry fee.
  • No gratuitous content or porn
  • Learn more and submit at FilmFreeway

Questions? Please contact us at genius@davincifilmfestival.com or for General Inquiries.