Call for Entries: Thin Line Fest 2026 Returns to Denton, Texas

[Maura N.]

Denton, Texas: Thin Line Fest, the longest running documentary film festival in Texas, returns March 18 to 22, 2026, bringing together filmmakers, musicians, and photographers for five days of creativity, discovery, and connection.

Known for celebrating stories that live in the in-between, Thin Line Fest explores the liminal spaces where sound meets vision, friction meets harmony, and truth meets imagination. This year’s festival promises an even more immersive experience with citywide film screenings, music performances, curated panels, pop up visual art installations, and mini workshops that invite attendees to dive deeper into the intersection of art and storytelling.

Submit Your Film​

Filmmakers are now invited to submit their work through FilmFreeway. Categories include:

• Best Overall Feature Documentary
• Best Overall Short Documentary
• Emerging Filmmaker
• Best Cinematic Vision (Feature Documentary)
• Best Student Documentary (open to students of all ages and levels)
• Best “Sound on Screen” (films centered on music, sound, or musicians)
• Best Music Video
• Best Local Music Video (for DFW based filmmakers or bands)

Submission Deadlines:
Regular Deadline: November 30, 2025
Late Deadline: December 31, 2025
Extended Deadline: January 20, 2026
Notification Date: January 22, 2026

Festival Dates: March 18 to 22, 2026
Location: Downtown Denton, Texas

Awards and Recognition​

Cash prizes and sponsored awards will be presented at the festival or shortly after. Winners may also receive certificates of credit mailed from award sponsors within two to three weeks after the festival.

Experience the Connection​

Beyond screenings, Thin Line Fest 2026 invites creators and audiences to connect through conversations, live Q and A sessions, and performances by world class musicians. It is a place where documentary film, sound, and photography intersect, and where every submission contributes to that dialogue.

Photography Submissions​

Photographers can submit their work at artcall.org to be featured in the visual art exhibitions throughout the festival.

Submit your film today and be part of the story that defines the Thin Line, where art and truth collide.

For rules, terms, and complete submission details, visit FilmFreeway.com/ThinLine.

Contact:
Thin Line Fest
1501 South Loop 288, Suite 105, PMB 147
Denton, Texas 76205
United States