CALL FOR ENTRIES 2026

We are seeking features and shorts, as well as stunt reels from Utah-based stunt performers.

Haymaker Film Festival is an inclusive event. Submissions from international and social/ethnic minority communities are encouraged.

Submission Requirements

• Action MUST be a central component of submissions, such as martial arts, weapon/prop fighting, physical/vehicle stunts, etc. 

• Films should be independent (or DIY) productions 

• Live action and animation films will be considered 

• We will consider films regardless of their premiere status, but preference will be given to more recent productions 

• Non-English language films must include subtitles 

• Selected projects grant Haymaker Film Festival permission to use submitted content, and any supporting materials, for promotional/marketing/merchandising purposes, including, but not limited to, footage, stills, and/or titles, as well as names and likeness of the cast and/or crew, etc.

We understand that imperfections are inherent to the budget and time constraints of independent filmmaking, however, feature-length submissions will be held to a higher technical standard. Submissions with pervasive or glaring technical deficiencies are extremely unlikely to be selected.

Utah Stunt Performers Showcase

Utah-based stunt performers are encouraged to submit their demos/stunt reels to be included as part of a showcase highlighting local talent. Submitters MUST be Utah residents! Submissions that do not meet this criteria will be disqualified. To include the maximum amount of performers, reels are preferred to be under 2 minutes in length.

This category is intended to highlight Utah-based stunt performers in an effort to energize local, independent action film production. As Utah is already home to a significant amount of film productions, both big and small, we believe there is an opportunity to bridge the gap between stunt performers, filmmakers, and audiences, and promote the creation of independent action cinema right here in the Salt Lake valley.