HUFF aims to promote underwater film making and appreciation of the beauty and diversity of all things underwater as well as encouraging the art of underwater videography. Underwater videographers from around the world are invited to submit entries for consideration for screening.

The top three films in each category, as selected by an audience vote, will be announced at the end of each show. The cumulative audience vote winners, from all shows, will be announced at the last show. The Judges Top 10 Picks will also be announced.

1. The video must be substantially original video taken underwater by the author(s), for example, 50% original underwater video. The video must be processed solely by the authors.
2. The original underwater content must be shot in the wild -- no aquarium or set up shots.
3. Other video such as topside, archival or other video may be used, for example 50% topside, archival or other video,
4. The video must be in MP4 1080p format and be less than 2 GB.
5. The video must not depict or imply any stressful or abusive actions towards marine life or the environment.
6. By submitting a work to this event, the authors grant HUFF the right to show the work, should it be accepted, in one or more showings at the 2023 HUFF presentation and virtually. Excerpts from submitted videos may also be used in the trailer or promotions for the festival.

Please provide relevant info, including the following:
1. The name of the film.
2. The name of the filmmaker(s).
3. A brief introduction of the film (100 words or less).
4. A brief introduction of the filmmaker(s) (100 words or less).
5. Photo of the filmmaker(s).
6. A Contact email for the filmmaker(s)
7. How did you become aware of the HUFF?

By submitting the above information along with your film to the 2024 Houston Underwater Film Festival, you will be declaring that all the included information is true to the best of your knowledge and that you have all legal rights, including legal rights to the music, to submit this film for public screening at the 2024 HUFF. Your submission of the film is your affirmation to the truth of this declaration, in lieu of a signature.

Acceptance Procedure

Videos will be accepted for screening at HUFF based on the decision of a jury of HUFF Committee members. The goal of the committee is to assemble the best possible underwater video show regardless of origin of the works. The jury will consider the following criteria in reaching their decisions.

1. Coherency. Does the video have an appealing theme, story, point of view or message.
2. Technical excellence.
3. Adherence to rules and guidelines.
4. Aesthetics -- music, dramatic impact, humor, etc.
5. Commercial content is discouraged.

Submission Procedure

Films must be submitted through FilmFreeway no later than January 1, 2024. Acceptance status will be communicated no later than March 1, 2024 via email.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • I am very happy to receive the second prize in my work SECRET BAY CAMOUFLAGE. I want to thank the entire organization, the jury and the public. I also want to congratulate all the fellow winners. Sorry for my English. Thank you.

    April 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Such a beautiful film! Our judges loved it. Saw that you worked with John Lloyd at Buceo Anilao. This great dive resort is a HUFF raffle sponsor every year.

  • Carolina feity

    It was an excellent experience to participate in this amazing festival!

    April 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you for trusting us with your film. Hope to see more in the future.

  • Sylvia Tops

    Hi, what a great festival! Thank you for selecting my underwater animation "True Love"! Greetings, Studio Sylvia Tops!

    April 2024
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    Response from festival:

    So glad you entered. The audience laughed, oohed and aahed. Send us another one for HUFF 2025.

  • Erkan Balk

    Thanks for everything, hope to see you next year. I'm really glad to be here.

    April 2024
  • It was a great honor for me and my daughter that her short film Axinos was an official selection by your film festival.

    www.creativeiconfilms.com

    April 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Your film actually took 2nd place in our Art House Flicks category. Congratulations! You'll be getting an official notification shortly.