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Public Domain Film Festival

2025 Contest Prizes

Winning entries in the Public Domain Film Festival will be awarded cash prizes, an originally designed PDFF award trophy, as well as a collection of swag from supporting sponsors. See the list below for descriptions of the awards.

2025 Awards

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Best Picture $1000

The award for best picture will be determined by a panel of independent judges according to the best picture judging rubric. We will also award a Runner-Up prize for Best Picture of $350.
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Audience Choice $500

The Audience Choice Award will be selected live on the night of the screening by an audience vote. We will also award a runner-up prize for Audience Choice of $150.
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Best Musical Score $300

The Best Musical Score award will be judged by an independent panel of judges according to the Best Musical Score judging rubric. The prize will be awarded to a single composer.
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Best Screenplay $300

The award for Best Screenplay will be determined by an independent panel of judges according to the Best Screenplay Judging Rubric. The prize will be awarded to a single screenwriter.
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Best Acting Performance $250

The award for Best Acting Performance will be determined by an independent panel of judges according to the Best Acting Performance Judging Rubric. The prize will be awarded to a single actor.
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Best Director $250

The award for Best Director will be determined by an independent panel of judges according to the Best Director Judging Rubric. The prize will be awarded to a single director.
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Best Sound Design $250

The Best Sound Design award will be judged by an independent panel of judges according to the Best Sound Design judging rubric.
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Best Production Design $250

The Best Production Design award will be judged by an independent panel of judges according to the Best Production Design judging rubric.
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