SLATE
A Five-Minute Film Festival

Do you have an idea for a 5-minute film?

The Baltimore Film Community doesn't have a shortage of talent. What it is lacking is infrastructure. A platform for emerging and mid-level artists where they can get their work in front of their peers.

This is where the SLATE Five-Minute Film Festival comes in.

This is a low-barrier, high-support opportunity for writers and filmmakers to get their work made and in front of an audience.

You don't need a finished project or a wad of cash for entry fees - all you need is a script and the desire to get it made. If it's selected, Backpad Productions will handle the equipment, the crew, and the logistics, and get you hands-on experience with the film-making process.

The result is a cohort of short films, screened together at a live premiere in February 2027. The deadline to submit is June 26, 2026.

This is for writers, performers, photographers, and anyone who wants to tell a story. Whether you’ve worked in the industry for a decade or you’re a newcomer who’s always wanted to see your story on the big screen, Backpad is here to help build Baltimore’s filmmaking community - five minutes at a time.

Send Us Your Script

If you're ready to submit, fill out this form. We will then review your idea and notify you if your work is selected! Remember, the deadline to submit is JUNE 26TH, 2026.