SUBMISSION INFO

  • The Cadence Music Video Festival is on the hunt for independent directors who possess a distinct vision and a unique voice. We're not interested in the usual cookie-cutter client work where you settle for the bare minimum. We're seeking out your most ambitious ideas—those projects where you pushed the boundaries and ventured beyond your comfort zone. Don't play it safe; we want to showcase videos that embody a clear vision and are executed to their fullest potential.

    We are looking for videos at a range of different budgets, so don’t feel discouraged!

  • While the music itself holds significance, our festival places primary emphasis on the visuals. We won't be judging based on the best song or biggest artist, but rather on the director's intention and vision.

  • Our judges will evaluate videos based on the following metrics:

    • Cultural relevance of the video.

    • Creativity and innovative ideas that push boundaries.

    • Excellence in low-budget video production.

    • Excellence in high-budget video production.

    • Marketability within the music industry.

    • The extent to which visuals complement or enhance the song.

    • To participate in the festival, you must either be the director or producer of the submitted video, or you must have written consent if submitting on behalf of the director.

    • For initial submissions, providing a YouTube link is acceptable. However, if your video is selected for further consideration, you must have access to the .mp4 or .mov file.

    • Additionally, videos must be under 4 minutes in duration to be eligible for submission.

  • To qualify for the Bay Area Category at the Cadence Music Video Festival, your video must meet at least one of the following:

    • The director, producer, or editor is originally from the Bay Area (or Northern California) or currently resides here.

    • The video was filmed in the Bay Area.

    • The artist featured in the video is from the Bay Area.

    • The video has strong cultural ties to the Bay Area or Northern California.

    The Bay Area has always been a hub for innovation, art, and music culture—but music video directors here often get overlooked compared to those in larger industry cities like LA or New York. By creating a festival centered in Oakland, we’re building a platform that:

    • Uplifts Local Talent → Giving Bay Area filmmakers the recognition they deserve.

    • Strengthens the Community → Creating connections between directors, artists, and industry leaders right here at home.

    • Celebrates Bay Culture → Showcasing stories, visuals, and music that reflect the unique energy of the Bay.

    • Puts Oakland on the Map → Cementing the Bay as a place where ambitious, creative music videos are not just made—but celebrated.

    The Bay is our foundation, and this category is a way to honor and spotlight the local voices that make this region special, while still welcoming international submissions to the broader festival.

Submit

1ST PLACE WINNER

This selection will be the ultimate choice for the judges and will be awarded first place, making it the overall winner of the festival. The announcement of the winner will take place during the film screening event.

AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD

After all the videos have been screened at the event, the audience will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite video. So, if your video is selected, be sure to bring along your friends and supporters to cast their votes!

FAQs

  • The deadline for submissions is set for July 15th, 2026. To be eligible for consideration, all videos must have been created after July 15th, 2025.

  • Early bird : $8

    Regular : $25

    Late Deadline : $80

  • The film festival is scheduled to take place from 4-10pm on September 19th, 2026, in Oakland, CA. Tickets will be available for presale.

  • Click on the “submit now” link above, you will be redirected to the website FilmFreeway where there is portal to create an account and submit a link.