How to Make a DCP for Film Festivals (Step by Step)
Finishing your film is only half the battle — the next challenge is ensuring it can be projected correctly at a festival. The majority of festivals require a Digital Cinema Package (DCP), but the process of creating one can feel overwhelming. This guide will walk you through the exact steps to make your film festival-ready in 2025.
What Festivals Require in a DCP
Most film festivals adhere to Digital Cinema Initiatives (DCI) standards. Common requirements include:
- Resolution: 2K (2048×1080) or 4K (4096×2160)
- Frame Rate: 24fps (occasionally 25fps or 30fps accepted)
- Color Space: XYZ
- Audio: 24-bit, 48kHz WAV (5.1 surround or stereo)
- Subtitles: Optional but often required for international screenings
Festivals like Sundance, South by Southwest (SXSW), and Cannes strictly require DCPs for theatrical exhibition.
DIY vs. Professional DCP Creation
You have two options when making a DCP for festivals:
DIY Tools
Software like DCP-o-matic or DaVinci Resolve Studio allows you to create a DCP on your own. This route is low-cost, but requires technical knowledge and thorough testing to avoid issues at the festival.
Professional / Online Services
Dedicated online DCP creation services handle the encoding for you. They ensure compliance with DCI standards and deliver a tested, festival-ready file. This is the preferred route for most indie filmmakers with tight schedules.
Step-by-Step: Making a Festival-Ready DCP
- Export Your Master File – Use a high-quality ProRes 422 HQ or 4444 master at your final aspect ratio.
- Choose Resolution & Frame Rate – Convert to 2K or 4K, 24fps (unless instructed otherwise).
- Convert to XYZ Color Space – Ensures colors display correctly in theaters.
- Package the DCP – Encode video/audio into MXF files with XML metadata.
- Test Before Delivery – Use a DCP player or check with a local cinema to confirm playback.
Festival DCP Checklist
Before submitting to a festival, double-check:
- ✔ Resolution matches festival specs (2K or 4K)
- ✔ Frame rate is 24fps (or as required)
- ✔ Audio channels are correct (stereo or 5.1)
- ✔ Subtitles are synced and tested
- ✔ Naming conventions follow festival guidelines
- ✔ DCP has been tested on a professional player
Download our free Festival DCP Checklist (PDF)
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Last-minute conversions – DCPs can take hours to process; don’t wait until the submission deadline.
- Wrong frame rate – 23.98fps timelines must be properly converted to 24fps to avoid sync drift.
- Subtitle issues – SMPTE XML formatting errors are common in DIY builds.
- Incorrect delivery method – Some festivals require digital upload, others request a physical CRU drive.
How to Submit Your DCP Securely
There are two common submission methods:
- Digital upload – Many festivals now accept secure online delivery.
- Physical drives – CRU drives or external hard drives are still widely used.
Our online DCP service allows you to upload your master file, generate a compliant DCP, and submit securely without shipping drives across the world.
FAQs
- Do all festivals require a DCP?
- No. Some smaller festivals still accept ProRes or MP4, but major festivals almost always require a DCP.
- Can I make a DCP myself for free?
- Yes, with tools like DCP-o-matic. However, errors in frame rate, color, or subtitles can cause playback issues. Professional services are safer.
- How long does it take to create a festival-ready DCP?
- DIY encoding can take hours or even days. Online services typically deliver within 24–48 hours.
Final Thoughts
Submitting your film to a festival is stressful enough — creating a proper DCP doesn’t have to be. By following the steps above, you’ll ensure your movie looks and sounds the way you intended on the big screen.
👉 Get your festival-ready DCP created online today