1. Submission Deadlines 

Submissions are also accepted from Filmfreeway. 

 

2. Submission Format 

Films must be submitted EITHER via online screener if the size is less then 5GB or by DCP. The tracking number, film title, film category and running time must be clearly labeled on the DCP. Please avoid stickers on the cover. Submitted copies will not be returned.

 

3. Submission Eligibility 

- There is no premiere policy for short films and music videos. 

- Works-in-progress and films with distribution are accepted.

 

4. Premiere Status 

- There is no Premiere policy for short films and music videos, they may have screened at other Festivals and/or online.

 

5. Submission Fee 

All  submissions for Film Festival are to be paid by credit card. The submission fee is non-refundable.

 

6. Shipping 

All shipping and postage costs for the submission package and, if the film is selected for the Festival, for all DVDs and additional materials sent to and returned from Film Festival must be borne by the submitting party. Film Festival will not accept Cash On Delivery shipments. Film Festival will not absorb any fees incurred in USA customs. All charges must be pre-paid. Film Festival  will not accept submissions if customs and delivery fees have not been paid by the submitting party.

 

Submission packages from outside the USA must be labeled 'Trade Sample' on any customs label and, for customs purposes, must be given a value of no more than US$10.

 

7. Selection of Films 

Submissions are reviewed and selected under the following criteria: 

- Quality of narrative and production values 

- Independent nature of the production

 

8. Notification 

Successful submissions will receive an online Filmmaker Festival Pack that will include important information on shipping the DCP to the Festival, press and publicity, guest accreditation, contact information and how to make the most of participating in the Festival.

 

9. Festival Screenings 

Selected films MUST provide a Digital Cinema Package (DCP) in order to be screened at the Film Festival, as well as a back-up Blu-ray. The film title MUST be clearly labeled on the DCP and Blu-ray.

 

Blu-ray will be used as back-up only. Please clearly label whether your film is PAL or NTSC. Our facilities do NOT support DVD, tape, 35mm, Super 16mm, 8mm or double-head formats.

 

A selected DCP must be received at Film Festival no later than 30 days prior to its scheduled screening date.

 

Our partner cinema uses pin sharp Sony 4K Digital Cinema projection, making DCP screenings look incredible. Film Festival aspires to provide the best quality projection possible but will not be held liable for any failure in the technical quality of the projection, nor will fees be refunded in any such case. Film Festival assumes that the submitting party or filmmaker(s) or entrant(s) or print source company has insured for damage and loss of the festival DCP.

 

10. Scheduling 

Screenings are scheduled during the Festival at the discretion of Film Festival. Whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the published schedule, USA reserves the right to make changes at any time for any reason. Festival will not be liable for any costs claimed as a result of a change in scheduling.

 

No film may be withdrawn from the festival program after its selection.

 

11. Festival Awards 

Best Film; Best Short Film; Best Producer; Best Score Special Award; Best Narrative Feature; Best Foreign Film; Best Narrative Short; Best Music Video; Best Documentary Feature; Best Screenplay; Best Documentary Short; Best Student Film; Best Experimental; Best Animation; Best Director; Best Actor; Best Actress; Best Film Audience Award; Best Actor Audience Award; Best Actress Audience Award;

 

If shortlisted for a Jury prize, additional preview copies of the film must be provided or authorised by the submitting party if requested by Film Festival.