To be eligible, films must be no longer than ten (10) minutes in length (including credits).
All genres are eligible including narrative, documentary, animation and experimental film. Corporate and promotional films are not eligible. This is a juried event and official selections will be publicly screened as part of the Barrie Film Festival’s annual Short Film Program Showcase to be held in October, 2020 (date to be determined). Of these selections, prizes will be awarded as outlined in the “Awards” section found below.
Entries must be submitted in digital format (MOV, AVI, MPEG, MP4).
You have the option to also make submissions by mail in which case entries must be submitted as a data DVD containing the digital version of the film (MOV, AVI, MPEG, MP4), plus a standard NTSC DVD or HD Blu-ray copy. All entries sent by mail must be accompanied by a completed online entry form which can be found on our website. Please complete a separate application form for each film entered.
All filmmakers submitting a short film for consideration must guarantee that they own all rights associated with their entry including the rights/permissions for use of accompanying music. Please ensure that you have all necessary releases.
Entries must have been completed after January 1, 2018 and must not exceed ten (10) minutes in length (including credits).
Non-English films must have English subtitles embedded into the video or a separate “srt” file be provided.
Films that have been previously submitted to the Short Film Competition are not eligible.
Submissions received by the closing date of competition will be reviewed by a jury and will be judged based on: Production (directing, writing, originality and acting), Cinematography (camerawork, lighting, composition), Sound (music, dialog, effects, mixing), and Post-production (cutting/editing, transitions, pacing). The decisions of the jury are final and the results will be communicated to the entrants via supplied e-mail. Select Prizes will be awarded in an awards ceremony directly following the Short Film Showcase in October, 2020 (date to be confirmed).
There is no entry fee for the Short Film Competition for the Simcoe County or High school categories.
A brief description/synopsis is also required.
While not mandatory, a promotional electronic press kit containing digital high res still images, mini bios, and/or a press kit is always appreciated. The Barrie Film Festival makes every effort to ensure accuracy with the credits listed in the program/promotions but shall not be held liable for errors or omissions, should they occur.
Do not send film prints, master tapes or other originals.
Please Note
Entering the competition gives the Barrie Film Festival the right to use the work for public presentation, promotion and education. For the purposes of promotion and education, all entries will be identified as follows: “Provided courtesy of the filmmaker and the Barrie Film Festival”. The Barrie Film Festival reserves the right to disqualify any entry that violates the guidelines of the Short Film Competition as stated. Entries selected for presentation will be kept by the Barrie Film Festival and archived for controlled use as reference material. If sent by mail, the Barrie Film Festival cannot be held responsible for damage or loss of materials that might occur in transit.