1. Films made anywhere in the world are eligible to be submitted for consideration
2. If the Film’s final running time is more than 2 minutes and less than 40 minutes including credits if any, the Film may only be submitted as a Short film. Even if the Film has been submitted as a Feature film, it will be included for consideration only in the Short category..
3. The Festival does not require première status for submissions.
4. The Film may have been previously screened in its entirety at a theatrical exhibition anywhere in the world, in which tickets were available to the public.
5. The Film may have been previously released on DVD or broadcast on television or the internet anywhere in the world.
6. It is the sole responsibility of the Applicant to secure clearance from the copyright holders of any copyrighted materials included within the submitted Film. The Organisers will not be held responsible for the unauthorised inclusion of any copyrighted materials within or relating to the submitted Film. The Organisers reserve the right to disqualify, without refund of any or all submission fees previously collected from the Applicant, any Film with any unauthorised inclusion of any copyrighted materials.
7. Applicants submitting Films that contain significant non-English spoken dialogue must provide on-screen English subtitles. The Organisers reserve the right to disqualify, without refund of any or all submission fees previously collected from the Applicant, any Film that contains significant non-English spoken dialogue that does not include accompanying on-screen English subtitles.
8. If your submission is accepted we may require a hard copy for screening purposes. All Films must be on a single DVD Disc (single or dual layer) or Blu-ray if required. We also accept file transfer via Wetransfer or a similar service. DVD'S and Blu-rays WILL NOT BE RETURNED
9. The Organisers reserve the right to disqualify, without refund of any or all submission fees previously collected from Applicant, if any Film is not submitted on one of the recommended standard formats. We only accept mp4, and .mov
9a.If your project is selected you must make it available for download within 10 days, either through FilmFreeway or Vimeo after being informed of its acceptance. If you do not, your film will be deselected without a refund of the submission fee.
10. It’s the submitters' responsibility to make sure they provide the correct screening file for consideration. CBFF will not be held responsible if the incorrect file is provided.
11. If your submission is excepted it is your responsibility to make sure the correct version of your entry is made available for screening purposes. CBFF will not be held responsible if the incorrect version is provided.
12 If your submission is nominated for an award you agree that the judge’s decision final
13. Please note that any discount codes relating to Students may only be used by the qualifying submitters. Student discount may only be used by either undergraduates or postgraduates 1 year after leaving full or part-time study. You must follow these guidelines or your submission will be automatically disqualified without a refund of your submission fee.
14. If your film is selected you agree to not expect or request a screening fee.
15.Your submission must have been completed after January 2019.
16.By submitting you agree to all CBFF rules and guidelines
SHORT FILM
A live-action narrative fiction told through the medium of video.
Requirements: Your Submission must be an original live-action narrative video that exemplifies the art of fictional storytelling. Submissions may come from but are not limited to, the following genres: comedy, action, drama, musical, horror, etc. Your submission should be a complete story that is presented in a clear, creative, and original way.
Judging considerations: We are looking for creative excellence in videos that push the boundaries of narrative filmmaking and storytelling
DOCUMENTARY SHORT
A video that presents a factual report on a chosen subject or idea.
Requirements: Your submission must be an original documentary that exemplifies the art of non-fiction storytelling. Submissions may include a variety of storytelling methods: presenter led or narrated, fly on the wall, point of view, ambient, or personal stories, etc. Your submission should be a complete idea that is presented in a clear, innovative and original way.
Judging considerations: We are looking for an engaging, creative video that provides insight into a real person, lifestyle, cause, belief, or situation through nonfiction filmmaking methods.
ANIMATION
A story told by giving life to inanimate objects or character designs using computer technology or frame by frame animation.
Requirements: Your submission must be an original animated short video that illustrates the art of animated storytelling. Submissions may include the following styles of animation: 3D, 2D, mixed media, or any form of stop motion.
Judging considerations: We are looking for animation that deploys a high level of technical, conceptual, and aesthetic innovation in order to enchant the viewer with a strong, engaging story.
EXPERIMENTAL
A video that experiments with new ideas and/or techniques, often characterized by the absence of a linear narrative.
Requirements: Submissions may include video art, abstract works, or any other non-narrative-based work that breaks new ground in moving image.
Judging considerations: We are looking for videos that explore new ideas or techniques to further filmmaking as an art form, free from the constraints of the traditional narrative form.
POETIC CINEMA
Poetry film is a subgenre of film that fuses the use of spoken word poetry, visual images, and sound to create a stronger presentation and interpretation of the meaning being conveyed. This fusion of image and spoken word (both independent and interdependent) creates what William Wees called the "Poetry-film" genre.
We are looking for Submissions that:
• Are based upon an interesting concept;
• Are innovative;
• Are well crafted; and
• Create an emotional resonance