While we do not want to limit creativity, we believe it is perfectly reasonable to produce films that inspire and do not have nudity, sexual content, profanity, or glorified violence. We seek films that showcase a good understanding of the craft, have a well formulated script, and have a message.
Instructional films, documentaries, short shorts, shorts, features, and all types of films are accepted. Films cannot exceed a maximum runtime of 80 minutes. The shorter and tighter your film is, the better chance it will have of being selected. Good films cut the fat and deliver a tight punch all the way through.
General Rules:
Due to our cost associated with the film evaluation service we provide and due also to the fact that our prices are already reasonable, especially for students, seniors and veterans, we do not give waivers for any reason. Please do not send waiver requests.
STUDENTS: A digital image of your Driver’s license or student IDs are required and you must be 18 or under to submit as a student. You will find the student rates and submission options under each film category. Make sure you upload your student ID or Driver's License with your photo on it along with your other required images, such as movie poster, stills, etc. when you submit the film as a student or we cannot accept your film as a student and will not provide a refund. If you do not have either of the required items or wish not to upload a digital image of them, then you must submit your film at the regular non-student rate.
Film schools who wish to submit student films can get the student rate for each film and might receive further discounts and incentives if they become a paid sponsor of the event. Film school or camp directors are encouraged to contact us about sponsorship opportunities.
We believe that you are never too young or old to pursue your dreams, therefore, special rates are given to seniors over 70 and youth under 18.
SENIORS: If you are over 70 and wish to have your film recognized as a senior film, then you can submit any film under the Seniors category.
VETERANS: All veterans who served in the US Military can submit their film under the Veterans category. A digital image of your Military ID must be uploaded along with your other required images, such as movie poster, stills, etc.
Films must not contain nudity or sexual content.
Films should not include excessive profanity or violence unless being used in a war picture or to portray reality. Films that seem to needlessly use profanity or glorify violence will not be accepted.
IFI exists for the filmmaker. We do everything we can to promote those films and filmmakers who get selected. Those filmmakers are encouraged to network with our fellowship of selectees in order to help promote their film and learn about other projects.
As mentioned under Event Description, all submitted films will be evaluated by our team of professionals. You will be emailed a detailed evaluation that you can use to improve your film.
Films can be submitted by clicking the "Submit Now" button at the top of this page.
Upon acceptance of your film, we will request a download and a usb flash drive may be required for films over 40 minutes! We highly recommend submitting a digital png or jpeg of your movie poster along with your film since the first thing viewers will see online is your movie poster. If you do not have one, then please send an impactful still from your film. A brief plot summary of the film is required. Additional information about the film, the writer, producer, or director are also recommended when you submit your film. The more you provide, the more tools we have to promote your film. Please do not physically send these materials in the mail. Just submit the required and recommended items along with your film.
As mentioned, upon acceptance of your film, a download request and/or USB flash drive of your film in .mp4 format will be required.
By submitting your film, you agree to allow Independent Film Institute, aka IFI, and the website (independentfilminstitute.com) to use digital images, written summaries of your film, bios, and other information and materials, including your film trailer and full film, that you submit. You agree to hold harmless the same from copyright violations, liabilities, and any other issues that may arise from using your film, images, and information you provide during submission. IFI agrees to use the film, trailer, images, and/or any other material you provide to promote your film and will never publicly speak, post, or share anything negative about you; the submitter; your film, and/or anyone or anything using your name, crew members, film name, etc. Similarly, you agree that you nor any crew member of your film nor member of your company nor anyone associated with them will speak, post, or share anything negative about Independent Film Institute, IFI, the website associated with them, nor any members or associates of Independent Film Institute, IFI, and/or their website, nor any members or associates of the same.
MORE ABOUT FILM EVALUATIONS
As mentioned, IFI does provide, as a courtesy to you and your crew, an evaluation of your film that may provide some professional tips and feedback about your film. We try to be as honest as we can. Therefore, on occasion some comments on the evaluations can seem a bit harsh, especially if you are not used to professional criticism. Good filmmakers must not only learn to accept criticism, but learn to love it because its the only way to improve.
Nothing our staff does is meant to discourage you, but to motivate you and to provide some tools to improve your craft. Very often, we receive thank you emails and kind words about our evaluations and detailed feedback. Those are perfectly welcome. However, due to the large volume of films we receive and because of our mission, many films will not be selected. If your film is not selected, you will still get an evaluation that may provide you with some areas that need improvement. Again, this is a service that we provide as a courtesy to you. It takes time and money and our staff does their absolute best to be honest and objective. So please respect our decision and be appreciative of our work because it is a hard task that few provide. Negative replies or comments about IFI or our staff are unprofessional, and we do not reply to or reward rude behavior. We thank you for choosing IFI and giving us the opportunity to review your work and to help you on your journey. It is a privilege we greatly appreciate and take seriously.
We want you to be part of our fellowship. If you have a film, submit it.