Entry Regulations
For selection and programming consideration, the festival accepts DVD, Bluray, VHS (NTSC), PAL (B/G, I, D/K), SECAM (B/G, I, D/K), PAL-M, PAL-N, NTSC4.43 and MESECAM transfers. Again, if selected, we will then require the optimal digital video format for presentation.
For submission purposes, festival programmers will consider films submitted before completion (i.e., rough cuts, Avid outputs, temporary sound mixes, etc.), provided that the film is completed by July 1, 2018. Programmers will not consider trailers or other promotional videos for selection purposes.
More than one film or video may be submitted. Each film or video must be accompanied by a separate submission form and entry fee.
Competition Categories
Submitted films and videos will be selected and judged in six categories:
Features: Any film or video totaling at least 40 minutes in length. Features are separated in narratives and documentaries.
Shorts: Any film or video totaling fewer than 40 minutes in length. Shorts are separated into narratives and documentaries.
Music Videos.
Student films of any length.
Selected Films
Participants must ensure that they have the right to participate in the Festival with regard to third persons connected to the production of selected films or videos. The Festival rarely pays (and never charges) screening fees and it is assumed that any film submitted without specific reference to a requested screening fee in the cover letter is both available to be screened, with no legal restrictions, and without expectation of a fee being paid.
The final print of each invited film or video must arrive at the Sacramento Film and Music Festival before August 30th, 2018 or have other arrangements agreed upon by the festival directors.
The Festival reserves the right to refuse or cancel the projection of any print deemed of insufficient quality.
Press & Publicity
If your film or video is selected to screen at the Festival, you will be asked to provide: director's bio and filmography/videography, b&w and/or color stills from the film, press materials, and video trailer (if available).
Judging & Awards
Individuals from the media will serve as impartial judges of selected films. Separate Jury and Audience Awards will be presented to the best film or video in each category.
Shipping
The cost of shipping a submission to the Festival must be paid by the entrant. Please do not send submissions in fiber-filled envelopes, as their residue ruins tapes and equipment. To obtain notification of receipt, please include a self-addressed, stamped postcard. Submission tapes will not be returned unless otherwise requested. The Festival will pay for one-way shipping (i.e., return) of prints of selected films and videos. All other shipping charges are the responsibility of the entrant.
Reproduction Agreement
Unless otherwise requested, film and video submissions selected for screening grant the Sacramento Film and Music Festival the rights to use moving image excerpts, production stills, and information from the film or video for promotional purposes.
Liability
Every precaution will be exercised in handling tapes and films. However, should a print be lost or damaged, the Festival will accept responsibility for the period of time that the print is in the possession of the Sacramento Film and Music Festival, and will reimburse the value of the video or film (or part thereof) only. Do not send original prints or tapes.
Acceptance of Rules
Participation in the Festival implies acceptance of all Festival rules and regulations.